Cumbrian Cistercian Way

About

Between the high fells of the Lake District and the sands of Morecambe Bay lies the unspoilt landscape of Furness. This walk guides you along
ancient paths and byways through a landscape shaped by monks and merchantmen, by fishermen and shipbuilders and by engineers and entrepreneurs. This is a fascinating area with a long history and there is much to be discovered along the way.

The Cistercian Way is a 33 mile walk along the paths, tracks and byways of the low hills of Carboniferous Limestone that fringe the northern shores of Morecambe bay. This is a fascinating area with a long history and there is much to be discovered and explored along the way.

The Cistercian Way enables you to explore this unique and and fascinating landscape at a leisurely walking pace. The walk starts at Grange-over-Sands from where footpaths are followed over Hampsfell and down into Cark. Next, you may follow a route north to Greenodd, from where a bus can be taken into Ulverston or take a train from Cark. From Ulverston the route continues to Barrow via Urswick, Dalton and Furness Abbey before reaching the end of the walk at Piel Island. The route can be walked in two or more days. Because the route links with railway stations it may also be completed in several easy stages.

The Cistercian Way follows waymarked public roads and footpaths. It is recommended that it is followed in conjunction with Landranger Map 96.

Places to visit along the route:

Cartmel Priory - described as the medieval jewel among churches, making a lasting impression on the visitor, standing over the village and giving an idea of the way early priories must have dominated their surroundings.

It was founded as a priory for Augustinian canons in around 1189 and also served as a parish church, which saved it from outright destruction during the Dissolution of the Monasteries in the 1530s.

Holker Hall & Gardens - Fascinating historic house where the elegance and loveliness of the Victorian era combine with the warmth and welcome of a much loved family home. The hall is set in 25 acres of romantic formal & woodland gardens and ancient parkland, with the famous herd of Menil fallow deer, showcasing nature at its most graceful. Holker offers beautiful landscaped grounds, a small playground & picnic area.

Conished Priory - The present building at Conished Priory was built in the 19th century on the site of a 12th century Augustinian Priory. It is now the home of the Manjushri Kadampa Meditation Centre and is open to the public.

Cumbria Crystal - A unique opportunity to see the last working, lead-crystal glassware factory in England. Cumbria Crystal crafts the finest quality crystal within the UK which has featured in James Bond and Downton Abbey and is used by British Ambassadors and royalty worldwide.

Swarthmoor Hall - is regarded as the cradle of Quakerism as it was here in 1652 that the Quaker movement was formed during a period of enormous political and religious turmoil.

Dalton Castle - Dalton Castle, a Pele Tower was built in the 14th Century to provide sanctuary for the monks of Furness Abbey from the Scottish Raiders. Over the centuries this Castle has had a chequered history and was an important place for justice, being used as a courthouse and prison for over 300 years.

Furness Abbey - was once the second most powerful Cistercian monastery in Britain, after Fountains Abbey in Yorkshire. You can view the impressive remains of the abbey founded in 1123 by Stephen, later King of England, including much of the east end and west tower of the church, the ornately decorated chapter house and the cloister buildings.

The Dock Museum - Built in a historic nineteenth century dock, the museum is home to a wealth of objects on the social and industrial history of the Furness area.

Piel Island - Off the southern tip of Walney, the fifty acre Piel Island boasts a fascinating history as well as a long beach to walk along. There’s a pub, The Ship Inn, for food and drink; and if you want to extend your stay, camping is available on the island too. To get there, take the Piel Island Ferry from Roa Island - it runs daily during the summer months.