Please read the WALK NOTES tab for general instructions and advice.
To book on to a walk, email bookings@ulverstonwalkfest.com with just the walk number and the names of all walkers. We will respond to confirm your booking. If you subsequently cannot make a walk, please let us know, using the above email, so that your place may be reallocated. If you need a lift to a walk mention this and we will try to arrange it.
For car share see WALK NOTES tab.
• Unless stated otherwise, Easy and Moderate walks will be limited to 20 walkers and Moderate Plus and Hard walks to 12 walkers.
• To cover the WalkFest costs, there is a fee of £3 per person per walk (collected by the walk leader on the day), except for the short evening walks, which are all free. A voluntary collection for Mountain Rescue will also be taken at the end of appropriate walks, e.g. those that go significantly away from roads.
SATURDAY 26th APRIL
WALK 1 Walking in the Footsteps of the Monks of Furness
EASY, 4 miles (Start/End Time 11.55am – 4pm)
This walk gives a unique opportunity to visit two of the peninsula’s iconic medieval sites in one day. We will walk from Furness Abbey to Dalton Castle (the abbot’s courthouse), for a free guided tour, and back to the Abbey. Before the walk begins, there will also be a guided tour of the Abbey ruins at 12 noon (additional charge payable on the day, except for English Heritage members or anyone with proof of residence in the Barrow, Dalton or Askam areas). Meet at Furness Abbey visitor centre car park or else car share from Ford Park car park in Ulverston (LA12 7JU) to leave there at 11.30am (parking £1/hour; the Park Run will have finished). Led by Neil McLaughlin-Cook and Mick Shaw.
WALK 2 Swinside Stone Circle
MODERATE, 6 miles, 250m ascent (Start/End Time 10am – 3.00pm)
A new walk for the festival venturing over the Duddon Bridge, with a lovely rural and fell circuit via the Neolithic Swinside Stone Circle, with interesting facts both ancient and modern along the way. To get to the start, cross the Duddon Bridge, continue on the A595 in direction of Whitehaven for a couple of miles and turn right at the first sign to Broadgate, taking you onto the old road for the parking at the start of the walk (Grid: SD 186 867); or car share from Stockbridge Lane car park in Ulverston to leave at 9.30am (reasonable charges apply). Note that leaders are not from Ulverston so another leader will coordinate the car share but not go to the walk. The walk crosses 1 stone stile. Led by Dave Hughes and Stephe Cove.
WALK 3 Map Reading in Wild Country
MODERATE/PLUS – ACTIVITY, 4 miles (Start/End Time 11am – 3.15pm)
For those with some basic map-reading experience. Practise use of compass, measuring distance, speed of walking and use of contours. Meet at lay-by above Gawthwaite (Grid: SD 267 847) or car share from Ford Park car park in Ulverston (LA12 7JU) to leave at 10.45am (parking £1/hour). Some quite rough terrain (hence Moderate Plus) but nothing dangerous. Limited to 8 walkers. (Contact leader on 07792422160 if you want more details. Suitable for someone doing Gold DofE, preparing for Summer ML, or just interested in more advanced navigation techniques.) Led by Martin Cooper.
WALK 4 Bat Walk Down Ulverston Canal
EASY, 1½ miles, FREE. Children aged 8+ welcome with adult (Start/End Time 8 – 9:30pm)
A short walk, meeting at Canal Head (that’s the end near Booths) and wandering half-way down the canal and back. Lots of information at the start from bat expert and ecologist, including species found in Cumbria. Bring binoculars if you have them; bat detectors will be provided so you can listen to the bats during the walk. Led by Judy Pickthall with bat expert Tamsin Douglas.
SUNDAY 27th APRIL
WALK 5 The Development of Cartmel Priory
EASY, 2 miles (Start/End Time 2pm – 4pm)
This walk will look at what the topography, surviving historic buildings, and recent archaeological work in and around the village, can tell us about development of the medieval priory at Cartmel. Starting at the racecourse car park (LA11 6QB, Grid Ref: SD 377 787), we will make a circuit round the village exploring how it formed around the priory following the Dissolution. Meet at Cartmel Racecourse or car share from Ford Park car park (LA12 7JU) to leave at 1.30pm (parking £1/hour).
