Itinerary Planner

Cumbrian Coastal Route 200 - Section 2 - Furness Peninsula and Island Hopping

Route: A5087, A590, A595

Miles: 40

Religious history and industrial heritage are two intriguing themes to be explored in Furness, both of which are set amongst unique habitats and coastal islands, which offer respite to Grey Seals and Natterjack Toads.

This is a landscape of contrasts - the soaring red sandstone ruins of Furness Abbey, the industrial heritage of Barrow and the protected dunescapes of the coast, linked by a breath-taking journey along the Coast Road (A5087). Why not round off your visit with a spot of island hopping?

To begin, follow the A590 to the Festival town of Ulverston. This vibrant market town hosts a wealth of quirky events and festivals throughout the year and even when there is isn't an event taking place, there is plenty to explore along its bright cobbled streets. Ulverston was key in the birth of the Quaker movement. Visit nearby Swartmoor Hall to find out more.

From Ulverston head along the A5087 (the Coast Road) towards Barrow in Furness, for a scenic journey right along the coastline.  As you leave Ulverston keep an eye out on your left for the impressive Temple for World Peace and the Manjushri Kadampa Meditation Centre at the Historic Conishead Priory. Visitors to the centre can enjoy the peaceful atmosphere of the romantic gothic house set in fine gardens and extensive woodlands that lead down to the shores of Morecambe Bay. Access to the centre is along a narrow road, so you might want to park up at Bardsea and follow the coastal path back along the shore and up through the grounds.

As you near the end of the coast road you will discover Roa Island, just south of the village of Rampside. The island is connected to the mainland by a causeway but is one of the Islands of Furness. Next door and accessible by causeway from Roa Island is Foulney Island, arctic and little tern breed on this island nature reserve during the summer, whilst in autumn and winter, it is a great site to see waders (no dogs allowed over the summer breeding season). Be careful as the island is cut off by the tide twice a day.

Over the summer you can catch the ferry from Roa to Piel Island. This fifty-acre island has a king, a castle and a pub! The landlord of the Ship Inn is crowned the "King or Queen of Piel" in a ceremony where they sit in an ancient chair, wearing a helmet and holding a sword, whilst alcohol is poured over their head. Be careful - if you sit in the king's "throne" by accident you have to buy everyone in the pub a drink! The current motte and bailey "castle" was built in the early part of the 14th century. It was probably intended to be used as a fortified warehouse to keep cargo safe from pirates and other raiders. 

Follow the Coast Road into Barrow-in-Furness. This industrial town has a long history of shipbuilding, as a visit to the Dock Museum will reveal. This spectacular modern museum is built over a Victorian graving dock. Explore the fascinating history of Barrow-in-Furness and discover how it grew to the biggest iron and steel centre in the world. You can also learn more about the areas war-time efforts and if you have read the diaries or watched Victoria Wood's Housewife 49, you can get a real feel for what war-time living would have been like here.

Just outside the town, you will find Furness Abbey. Discover one of the richest Cistercian monasteries in England. Local rumour has it that there are underground tunnels connecting the Abbey with Piel Island. Overnight parking is available in the nearby car park. Just pre-book here

Whilst in the area make sure you hop on over to Walney, another one of the Islands of Furness, connected to the mainland by the Jubilee Bridge. For Thomas the Tank Engine fans this is possibly the location of the fabled Island of Sodor, based between Barrow-in-Furness and the Isle of Man. Vickerstown on Walney is incorporated into Sodor in the stories and renamed Vicarstown. 

Some of the Island's less famous residents live on the South Walney Nature Reserve. This is the home to Cumbria's only grey seal colony. Whilst access to the breeding ground is restricted you can sometimes catch a glimpse from the hide or the webcam in the small visitor centre. Access is down a narrow single track so not ideal for larger vehicles, however the walk to the centre offers good views and can be linked in which the new section of the England Coast Path (www.nationaltrail.co.uk). There are a couple of great free camping spots on Walney, provided by Barrow Borough Council. Just pre-book here.

Head through Barrow-in-Furness on the A590 and pick up the A595 towards Millom. If there is suitable parking stop in at Broughton-in-Furness to stock up, in one of their local shops or grab a bite to eat.

Millom was a small village that almost doubled in size overnight with the growth of mining in the area. The town is now home to the Millom Discovery Centre, where you can find out more about the towns industrial heritage and the local history of the RAF.

Just outside the town, located on the site of a former iron mine, RSPB Hodbarrow Nature Reserve is a coastal lagoon and grasslands. The site supports breeding terns, ringed plovers, redshanks and oystercatchers. You'll also find protected great crested grebes nesting on the island here. 

Just a stone's throw up the coast is the pretty fishing village of Haverigg. Its stunning blue flag beach and marina make it the perfect place to visit for sea lovers. It is also a great base for walking up Black Combe, whose 600m peak offers some great view out over the Irish Sea.

Head home from here or continue your journey onto Cumbria's west coast.