Coastal Cumbria – the very best bits

SUMMARY

Date: Monday 5th to Friday 9th July 2027 – 5 days and 4 nights

Guide: Bridget Turnbull 

Walking Grade: 2

Maximum distance in one day: 18km/11.2 miles

Maximum elevation: 456m

Highlights: Walking beside the sea, Piel island, stunning sunrises and sunsets, stops offs in little coastal towns and perhaps the speciality ‘sticky toffee pudding’, bird life.

Base: The Netherwood Hotel and Spa

We base ourselves in a lovely hotel in Grange -over-Sands . Fabulous sea views , gardens to relax in and access to the spa at the end of your day. A truly reviving and relaxing early summer mini break. 

Arrivals: Check in at 15:00 at the Netherwood Hotel, Grange-over-Sands 

Departures: From the Netherwood, Grange-over – Sands to suit your onward plans. Bridget will be doing a morning walk so we recommend after 13.00.

Price: £1300 a solo occupancy ensuite room and fully inclusive.

If you bring a partner or friend and share a room the price will be £1000 per person and we will adjust your invoice on booking.

Includes:

• 4 nights accommodation in ensuite rooms
• A hearty breakfast each morning
• A packed lunch for your walking days – 4 days
• Evening meals together in your hotel
• A welcome drink on your first night
• Expert local guiding throughout
• All transport required for your trip

Not included:

• Your travel to The Netherwood Hotel
• Additional activities not on the itinerary
• Additional drinks that are not included

DETAILS

We will be exploring the best of the south Cumbrian coast. Using local trains, we cross estuaries and discover the rich wildlife and culture of Morecambe Bay.Do bring lightweight binoculars if you have them, as the Bay has a rich birdlife.

ITINERARY

We will be exploring the best of the south Cumbria coast. Bridget has devised our route to ensure that you walk the best paths. Sometimes weather changes things and we ask you to bring your sense of adventure and flexible spirit. Your guide will always brief you of any changes.

ARRIVAL DAY – Check in at 15:00 at the Netherwood Hotel and check out its wonderful spa.

If you arrive early you could wander into Grange-over-Sands and take in the sea views and explore the various local shops.

Your guide, Bridget, will be around from late afternoon and will meet everyone at reception for a briefing at 18:00, followed by your welcome dinner at the hotel.

Bridget will give you a full briefing on your first evening and choose the best walks for each day depending on the weather.

You can expect to do the following hikes..

Grange-over-Sands to Cartmel – 15kms /9.3 miles with 456m ascent

Setting off from the hotel, we climb up through woods to emerge onto the open limestone ground of Hampsfell (220m) and its hospice. Nothing to do with hospitals, this Victorian tower acts as a shelter for the weary and a brilliant viewpoint. From here there are panoramic 360-degree views of the Lake District and Morecambe Bay. We should be able to see where we will be walking for the rest of our time together.

We then descend into the picturesque village of Cartmel – a foodie’s delight! We return over the shoulder of Hampsfell, so little ascent in the afternoon.

Carnforth to Arnside – 18kms/11.2 miles with 306m of ascent

Taking a local train we journey south to Carnforth and are soon in the Arnside Silverdale National Landscape area. We climb Warton Crag and get great views of Morecambe Bay. Crossing low marsh land near the RSPB reserve of Leighton Moss, home to the rare bittern. The remainder of our walk is largely through limestone coastal woodland as we head northwards until we swing eastwards along the Kent estuary. We arrive in theattractive village of Arnside where we catch a train and cross the estuary to our hotel on the other side.

Dalton-in-Furness to Piel Island – 13km/8.1 miles 91m ascent

An altogether different day. The train takes us west to the Furness peninsular, in southwest Cumbria. Here we start in the historic town of Dalton-in-Furness and wend our way down the wooded Vale of Nightshade. Past the impressive Cistercian Furness Abbey, we head south to the coast and the causeway linking the mainland to Roa Island. We catch a small ferry for the short journey across to Piel Island dominated by its castle. Happily, the island also has a pub, where the King of Piel Island holds court. Here we are right out in Morecambe Bay and can look at where we’ve walked together.

Train back to the hotel.(Please note that there will be a substitute walk if the weather doesn’t allow us to make the ferry crossing safely.)

Day 5 – Departure Your guide will be available in the morning to assist with departures.

For those travelling after 1pm there will be an opportunity for a walk on the nearby Humphrey Head peninsular. Departure to suit your own travel plan