Led by Dan Elsworth (of Greenlane Archaeology) and Judy Pickthall.
WALK 6 Blawith Beacon Trek
MODERATE, 6 miles, 300m ascent (Start/End Time 10am – 3pm)
A walk over Torver Common to the summit of Beacon Fell visiting some sites of great antiquity as well as more recent times, belying the tranquil deserted landscape. Some steepish uphill sections. Meet at Torver Parish Room (Grid: SD 284 943) with a reasonable parking fee or car share from Ford Park car park in Ulverston (LA12 7JU) to leave at 9.30am (parking £1/hour). Led by Lindsay Harrison and Sally Minchom.
WALK 7 Witherslack – Yewbarrow – Whitbarrow Scar
HARD, 8 miles, 410m ascent (Start/End Time 10am – 4pm)
A walk over two lovely limestone escarpments: Yewbarrow, with a great viewpoint for elevenses, and the daddy of them all, Whitbarrow, with its historic Lords Seat cairn and panoramic views all round – to the Lakeland Fells, to the Yorkshire Dales and looking down on Morecambe Bay. Mostly gentle gradients, but one particularly steep but short climb – hence graded hard – but the rewards well-justify the effort. Meet on the old A590 near the Derby Arms pub, where there is room to park on the old dead-end road just beyond the pub car park (Grid: SD 440 828). Or car share from Ford Park car park in Ulverston (LA12 7JU) to leave at 9.15am. Led by Peter Quiggin and Nicky Beeson
WALK 8 Local History Walk – Back Streets North
EASY, 2 miles, FREE (Start/End Time 7pm – 8.30pm)
Meet Market Street at the memorial cross. Walk the back streets and alleyways round the north of Ulverston. No dogs please. Walk limited to 12.
Led by Jean and Steve Povey.
MONDAY 28th APRIL
WALK 9 Wartime Walney
EASY, 5 miles (Start/End Time 10am – 2pm)
A walk mostly following the England Coastal path around North Walney, taking in WWI/II rifle ranges, WWI practice trenches, WWII air raid shelter and stories of RAF Walney during WWII. Meet at Earnse Bay car park (Grid Ref: SD 171 699, LA14 3XZ) or car share from Ford Park car park in Ulverston (LA12 7JU) to leave at 9.30am (parking £1/hour).
Led by Mick Shaw and Keith Raine.
WALK 10 Newby Bridge, High Dam Circuit
MODERATE, 6 miles, (Start/End Time 10.15am – 3pm)
Stroll through natural woodland to Finsthwaite, before heading up to High Dam and the tarn, an idyllic spot for lunch. After lunch, we will head back to Finsthwaite. Joining the West Windermere Way, we walk via Lakeside and along the shore of the lake back to Newby Bridge. Meet at Ulverston Bus Station on Victoria Road to catch the 9.46am X6 bus or meet at Newby Bridge bus stop at 10am. Returning on the 3.44pm bus from Newby Bridge.
Led by Simon Hughes and Marian Danson.
WALK 11 Tilberthwaite to Holme Fell including Colwith Force and Cathedral Cave
MODERATE PLUS, 6 miles, 350m ascent (Start/End Time 10.30am – 4pm)
Start at NP Car Park at Tilberthwaite (Grid Ref: NY 306 010, RingGo charges apply – smartphone needed; small adjacent NT Car Park free but often full) and gently ascend Holme Fell, one of the lowest Wainwrights. Continue to the north over the open fell to Oxen Fell and on to the dramatic Colwith Force (provided there has been some recent rain), then on to the equally dramatic Cathedral Cave, with an option for the nimbler to exit via a rear tunnel. Returning via Tilberthwaite Valley. A lovely, varied walk of fells and woods. Meet at Tilberthwaite or car share from Ford Park car park in Ulverston (LA12 7JU), to leave at 9.30am (parking £1/hour). Led by John Wealthall and Tony Page.
