Walk 3592 - printer friendly version

Birkrigg Common and Bardsea Walk

Author - Ian Henderson

Length - 3.8 miles / 6.2 km

Ascent - 500 feet / 152 metres

Grade - easy

Start - OS grid reference SD308746
Lat 54.1625210 + Long -3.0613065
Postcode LA12 9RA (approx. location only)

This South Cumbia walk on the Furness Peninsula, near Ulverston, explores an area of high ground known as Birkrigg Common which lies a mile or so inland from Ulverston Sands. The route includes the limestone pavements on the common where there are also several tumuli to investigate. Birkrigg Common also offers some fine views across Morecambe Bay, north to the Lake District National Park and west to the Yorkshire Dales.

To reach the start take the A5087 south from Ulverston. After approximately four kilometres, turn left down a minor road signed to Kingfisher Chemicals. Continue down the lane to reach a small car park on the sea front (grid ref. SD308746). After parking walk southwest along the beach for about a mile continuing parallel to the A5087 (on your right) for most of this section. Just after passing a row of boulders across the path, turn right to reach the A5087.

Go straight across to a lane which leads to Sunbrick, with a wall on your right. The lane climbs gently and after 450 metres take the path to the right onto the Common to visit the Neolithic Birkrigg stone circle. This consists of two concentric rings of stones dating from 1700-1400 BC.

To continue follow paths and tracks around the southern flank of Appleby Hill and onto the limestone paving of Birkrigg Common. This is the highest point on the Furness Peninsula at 136 metres. Take time to enjoy the expansive view which also includes the village of Great Unswick with its large tarn. Follow the track along the top of the limestone paving heading north to reach White Gill Lane (grid ref. SD287748).

Turn right down White Gill Lane to Bardsea. Reaching the main road through the village, turn right and then first left which leads back to the A5087. Go straight across and continue back to the start. Holy Trinity Church (Bardsea) is worth looking at particularly its wonderful position above Ulverston Sands. This can be reached by following the road into the village.

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