Ulverston Canal Walk

1 miles (2 km)

This short canal runs from the centre of the Cumbrian town of Ulverston to the coast at Morcambe Bay. At just over a mile long it makes for a nice easy stroll with lovely coastal views to enjoy at the end. There's also nice views of the Lake District fells and water loving wildlife to look out for on the water.
The canal links with the Cumbria Coastal Way where you can extend your walk. Heading south will take you to Bardsea with nice views over Cartmel Sands and Ulverston Sands. Heading north takes you to Greenodd with views over the River Leven.
At the town end of the canal you can pick up the Cumbria Way and head deeper into the Lake District.
Also near Ulverston is the fascinating Birkrigg Common. You can follow the Cistercian Way to Urswick Tarn and then explore the network of paths on the elevated common. Here you will find Carboniferous limestone, an ancient stone circle and wonderful views over the Furness Peninsuala.

Ulverston Canal Ordnance Survey Map - view and print off detailed OS map

Ulverston Canal Open Street Map - view and print off detailed map

Ulverston Canal OS Map - Mobile GPS OS Map with Location tracking

Ulverston Canal Open Street Map - Mobile GPS Map with Location tracking

Pubs/Cafes

The Stan Laurel Inn in the town is a nice place for post walk refreshment in the town. The pub is named after comedian Stan Laurel who came from the town. The friendly pub serves good home cooked food at reasonable prices. There's also a garden area for the summer. You can find them at 31 The Ellers with a postcode of LA12 0AB.
At the end of the canal there's The Bay Horse Hotel & Restaurant. The former coaching inn dates back to the 17th century. You can find them at the seaward end of the canal at postcode LA12 9EL.

Dog Walking

The canal is a nice place for a stroll with your dog. The Bay Horse and the Stan Laurel Inn mentioned above are also dog friendly.

Further Information and Other Local Ideas

From the canal basin it's a short climb up to the impressive Ulverston Lighthouse or Hoad Monument. There's great views from the top of the hill and the 19th century monument. The distinctive structure commemorates the life and work of�Sir John Barrow�who was born in Ulverston in 1764. It's located less than half a mile north from the basin so makes for a nice extension to the walk.
Head south west and you can pick up the circular Barrow in Furness Walk which uses part of the Cumbria Coastal Way to visit the historic ruins at Furness Abbey and the sand dunes at the Sandscale Haws National Nature Reserve. You can also visit Walney Island in the town. The scenic island includes two more nature reserves and the only grey seal colony in Cumbria. From here there are also fine views over to Piel Island. The island includes a ruined 14th century castle and a historic pub dating back hundreds of years. You can catch a ferry to Piel island from nearby Roa Island.
For more walking ideas in the area see the Lake District Walks and the Cumbria Walks pages.