WALK 12 Local History Walk – Pubs and Breweries
EASY, 2 miles, FREE (Start/End Time 7pm – 8.30pm)
Meet Market Street at the memorial cross. Pubs and breweries, past and present. No dogs please. Walk limited to 12. Led by Jean and Steve Povey
TUESDAY 29th APRIL
WALK 13 Tree Walk
EASY, 4½ miles, 240m ascent (Start/End Time 10.30am – 3.30pm)
Lovely circuit of Yewdale, Tarn Hows and the Monk Coniston Estate, including both deciduous and coniferous trees. The Monk Coniston Estate has some great examples of trees back to the early 18th Century, as well as recent planting and some very rare treats. Good rural and woodland paths. Gentle ascents. Meet at NP car park at Monk Coniston (Grid: SD 316 979, RingGo charges apply – smartphone needed), so car share is advised from Ford Park car park in Ulverston (LA12 7JU) to leave at 9.30 am (parking £1/hour). Led by Martin Cooper and John Wealthall.
WALK 14 A Circuit from Silverdale, including Cringlebarrow and Leighton Moss
MODERATE, 6 miles (Start/End Time 10.45am – 3pm or 4pm)
From the railway station discover some of Silverdale’s gems, including orchid spotting in Trowbarrow Quarry; hidden Haweswater; stunning views across Leighton Hall and finishing with an optional visit to the public bird hide on Leighton Moss. Don’t forget your binoculars. Meet at Ulverston Station to catch 10.17am train (check this site nearer the time), returning on the 3.17pm or 4.17pm train, or meet at Silverdale Station. Led by Simon Hughes and Linda Marshall.
WALK 15 Yewdale – Langdale Circuit.
MODERATE PLUS, 7½ miles, 300m ascent (Start/End Time 10am – 3.30pm)
A new walk for the festival. Meet at Shepherd’s Bridge free parking area, just off the A595 Coniston to Ambleside Road, on a lane signposted ‘Hodge Close only’ at SD 314 998, or car share from Ford Park car park in Ulverston (LA12 7JU) to leave at 9.15am (parking £1/hour). We set off up the attractive Yewdale, through beautiful scenery to Langdale and back, taking time to explore lots of spectacular remains of the old quarry industry, including the impressive Hodge Close quarry, the awe-inspiring Cathedral quarry, the extraordinary Slater Bridge, and the fascinating Penny Rigg copper mill.
Led by Neil Mclaughlin-Cook and Sally Minchom
WALK 16 Local History Walk – Homes and Industry
EASY, 2 miles, FREE (Start/End Time 7pm – 8.30pm)
Meet Market Street at the memorial cross. Where was the wealth? A look at historic homes and industries. No dogs please. Walk limited to 12.
Led by Jean and Steve Povey.
WEDNESDAY 30th APRIL
WALK 17 A walk into Broughton’s past
EASY, 4 miles (Start/End Time 10am – 1.30pm)
A figure of eight circuit of the town and surrounding parklands, taking in an ancient peel tower, hidden courtyards with secrets to reveal, a ruined windmill, the Eccle Riggs mansion and its strange pepper pots and Broughton’s ancient church. Meet at the obelisk in Broughton Square (LA20 6HY, Grid Ref: SD 212 876) or car share from Ford Park car park in Ulverston (LA12 7JU) to leave at 9.30am (parking £1/hour).
Led by Stan Aspinall and Keith Raine.
WALK 18 Witherslack, Yewbarrow & Winster Valley
MODERATE, 6½ miles, 210m ascent (Start/End Time 10am – 3pm)
A new walk for the festival. Meet on the old A590 near the Derby Arms pub, opposite the entrance to Latterbarrow Nature Reserve (GR SD 441 827) or car share from Ford Park car park in Ulverston (LA12 7JU) to leave at 9.30am (parking £1/hour). We climb through the nature reserve and through woods, to the little-known limestone outcrop of Yewbarrow. Then we descend to the Winster Valley and get up close to a lime kiln. A short road section takes us to Witherslack Church with its amazing regency drawing-room interior. Next through open woodland, to visit The Fairy Caves. Bring a good torch to see the millions of calcite crystals light up. There are a couple of stiles to navigate and a good chance of coming across cows in fields. Preferably no dogs. Two breaks – coffee on top of Yewbarrow and lunch in Witherslack churchyard. Note some similarity with Walk 7. Led by Mick Shaw and Simon Hughes
WALK 19 Wetherlam Fell from Coniston
HARD, 7 miles, 750m ascent (Start/End Time 9.40am – 4.30pm)
A lovely walk up Wetherlam, Coniston Old Man’s lesser known but equally rewarding near-neighbour, giving superb and even better views to the Langdale Pikes and the central fells. Descending along the Black Sails ridge. This gives lovely and quiet routes for both ascent and descent, using the Ladstones and Black Sails ridges (nothing scary), and still takes us through the Coppermines valley past several mining history sites. Meet by the Tourist Information Centre in Coniston main car park (Grid: SD 303 975, LA21 8EH), or car share from Ford Park car park in Ulverston (LA12 7JU) to leave at 9.00am (parking £1/hour). Led by Peter Quiggin and Tony Page.
