Cistercian Way (Cumbria)
A 25-mile long-distance walk in South Cumbria. Starting in Grange-over-Sands and finishing at Roa Island, the route curves around the northern shore of Morecambe Bay. With map, statistics, and GPX route file.
Statistics and Files
Grid Ref: SD 412 781
Distance: 25 miles (40 km)
Time: 9–12 hours
Duration: 1–2 days
Ordnance Survey Explorer Maps (1:25,000):
OL6 The English Lakes – South Western Area
OL7 The English Lakes – South Eastern Area
Summary
The Cistercian Way is a walking route along the paths, tracks, and byways of South Cumbria. Starting on the northern shores of Morecambe Bay, the walk travels via woodlands to Hampsfell and Cartmel Priory, continuing on to Cark and Holker Hall. The route then traditionally crosses the sands of the Leven Estuary; however, this tidal crossing is dangerous and should only be attempted with a recognized Sand Pilot, or alternatively by taking the train to Ulverston. From Ulverston, the route continues past Dalton to Furness Abbey and the coast. (Source: LDWA) Towns, villages, and significant geographical locations passed along the course of the Cistercian Way include Eggerslack Wood, Hampsfell, Cartmel, Cark, Cartmel Sands, Dragley Beck, Ulverston, Swarthmoor Hall, Croftlands, Great Urswick, Little Urswick, Dalton-in-Furness, Furness Abbey, Barrow Bridge, Leece, and Rampside, before concluding on the Roa Island peninsula.