The Bay Cycle Way – NCN 700 – starts on Walney Island near Barrow and takes in the inspiring scenery right round to Glasson Dock south of Lancaster. This relatively flat route of 145km, hugs the spectacular coastline of Morecambe Bay along quiet roads, greenways, canal towpaths and promenades.

Whilst there are one or two challenging climbs on the route – for example leaving Ulverston, Bigland Hill and Warton Crag, the climbs are relatively short and the views at the top are well worth the effort. An electric bike will do the hard work for you! The majority of the route is reasonably flat and on quieter roads where possible and the route has also been designed so that you are never far from a loo, a brew or a view.

View NCN 700 Bay Cycle Way route online

Purchase the route map

 

Explore the Bay Cycle Way: 4 day Itinerary

Want to cycle the whole route? Why not take it at a leisurely pace over 4 days, to make the most of this stunning location. Explore historic sites, visitor attractions, towns and villages. Savour the views, witness the Bay’s abundant birdlife and sustain yourself with the region’s best food and drink all along the route. You can start the route at either end, tackle the full route, or simply cycle one section in one day, and visit again to enjoy another section.

 

Day One: Walney Island – Ulverston

Taking in Barrow, Leece, Gleaston.

Places of interest in the area: Walney nature reserves, Furness Abbey, Dock Museum, Roa Island, Piel Island and castle, Gleaston Watermill, Birkrigg Stone Circle, Conishead Priory and Swarthmoor Hall.

 

Day Two: Ulverston – Grange-over-Sands

Taking in Greenodd, Cartmel, Flookburgh.

Places of interest along the route: Hoad Monument, Laurel and Hardy Museum, Holker Hall and Gardens, foody capital Cartmel village, racecourse and Priory, Lakeland Miniature Village, Humphrey Head limestone headland.

 

Day Three: Grange-over-Sands – Carnforth

Taking in Witherslack, Levens, Milnthorpe, Arnside and Silverdale.

Places of interest along the route: Winster Valley, Sizergh Castle, Levens Hall and gardens, Arnside and Silverdale AONB, Heron Corn Mill, RSPB Leighton Moss nature reserve, Leighton Hall, Carnforth Station and Visitor Centre – home of Brief Encounter.

 

Day Four: Carnforth – Glasson Dock

Taking in Morecambe and Lancaster.

Places of interest along the route: Eric Morecambe’s statue, Morecambe’s Art Deco architecture, Georgian gem of Lancaster with its museums, castle and quayside. Extensions of the route can take in Heysham Head or Sunderland Point.

View NCN 700 Bay Cycle Way route online www.sustrans.org.uk/ncn/map/route/the-bay-cycle-way

Purchase the route map shop.sustrans.org.uk

Fine out about travel and accommodation.