natural environment of ulverston...

Morecambe Bay

The extensive mud flats and sand banks of the bay are important feeding grounds for migrating and overwintering birds. Hidden in the watery sands is a seafood platter of oysters, mussels, winkles, cockles and shrimps that have been harvested by local fishermen for centuries.

Ulverston Canal

Said to be the shortest, widest and deepest canal in Britain, the canal was an important part of the local economy for over 50 years. Nowadays, the lock gates at Canal Foot have been replaced by a concrete dam, sealing the canal from the sea and providing a wildlife haven for freshwater fish and waterfowl. There is an easily accessible and enjoyable walk along the towpath from Canal Street to Canal Foot. Leaflet available from Ulverston Tourist Information Centre.

Birkrigg Common

Bracken-covered and sheep-grazed limestone upland to the south of Ulverston. Grassy paths criss-cross the area and provide extensive views across the Furness Peninsula to the Lake District Fells, Isle of Man and Snowdonia. Remains of ancient settlements, tumuli and a double stone circle, known as the Druid's Temple (c. 2500-2000 BC) testify to the occupation of Neolithic and Bronze Age peoples in this area. Near Sunbrick farm is a Quaker burial ground that was in use between 1654 and 1767, and where Margaret Fell, a founding member of the Society of Friends, is buried.

Sea Wood 

Ancient woodland that once belonged to Lady Jane Grey (Queen of England for nine days before her execution in 1554). The wood was planted with oak trees to provide timber for shipbuilding - the felled trunks being floated up the estuary on high tides to the shipyard in Ulverston. In the spring, the woodland floor is covered with a carpet of bluebells, wild garlic, dog's mercury and other wild flowers. A good network of paths radiate through the wood. Parking on coast road or on minor road to Urswick.

Next Ness Nature Reserve

Small wetland reserve adjacent to the Furness Railway. Access by a linear footpath immediately after the railway bridge. Limited parking.

Urswick Tarn

This is the largest of the glacial lakes that pepper the Furness Peninsula and home to a great variety of waterfowl including moorhens, swans, greylag geese and the ubiquitous coot which has given its name to Urswick villagers - the ‘Ossick Coots'.

The Tale of Urswick Tarn

Revolted by the slanderous gossip of Urswick women - ‘from tongues that spat out black venom as night, poisoned the days, tattler and gadabouts, casting an evil eye on all' - the local priest told them all to go home and keep their doors and windows open. He then induced a huge hole to appear that swallowed up their houses and filled with water to create the present-day Urswick Tarn.

The Cistercian Way

A 33-mile (53 km) walk through the Furness and Cartmel peninsulas, wanders through a landscape shaped by monks, merchants, miners, fishermen and shipbuilders. The walk starts/ends at Roa Island near Barrow-in-Furness and passes through Furness Abbey, Dalton-in-Furness and Ulverston. At Ulverston a rail link connects with Cark, where the walk continues to Holker and Grange-over-Sands (alternatively, there is a longer detour via Greenodd on foot). The route links in with several railway stations and can be completed in several easy stages.

The Cumbria Coastal Way

is a long-distance route (182 miles, 298 km) between Morecambe Bay and the Solway Firth around the coastline of Cumbria. It is a journey of contrasts from the Victorian towns of Barrow and Millom to the Roman town of Carlisle; from the natural scenery of the Duddon estuary to the high tech of Sellafield. Tide tables can be purchased from the local Tourist Information Centre.

The Cumbria Way 

a 70-mile (113 km) route from Ulverston to Carlisle, passes to the east of Broughton through the rolling countryside of the Furness Fells. Leaflet from local Tourist Information Centres.