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River Lune Estuary Footpath

18.02 miles (29 km)

Ordnance Survey Map Open Streetmap Explore the beautiful River Lune Estuary on this waterside walk near Lancaster. The walk begins in Lancaster and takes you along the Lancashire Coastal Way and the Lune Estuary Footpath to Glasson Dock. It's a nice footpath with lovely views across the Estuary towards Morcambe Bay and the Lake District Mountains in the distance. Cyclists can also enjoy much of this section which forms part of the National Cycle Network.
Glasson Dock is an attractive marina which makes a nice point to stop for refreshments. You could also start the walk from here and head north along the river to Lancaster if you prefer. This walk continues past the marina towards Cockersands Abbey, passing the old lighthouse on the way. At the abbey grounds you can see the 13th century vaulted chapter house. It is still intact and is a Grade I listed building and Scheduled Ancient Monument. 
From the abbey you head inland, through the countryside, towards Lower Thurnham. You then follow the Lancaster Canal and the River Conder back to Glasson Dock. 
Return to Lancaster via the Lune Estuary Footpath and Lancashire Coastal Way.

Lune Estuary Footpath OS Map Ordnance survey map - Mobile GPS OS Map with Location tracking

Lune Estuary Footpath Open Street Map Open Streetmap - Mobile GPS Map with Location tracking

Pubs/Cafes

At the pretty Conder Green near Glasson Dock there's a lovely picnic site with views of the tidal River Conder. There's also the historic Mill at Conder where you can enjoy some fine dishes in a scenic location. They have seating next to the canal and a lovely garden with countryside views. You can find them on Thurnham Lane at postcode LA2 0BD.

Further Information and Other Local Ideas

At Glasson Dock you could head a short distance south to explore the lovely Cockerham Sands where you can pay a visit to the historic Cockersand Abbey. You can also pick up the towpath of the Lancaster Canal at Glasson.
For more walking ideas in the area see the Lancashire Walks page.

Cycle Routes and Walking Routes Nearby

Photos

Lune Estuary, Lancaster - geograph.org.uk - 57135

Lune Estuary, Lancaster

Lune Millennium Park - geograph.org.uk - 810159

Lune Millennium Park

Aldcliffe Marsh Cutting, Lancaster - geograph.org.uk - 58178

Aldcliffe Marsh Cutting, Lancaster. Three miles from Lancaster the cyclepath that utilises the former branch line to Glasson Dock passes through a cutting and then runs alongside the River Lune. This is the cutting looking south.

Footpath near Stodday - geograph.org.uk - 1070438

Footpath near Stodday

Coastal path from Glasson Dock to Lancaster - geograph.org.uk - 1070431

Coastal path from Glasson Dock to Lancaster

Bridge over the old Glasson Dock Railway - geograph.org.uk - 481447

Bridge over the old Glasson Dock Railway

Creek off the Lune - geograph.org.uk - 481442

Creek off the Lune

Viewpoint over the Lune Estuary. - geograph.org.uk - 1102416

Viewpoint over the Lune Estuary. Tithe Barn Hill above Glasson.

Video

GPS Files

GPX File

Lune Estuary Footpath.gpx (On Desktop:Right Click>Save As. On Ipad/Iphone:Click and hold>Download Linked File)

Memory Map Route

Lune Estuary Footpath.mmo (On Desktop:Right Click>Save As. On Ipad/Iphone:Click and hold >Download Linked File)