Enjoy outdoor adventure around Barrow

With over 37 miles of coastline, plus numerous paths and cycle trails, Barrow is a fantastic place for an outdoor adventure. Whether you want to enjoy a walk with friends and family, a longer hike encompassing historic and cultural landmarks, or an adventure on two wheels, there is so much to choose from. Take a look at our guide to making the most of Barrow’s outdoor activities.

Cycling

The Bay Cycleway

This fairly flat, coastal route begins in Barrow-in-Furness and runs all the way into Lancashire, via a breathtaking tour of Morecambe Bay. At 80 miles, it may seem daunting, but you can hop on and off wherever you like. Feeling brave? The whole distance is achievable by beginners over the course of two or three days. 

Along the way, there’s plenty to see. The route is known for its abundance of fantastic food and drink, so stock up on local produce as you cycle along - there’s plenty to choose from, including treats to get you started in Barrow and sticky toffee pudding in Cartmel.
 

Roa Island

For an easier cycle which keeps you within the Barrow area, Roa Island is a fantastic choice. There are a number of routes which can be enjoyed here: cycle from the Town Hall around Roa Island for a family friendly ride; or loop around the island from Rampside for a more challenging route.

Walney to Wear

The Walney to Wear (W2W) cycle route connects Walney Island with Wearmouth in Sunderland, or Whitby - although you don’t need to cycle the entire way to enjoy an exhilarating outdoor adventure! Kick things off in Barrow and cycle past beautiful coastal landscapes as you head towards the Lake District Peninsulas. Then, it’s on through the Orton Fells and the Eden Valley before heading across to Northumberland to continue the route.

If you do choose to complete the entire route, it’s 155.5 miles from Barrow to Wearmouth; and 179.7 miles to Whitby.
 

Barrow to Coniston

Not too far from Barrow lies the Lakeland village of Coniston, accessible by bike and making for a great day out in Cumbria. Head north along National Cycle Network Route 70 to Penny Bridge, before continuing on to Coniston Water. Pack a picnic in Barrow and stop along the lake shore to enjoy it, before turning back or continuing on to the village of Coniston.
 

Lower Furness Tour
 

For a shorter alternative to the route above, why not enjoy a tour of lower Furness on your bike? Again, head north on Route 70 towards Ulverston through charming farmland and past the impressive remains of Furness Abbey. Stop in Ulverston for coffee and cake, before cycling back to Barrow to explore the town.

Discover more cycle routes in Barrow here.

Walking
 

Cistercian Way

Barrow is home to a number of important landmarks along the Cumbrian Cistercian Way: a 25 mile long route across south Cumbria, once walked by Cistercian monks. The journey begins at Piel Castle, located on its namesake island. From here, board the ferry to Roa Island and head for Furness Abbey: once one of England’s largest and wealthiest monasteries. Walk through the ‘Vale of Nightshade’ to Dalton-in-Furness, where Dalton Castle was once the manorial courthouse of Furness Abbey. Then, it’s on towards Ulverston and Morecambe Bay as you leave the Furness Peninsula to continue your adventure.

Walney Coastal Path

Walney Island is home to a 16 mile section of England’s Coastal Path, which starts and finishes at Jubilee Bridge; and winds its way around the island. Walk the entire route, or choose a section to enjoy, and admire the stunning coastal views along the way. On the northern part of Walney Island, the path boasts views across to Black Combe fell; while in the south, there are views across Morecambe Bay. From the western part of the island, you can see wind turbines in the Irish Sea, which makes for a memorable and striking sight!

Abbots Wood Nature Trail

Enjoy an easy, family-friendly stroll through pretty woodland surroundings near Dalton-in-Furness, with the Abbots Wood Nature Trail. It’s a short trail, just over a mile long, making it ideal for younger walkers; and there’s plenty to discover along the way, including the old gateway to industrialist Sir James Ramsden’s mansion.

Sandscale Haws & Roanhead Beach

For a scenic walk along the coast, with lots to discover along the way, head for a stroll around Sandscale Haws: a National Nature Reserve with some fairly spectacular views across the Duddon Estuary to the Lake District. A great place for a family walk, or a stroll with your dog, this is also a beautiful place to discover nature and wildlife. 

Discover more walking routes around Barrow here.

The Welcome Back to High Streets Project is funded by the European Regional Development Fund and HM Government as part of the European Structural and Investment Funds Growth Programme 2014-2020. The Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government is the Managing Authority for European Regional Development Fund. Established by the European Union, the European Regional Development Fund helps local areas stimulate their economic development by investing in projects which will support innovation, businesses, create jobs and local community regenerations. For more information visit www.gov.uk/european-growth-funding