WALK 20 Local History Walk – Backstreets and Murals
EASY, 2 miles, FREE (Start/End Time 7pm – 8.30pm)
Meet Market Street at the memorial cross. Wander round streets and car parks admiring murals and art. No dogs please. Walk limited to 12.
Led by Jean and Steve Povey.
THURSDAY 1st MAY
WALK 21 The Life and Times of Sir John Barrow
EASY, 2 miles (Start/End Time 10am – 12 noon)
To include his birthplace, monument and mural. Starting at The Sir John Barrow Cottage (Dragley Beck, LA12 0HA) where John was born in 1764, this walk will explore the life of one of Ulverston’s most famous sons and the landscape that he knew as a child. It will include the opportunity to visit the cottage, and then walk into the centre of historic Ulverston, before passing the parish church and continuing onto Hoad, to the monument built to commemorate him. It will also allow an opportunity to explore the history and archaeology of this iconic hill. The 2 miles is the one-way distance. Led by Dan Elsworth (of Greenlane Archaeology) and Andrew Hudson.
WALK 22 The Sculptures of Grizedale Forest
MODERATE, 6½ miles (Start/End Time 10am – 3pm)
A circular walk taking in some of the more remote and, in some cases, hidden sculptures in the beautiful southern part of the forest. It consists of a mixture of forest roads and trails, footpaths, bridleways and short sections of quiet road. There is the option to venture off-piste to look more closely at some of the sculptures. Can be muddy in places. Meet at 10am at the free Blind Lane car park NE of Force Mills (Grid: SD 344 913) or car share from Ford Park car park in Ulverston (LA12 7JU) to leave at 9.15 am (parking £1/hour). Led by David & Denise Robson.
WALK 23 Bardsea – Baycliff – Birkrigg – Bardsea
MODERATE, 5½ miles, 150m ascent (Start/End Time 9.45pm – 2.30pm)
A favourite local walk, with great views across Morecambe Bay from our route along the shore and from Birkrigg Common (trig point), plus a rare bronze age double stone circle and the ancient Sea Wood (Woodland Trust). Meet in the Bardsea Beach parking area opposite the Olde Mill (the most southerly of the 3 parking areas on the A5087 coast road near Bardsea, Grid: SD 299 740, LA12 9RB). If can’t go by car, the X11 bus at 9:20am from Victoria Rd stop outside the Catholic Church arrives Olde Mill, Bardsea at 9:30am, return bus 2:35pm, but the X11 is a small bus, so please leave for those without easy car option. Led by Peter & Christine Quiggin.
WALK 24 Local History Walk – Blue Plaques
EASY, 2 miles, FREE (Start/End Time 7pm – 8.30pm)
Meet Market Street at the memorial cross. Look at Ulverston’s history through its Blue Plaques. No dogs please. Walk limited to 12.
Led by Jean and Steve Povey.
FRIDAY 2nd MAY
WALK 25 A tour of Medieval Ulverston
EASY, 2 miles (Start/End Time 11am – 1pm)
This walk will look at how various strands of evidence, ranging from layout of the streets, to recent archaeological work, provide an understanding into how the town of Ulverston grew during the medieval period. Starting outside the offices of Greenlane Archaeology on Lower Brook Street (opposite Upper Brook Street next to Body Care, LA12 7EE), this is a circular walk around the town.
Led by Dan Elsworth (of Greenlane Archaeology) and Judy Pickthall.
WALK 26 Arnside Knott
MODERATE, 7 miles (Start/End Time 10.45am – between 3 & 4pm)
Starting from Arnside station, we walk along the beach before joining the low cliff path to the outskirts of Silverdale. We head to the “pepperpot” for excellent views across the bay where we will have our lunch. We then return via Arnside Tower and up and over Arnside Knott for more fine views into the Lake District and across the Bay. Meet at Ulverston Station for the 10.17am train returning on the 15.23pm or 16.22pm train. Or meet at Arnside station at 10:40am.
