Ulverston & Furness Walks

The Furness peninsula is the southern gateway to the Lake District: a green landscape of low hills, market towns and wide estuaries opening onto Morecambe Bay. Its hub is Ulverston, a characterful market town with cobbled streets, independent shops and a busy calendar of festivals. It is a quieter alternative to the central Lakes and an easy place to reach by train.

Why walk here

The classic local walk is Hoad Hill, which climbs straight from the town centre to the Sir John Barrow Monument. The 100-foot "lighthouse on the hill" honours the Ulverston-born Second Secretary to the Admiralty who championed Arctic exploration. From the top there are wide views over the sands of Morecambe Bay and north to the Coniston fells. It is a short, family-friendly climb with a real sense of occasion.

Ulverston is also the starting point of the Cumbria Way, the long-distance path that runs north through the heart of the Lake District to Carlisle. It lies on the route of the Westmorland & Furness Way, which finishes at the ruins of Furness Abbey nearby.

A word of caution about the bay: the sands and tides of Morecambe Bay are notoriously dangerous. Never walk out onto them without an official guide.

Getting there and around

Ulverston station is on the Furness Line between Lancaster and Barrow-in-Furness, a short walk from the town centre, and regular buses link the town with Kendal and Barrow. By car, the town has several central pay-and-display car parks close to Coronation Hall, where the Hoad walk begins.

Where to base yourself

Ulverston has pubs, cafés, restaurants and guesthouses. Stan Laurel was born here, and the town is home to the Laurel and Hardy Museum. Nearby are Swarthmoor Hall, regarded as the birthplace of the Quaker movement, and the short, level towpath of the Ulverston Canal.

When to visit

Hoad is rewarding in any season, but a clear, calm day brings the best views across the bay. The grassy tracks can be muddy after rain, and the summit is exposed and breezy in winter. The monument is opened by volunteers on selected days, signalled by the flag flying from the top.

More to explore

The foot of Windermere and Gummer's How are a short drive east. See our South Windermere guide. Coniston, Tarn Hows and Grizedale Forest lie to the north in our Coniston & Hawkshead guide. Families will find more short routes among our family-friendly walks.