Six Walks to do from Ulverston…

Ulverston borders stunning countryside offering a range of hikes from the coast to the hills…

  • Sir John Barrow Monument Walk

Access to the Hoad Monument, also known as the Sir John Barrow Monument, is only possible on foot. There are several footpaths to the top, with the Ford Park route being one of the more picturesque options. Parking is available in Ulverston centre or at Ford Park. The route heads through the pretty, woodland grounds of Ford Park, passing the Coach House Café towards Ladies Walk, following a steep footpath up the front of Hoad Hill, finishing at the monument.

  • Stan’s Ulverston Town Trail 

Distance: 2km Time: 1 hour Difficulty: Easy

A village walk exploring all of Ulverston town centre and it’s history, Stan’s Ulverston Town Trail starts at the statue of Laurel & Hardy and explores The Gill; a large space surrounded by delightful cottages, Smiths Court, Brazier Fells Yard, Market Street, High Ellers Mill and Argyle Street before returning to the statue. Along the way, you can spot clues to Ulverston’s history such as the town’s last cotton mill, 19th century cottages, the 18th century clock tower and the street where Stan Laurel was born.

  • Ulverston Canal Walk 

Distance: 6.2km Time: 2-3 hours Difficulty: Easy

This route starting at the towns Coronation Hall, explores the Ulverston’s famous canal. The canal is 1.25 miles long and is straightest canal in Britain. Throughout its short working life, the canal accommodated thousands of vessels and various industries including charcoal burning, gas works and ship building. The route follows a various footpaths from Coronation Hall towards Canal Street and Canal Head. About mid-way down Canal Head path, you come to a footbridge at the canal which is believed to be the only surviving bridge of its kind in England and has been granted Grade II listed status. The route ends at Canal Foot where you will find the Bay Horse Hotel, which used to be the staging point for the horse coaches that crossed Morecambe Bay in the 18th century. Circular return routes can be followed to the north and south of the canal, however the easiest way back is to return back up the tow path.

  • Swarthmoor Hall Woods 

Distance: 2.3km Time: 1 hour Difficulty: Easy 

A gentle route from Coronation Hall in Ulverston to the picturesque woodland at Swarthmoor Hall, this path visits Cavendish Street and crosses the A590 towards a primary school before reaching Swarthmoor Hall. To access the woodland, cross the stone bridge outside the hall and head up a field before reaching the forest path running alongside a pretty stream bordered with wild flowers in the springtime. Walk all the way to the end of the woodland where you will reach a gap in the wall; the path through here returns to the start of the walk. 

  • Birkrigg Common 

Distance: 2.7km Time: 1-2 hours Difficulty: Medium

A picturesque hike exploring the surrounding countryside, the route from Coronation Hall to Birkrigg Common is a simple, yet rewarding walk. From Coronation Hall, head up Cavendish Street and cross the railway bridge over A590 road. Find the footpath heading into Bigland Drive; the footpath bears left, crosses the road and continues on to Birkrigg Common. There are then several paths that cross over the common, but the most interesting one by-passes an ancient stone circle before reaching the highest point of the common. Here, you will find stunning panoramic views over to Morecambe Bay and the Lake District Fells. Return the way you came or walk towards Bardsea to continue a circular walk. 

  • The Cumbria Way 

Distance: 112km Time: 5 days Difficulty: Challenging

The town of Ulverston is famous for being the starting point of the Cumbria Way; a 70-mile long distance hike through some of the most beautiful and contrasting landscapes that Cumbria has to offer. The route is challenging but often used as an introduction to long distance trails with most it being low-level walking with only 2 major climbs involved. The most popular way of tackling the route is to split it into 5 days; Ulverston to Coniston, Coniston to Dungeon Ghyll, Dungeon Ghyll to Keswick, Keswick to Caldbeck and Caldbeck to Carlisle.