Along the Furness Coast - Section 6: Ulverston to Furness Abbey

17 miles (27 km) | 188 metres elevation

Recommended time: Up to 2 days

Key points of interest

Look out for a great variety of coastal birdlife such as waders and wildfowl.
Enjoy superb views over Morecambe Bay as you walk along the coast path.
Soak up the fascinating cultural and industrial heritage of the area in Ulverston and Barrow.

Section six overview

The final stretch of the Westmorland and Furness Way follows the King Charles III England Coast Path National Trail towards Barrow, offering spectacular, ever-changing views of Morecambe Bay before concluding at the historic Furness Abbey.

The journey begins along the towpath of the Ulverston Canal. Built in 1795, it brought commercial prosperity to the town, but was ultimately abandoned in 1945 following the arrival of the railway and larger shipping vessels. Today, the canal is a peaceful haven for local wildlife.

Joining the coast path at Canal Foot, the route follows an old railway line south beside a sheltered inlet - a good place to see waders such as redshank and oystercatchers as well as ducks - widgeon in the winter and eider ducks in late summer. It then skirts the grounds of Conishead Priory, a Buddhist retreat since 1976, its grounds and café are open to the public.

Moving from woodland to fields, the trail passes numerous beaches before entering Sea Wood, an ancient oak woodland once owned by Lady Jane Grey in the 1500s that blooms with bluebells and wild garlic in the spring. The path continues along the back of a reed bed, where reed bunting breed, before continuing through fields to Baycliff, Aldingham and onto Newbiggin.

After Newbiggin look out for wading birds in the estuary and groups of wildfowl. In clear weather Blackpool Tower can be seen from here.

Approaching Rampside, walkers can enjoy views of Roa Island and the late 19th-century Rampside leading light, a Grade II listed navigation beacon that is the last of its kind.

On the approach to Cavendish Dock, there are good views out to Piel Island, Walney Island and onwards to the distinct skyline of Barrow with its huge shipyard. Cavendish Dock is now a habitat for birdlife and marks the spot where the route leaves the coast path for the final leg to Furness Abbey - the official finish point of the Westmorland and Furness Way.

Top tips

This section is good for coastal birds, sea views and industrial history and heritage.
Section 6 covers another rural area where it is important to plan accommodation and food stops in advance. If you wish to divide section 6 into two days then consider taking the coastal bus back into Ulverston to take advantage of more accommodation options.
Why not take a break at the small cafe on the coast at Bardsea, reward yourself with an ice cream and take in the brilliant sea views.
Looking to explore further? The King Charles III England Coast Path makes a complete loop of Walney Island near Barrow where you can also visit the South Walney Nature Reserve home to more birdlife and the only grey seal colony in Cumbria.

Facilities

There are several places to refuel on or nearby the route. There is a pub at Canal Foot, a café at Conishead Priory Buddhist centre, a small café (and often an ice cream van) on the shore at Bardsea, a pub at Baycliff, a café at Moat Farm, a Milk Hut east of Roosebeck offering fresh milk and milkshakes, a pub at Concle and finally a café at Furness Abbey.

Aldingham has some very handy public conveniences and buses run from Rampside into Barrow via Roose where there is a station and also a supermarket.

Accommodation

Ulverston and Barrow have a range of accommodation options, shops and places to eat. Dalton in Furness also has a number of dining opportunities and some accommodation.

Accommodation along this section is mainly holiday cottages but there is a limited bus service along the Coast Road linking Barrow and Ulverston.

Public transport

At the end of the route at Furness Abbey, the X6 Stagecoach bus can take you onto Barrow or Ulverston where there are rail links onto Lancaster on the West Coast mainline. The number 11 bus service - operated by Blueworks - offers a limited service along the coast road between Ulverston and Barrow.

Plan your journey here

Things to do nearby

At the end of the route, take a look around Furness Abbey. Founded in 1123 and once the largest and wealthiest abbey in north-west England, it’s built of local red sandstone and was the centre of a large landholding which included parts of the Isle of Man. The Abbey met the same fate as most others and was dissolved and destroyed by Henry VIII in 1537. The ruins now belong to English Heritage and are open to the public.
Learn more about the industrial history and heritage of the area at the Dock Museum in Barrow. Home to many interesting objects and interactive exhibits, the museum tells the many stories of the Furness Peninsular, from Vikings and Victorians to the second world war and submarine building.

Route updates

Check our news section for any updates on the route.

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