Led by Simon Hughes and Sheila Bull.
WALK 27 Cumbria way to St John’s Church Osmotherley, returning via Mansriggs
MODERATE PLUS, 8miles, 300m ascent (Start/End Time 10.30am – 3.30pm)
A lovely walk, exploring the wonderfully varied countryside just north of the town. Our route takes us up the Cumbria Way to Broughton Beck, stopping for lunch at the lovely church of St John’s where drinks will be served, and returning on a continuing rural walk via Mansriggs and across the southern flank of Hoad Hill. A mixture of field and meadow paths and minor lanes. Note there are many stiles, a few of which are fairly challenging. Meet at the car park in Ford Park, Ulverston (LA12 7JU, parking £1/hour). Led by Martin Cooper & Marian Danson.
WALK 28 Broughton – Woodland Circuit
MODERATE PLUS, 8miles, 340m ascent (Start/End Time 10am – 3.30pm)
A new walk for the festival. Meet in the square at Broughton in Furness, or car share from Ford Park car park in Ulverston (LA12 7JU) to leave at 9.30am (parking £1/hour). We explore a very attractive but relatively unknown corner of the National Park, as we make our way to the site of the old Woodland railway station and back. The outward route gives wonderful views of the River Lickle and its beautiful valley, and the return route keeps close to the route of the old Coniston Railway, ending with a walk on the old trackbed to the site of Broughton station.
Led by Neil Mclaughlin-Cook and Tony Page.
SATURDAY 3rd MAY
WALK 29 Rusland Valley & Ospreys’ Nest
EASY, 4½ miles (Start/End Time 10am – 3pm)
A walk taking in the delights of both the Rusland Moss and Hay Bridge Nature Reserves with an opportunity to view the ospreys nesting in the Rusland Valley. Binoculars will be useful for this and other wildlife. In addition, the walk will take in a stone circle and visit a site linked to iron making from a bygone era. The route is low level on public footpaths, boardwalks, tracks and minor roads. There is one stile. It can be muddy in places, so boots are recommended. Meet at Rusland Church (Grid: SD 338 897) or car share from Stockbridge Lane car park in Ulverston, to leave at 9.30am (reasonable charges apply). Led by Dave Robson and Mick Shaw.
WALK 30 Sunny Bank – Coniston Water – Torver Back Common
MODERATE, 5½ miles, 180m ascent (Start/End Time 10am – 3.30pm)
Start of walk and parking at Grid: SD 2877 9273. Coming from Ulverston/Lowick along the A5084, pass Sunny Bank but before the Land Rover garage look for finger walking post with limited parking on the right. If necessary, there are a couple more parking spaces between there and the garage, or park on the right of the garage. Better still, car share from Ford Park car park in Ulverston (LA12 7JU) to leave at 9.30am (parking £1/hour). Note that leaders are not from Ulverston so another leader will coordinate car share but not be travelling to the walk. The walk goes down to the lake side and along the shore to Heathwaite Farm before circling back via Torver Back Wood. The walk is moderately challenging due to the condition of the shore path and recent storms having brought a few trees down. Led by Dave Hughes and Stephe Cove.
WALK 31 Cartmel Fell and Church
MODERATE, 5½ Miles, 330m ascent (Start/End Time 10am – 2.30pm)
Starting from Gummers How Plantation car park (Grid Ref: SD 389 876). A walk on bridleways and footpaths taking in the spectacular views of the Lyth and Winster Valleys and the southern Lake District. Visiting the 550-year-old St Anthony’s Church, better known as Cartmel Fell Church. We return climbing steeply at first through woods and quiet lanes. Good paths but can be slippery underfoot with an awkward stile. Meet at Gummers How car park or car share from Stockbridge Lane car park in Ulverston to leave at 9.30am (reasonable charges apply).
Led by Lindsay Harrison and Neil Mclaughlin-Cook
SUNDAY 4th MAY
WALK 32 Industrial Archaeology of South Ulverston including the Canal and Rope-Walk
EASY, 4 miles (Start/End Time 11am – 2pm)
Meet at Ford Park car park (LA12 7JU, parking £1/hour). Suitable for wheel/push chairs, except for an optional short extension to Ainslie Pier.
