Objective: Cycle the Ulverston Canal along its full length, and back.

Trip Type: solo cycle

Distance: 3.5 miles

Time to complete: 28 minutes, 7.2 mph

Nicholson Guide: not in the Nicholson Guide

Costs: free parking in Ulverston

Difficulty: easy

Adjacent Rides: none

Overview

This is a ride you would only do when visiting the area. Perhaps you are cycling the northern parts of the Lancaster Canal, visiting the Lake District, or on a pilgrimage to the home of British football at Holker Street, Barrow-in-Furness. The canal is the shortest proper canal in England at just over a mile long (the Wardle Canal doesn’t count for me as it would be ridiculous for it not to exist). It is no longer in use: the sea lock is concreted over.

1. Ulverston Canal Basin to Canal Foot and back

You can park for free on the rough car park by the canal basin off North Lonsdale Terrace, or on North Lonsdale Terrace itself, LA12 9AU. Cycle round to the towpath at the far side of the basin via Canal Street, A590.

Cycle the mile down to Canal Foot on the metalled track, stopping to admire the rolling bridge, which could roll back the railway tracks to allow ships to pass. At the end, take in the views over Morecambe Bay. The aptly named Bay Horse is handily placed for refreshments and food. Return the way you came.

While you are here, you may as well climb Hoad Hill, and visit the “lighthouse” aka the Sir John Barrow monument, which you will see above you as you cycle back along the canal. It’s a 45 minute climb, then recover at the Old Friends Inn, Soutergate, LA12 7ES.