Kings and Castles Coastal Trail – Morecambe to Whitehaven – 8 days

Walk to Arnside

Either walk straight out of your hotel to start your walk, or choose to take the train or bus to Carnforth which cuts today's walk down to a more relaxed 12 miles. Stroll along the estuary and down a few back country lanes, visiting RSPB Leighton Moss reserve to see the ospreys (spring and late summer) before reaching the little town of Silverdale. There's a nice pub en route for lunch, The Silverdale Hotel, but do book ahead. You'll then head down to the sea-front to Silver Cove before walking through the National Landscape of Arnside Silverdale https://national-landscapes.org.uk/national-landscapes/arnside-silverdale. This is a favourite local haunt so expect to meet lots of families and dog-lovers out for an afternoon trip. If the weather's kind, there's a good ice-cream shop just as you hit the outskirts of Arnside and plenty of pubs and restaurant options in the seaside town itself. There's also a very good fish & chip shop - at the weekends, it's worth ordering ahead to skip the queue. If you are lucky you may see The Bore, a small tidal surge two hours before high tide and you'll hear a siren 30 minutes before it arrives to warn people off the sandbanks. 

Accommodation: There's several welcoming B&Bs in Arnside. Your luggage will travel by taxi transfer

The Cistercian Way to Furness Abbey

If you feel like adding some additional ascent to your day, a short sharp walk up to Sir John Barrow's Monument delivers knock-out views of Morecambe Bay and the fells behind you. Otherwise make sure you've explored the alleys and cobbled streets of Ulverston before heading along the short Ulverston canal (built in 1796 to carry iron ore, gunpowder down to the esturary) to the rather unexpected Conishead Priory, a Buddhist Temple set in 70 acres of woodlands. The original abbey was founded in 1160 as a hospital for the poor and its kitchen garden is now the site of the Kadampa World Peace Temple. Leaving the Priory, you are now setting out on the Cistercian Way, a medieval pilgrimage route that ends at Piel Island. You'll pass through the little coastal village of Bardsea and visit Birkrigg stone circle, a Bronze age monument, as you head slowly upwards throughout the afternoon. The stately remains of Furness Abbey (last admission 1600 if you are keen to visit) will greet you as you approach the end of your day's walking - built of red sandstone 900 years ago, by Stephen, later King of England, Furness was England's second richest Cistercian abbey.  Your accommodation is right next door to the Abbey. 

Accommodation: Abbey House Hotel. Your luggage will be transferred separately

Walk Millom to Bootle

A leisurely start to the day walking down to the station at Ravenglass to take the local train to Millom. This is arguably the most off-the-tourist track walk of the holiday. You're very unlikely to meet any other tourists today, so enjoy feeling like one of the locals. Millom, set on the Duddon estuary, has a fascinating industrial and wartime history and an excellent bird reserve, Hodbarrow Nature Reserve - set in a flooded Victorian iron-ore mine. The beach stretches for 3 miles against the backdrop of Black Combe fell. You should reach the award-winning community cafe at Silecroft in time for lunch and then it's onwards along modest cliffs to Bootle. Along this section, enjoy the Herdwick sheep grazing in the fields, views of the Lake District, and keep your eye on the deserted beaches below for flocks of oyster-catchers. This is our favourite section of the walk. Hop back on the train at Bootle for the 10 minute journey back to Ravenglass. 

Accommodation: The Pennington Hotel, Ravenglass. You can eat at the hotel or at the local pub - please book ahead for the pub as its tiny (and charming).

Departure

The trip ends after breakfast when you depart the accommodation.