Led by Andrew Hudson and Keith Raine.
WALK 33 The Iron-Mad Wilkinson Trail – Lindale Hampsfell Circuit
MODERATE, 5½ miles, 280m ascent (Start/End Time 10:30am – 2:45pm)
Meet at the John Wilkinson Obelisk in Lindale (Grid: SD 418 803) at 10:30 for a short talk on one of the most important figures of The Industrial Revolution. Car parking can be limited. The recreation ground and layby on the B5277 opposite the monument are close, but you may have to find elsewhere in Lindale. Allow extra time for parking. Car share from Ford Park car park in Ulverston (LA12 7JU) to leave at 9:45am (parking £1/hour). After the talk, we ascend on woodland paths towards Hampsfield House and up to the Hospice at the summit of Hampsfell. The route then descends along a ridge in a northerly direction with great views of the Lakeland Fells and back to Lindale via a hollow way giving views of Wilkinson’s home at Castlehead. The ascent from Lindale is steep and there are several stiles to negotiate.
Led by Mick Shaw and Peter Quiggin.
WALK 34 Ulverston Circular Walk
MODERATE PLUS, 8 miles, 130m ascent (Start/End Time 10am – 3.30pm)
Meet at Ford Park car park (LA12 7JU, parking £1/hour). The route has beautiful views of Ulverston and Morecambe Bay and passes The Falls, Gill Banks (coffee), Rosside, Pennington Church (lunch), Swarthmoor Hall and back to Ford Park. No stiles. Dogs on short lead welcome. Maximum of 15 walkers. Led by Linda Marshall and Simon Baxter.
MONDAY 5th MAY
WALK 35 Herb Walk on Foxfield Moses with Sarah Atkinson – Medical Herbalist
Easy, 4 miles (Start/End Time 9.50am – 12.20pm)
Our most popular walk. A gentle walk from Foxfield Station. Meet at Ulverston Station to catch the 9.02am train to Foxfield via Barrow, arriving at 09.47am. Returning on the train at 12.24pm, direct to Ulverston at 13.08pm. Or meet at Foxfield Station.
Led by Judy Pickthall with expert input by Sarah Atkinson.
WALK 36 Wellbeing Walk
Easy, 4 miles (Start/End time 9.30am – 12.30pm)
Meet opposite McDonald’s in Booths Supermarket car park (LA12 7LY). Relaxed pace mostly on tarmac roads. Route along Ulverston Canal to Canal Foot, brief stop at The Bay Horse for coffee (if open) or bring your own. Then to Outcast, Rope Walk and return via Lund Estate. No stiles. Dogs on short lead welcome.
Led by Linda Marshall and Simon Baxter
WALK 37 High Dam Hike
MODERATE, 6 miles, 320m ascent (Start/End Time 10am – 3.30pm)
A circular walk including High Dam, Rusland Heights, Boretree Tarn, through woods to Tom Crag and across fields back to Finsthwaite Church. Includes great views over the Rusland Valley. Meet at High Dam car park (NP charges apply, Grid: SD 368 882), with cheaper option as you turn off the road, or car share from Ford Park car park in Ulverston (LA12 7JU) to leave at 9.15am (parking £1/hour).
Led by John Wealthall and Martin Cooper.
WALK 38 Coast to Coast Walk over Cartmel Peninsula
MODERATE PLUS, 8½ miles, 230m ascent (Start/End Time 9:15am – 3:30pm)
A new walk for the festival. Meet at Ulverston Station to catch the 9.07am train to Cark or meet at Cark Station at 9.15am. We set off down to the west shore of the peninsula, taking in good views across the bay back to Furness, and passing lots of points of historical interest. We then head inland, across attractive farmland, parkland and an old corpse road, gradually rising until we see the east coast of the peninsula, with views across the bay towards Arnside and beyond. We descend via an attractive wooded route into Grange over Sands, from where we can take a train back to Ulverston at 2.29pm or linger on the prom or in one of the cafes and catch a later train at 3.28pm or 4.28pm. Led by Neil Mclaughlin-Cook and Sheila Bull.