Kings & Castles Coastal Trail

You arrive independently to Morecambe and check in at the iconic Midland Hotel, a landmark of British art deco with views over the vast Morecambe Bay. The award-winning promenade stretches along the water and offers open views towards the Lake District mountains in the distance – perfect for a first walk after arrival. You can also discover the Tern Project, a series of art installations inspired by the bird life in the bay. The evening is free – dine at the hotel or try one of Morecambe's growing selection of better local restaurants. You then stay at the iconic The Midland Hotel, a restored 1930s art deco hotel with panoramic views over the bay.

Your first walking day follows the coast northward along Morecambe Bay's tidal beaches. Soon you reach RSPB Leighton Moss, one of Britain's premier wetland reserves with reed beds and lagoons. During spring and late summer there are good chances to see osprey, as well as bittern, little egret and marsh harrier.
Further on, the landscape gradually changes as you enter Arnside & Silverdale National Landscape – a varied area with limestone pavements, coastal paths, ancient woodland and beautiful estuaries.
You reach the charming village of Arnside at the mouth of the River Kent, where you have time to walk along the shoreline before checking in to your personal and welcoming B&B.

After breakfast you take the train to Grange-over-Sands, an elegant coastal resort from Victorian and Edwardian times with a fine promenade. From here you walk inland and up over limestone plateaus to Hampsfell, where the view opens up over Morecambe Bay and the southern Lake District mountains.
You continue down to picturesque Cartmel, known for its food culture and historical charm. Here you can have lunch and visit Cartmel Priory, founded in the 12th century and still a living church with strong monastic history.
In the afternoon you visit Holker Hall, an impressive estate with beautiful interiors and large, well-maintained gardens. Then you take the train from Cark-in-Cartmel to Ulverston, a lively market town with cobbled streets, small shops and cafés, as well as connections to both literature and seafaring.

The morning is free to explore Ulverston, birthplace of Stan Laurel (Laurel and Hardy), with its vibrant cultural life, cobbled streets and independent shops.
Then you leave the town on foot and follow the Cistercian Way, a historic route that goes through rolling countryside and forest along old monastic routes. The destination is the atmospheric ruins of Furness Abbey.
The monastery was once one of the most powerful Cistercian abbeys in England and today lies in a peaceful valley where the weight of history meets a tangible silence. From here you continue with a short transfer to the elegant Abbey House Hotel, beautifully situated in its own grounds near the abbey.

You continue along the Cistercian Way down towards Roa Island, where a small ferry takes you across to Piel Island. Here you can have lunch at the Ship Inn, where the landlord traditionally bears the title "King of Piel Island" – a playful custom that has survived for several hundred years.
After the visit you take the ferry back and continue by taxi to Barrow-in-Furness station, where you collect your luggage on the way. Then you travel onwards by train southward along the coast to Ravenglass (recommended departure by 2:30 PM at the latest), before walking inland to Muncaster Castle.
You stay in the castle's old stable buildings, with the possibility to upgrade to accommodation in the castle itself. As an overnight guest you get exclusive access to the castle grounds both after day visitors have left and early the next morning – a peaceful and memorable experience with nature, wildlife and historical atmosphere.

You walk down to Ravenglass station and take the train to Millom, which was once an important shipping port for iron ore. From here you follow the coastal path northward along quiet beaches and open coastal landscape to Silecroft. Do stop for lunch at Silecroft Beach Café, an appreciated local initiative with a personal touch.
The walk continues onwards to Bootle, where you take the train back to Ravenglass. You stay tonight at Pennington Hotel, a classic railway hotel with distinct coastal character.

You take the train to St Bees, which is traditionally considered the start or end point for the classic Coast-to-Coast route. From the dramatic red sandstone cliff at St Bees Head you follow fine paths along the cliffs northward, with extensive sea views and rich bird life.
The route gradually descends towards Whitehaven, once one of Britain's most important Georgian port cities. Here you stay at The Edge, a new hotel with local roots and views over the harbor, where modern comfort meets a clear commitment to the place.

The journey ends after breakfast.