• Key Facts

  • Location: Cumbria
  • Size: 1300 hectares
  • Terrain: Easy coast path
  • Access: Road bridge
  • Height gain: 183 metres
  • Map: OS Explorer OL6 The English Lakes – buy here
  • Starting point: Earnse Point; Grid Ref. SD 171 699

Walney Island Coastal Route – England Coast Path Circular Walk

Discover the Walney Island coastal walk, a lovely 16 mile circular route on the England Coast Path. Experience sand and shingle beaches, salt marshes, bird reserves, and panoramic views across Morecambe Bay to the Lake District fells. This guide covers route stages, wildlife highlights, advice on tides and GPX download.

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Route Overview

The Walney Island circular walk is around 16 miles (26.1 km) with minimal elevation (max height: 21 metres). It takes most walkers 6–8 hours and passes through an array of coastal environments:

• Sand and shingle beaches on the west coast

• Salt marshes and estuarine habitats on the east

• Historic Vickerstown, the village of Biggar, and panoramic views to the Lake District fells and Morecambe Bay

This walk includes the North and South Walney nature reserves, making it one of the most biodiverse coastal walks in northwest England.

Route Sections

Stage 1: Earnse Bay to Biggar (approx. 9.5 km)

Start from Earnse Point and follow the western coastline. Enjoy expansive sands and views of the Irish Sea. Keep an eye out for kite surfers at Earnse Bay, which hosts a round of the British Kitesurfing Championships.

As you reach the southern section, you’ll pass South End Caravan Park and skirt the South Walney Nature Reserve. The salt marsh and lagoons here are home to grey seals, gulls, and rare plants like Walney geranium.

Stage 2: Biggar to North Scale (approx. 6.6 km)

Continue north through Biggar, with an optional stop at the rustic Queens Arms pub for home-cooked food and microbrewed ales. The route joins the eastern side of the island, following quiet lanes through Vickerstown and along the edge of Walney Airfield.

You’ll pass salt marshes and wetland edges, ideal for spotting waders and wildfowl. The townscape here reveals Walney’s shipbuilding heritage.

Stage 3: North Walney Reserve to Earnse Point (approx. 10 km)

At the northern tip, walk through the North Walney Nature Reserve. This is a remote landscape of dunes, brackish pools, and salt marsh. Listen for the calls of natterjack toads and look out for eider ducks.

The final stretch follows the western coastline back to Earnse Point. The sense of wilderness increases as you finish with open sands and uninterrupted seascapes.

Wildlife & Nature Highlights

• Grey seals basking at South Walney

• Dive Bomb Alley: South Walney’s gull colony with 17,000+ nesting pairs

• Natterjack toads – rare amphibians found only in select UK coastal areas

• Eider ducks, oystercatchers, ringed plover and migratory birds

• Rare flora: Walney geranium, dune helleborine, coralroot orchid

Tips for Walking the Route

• Start early to enjoy the full route in daylight

• Check tide times, especially if considering the Widow’s Crossing footpath (northern channel)

• Spring and early summer are best for birdwatching

• GPX file available below

• Bring water and snacks – facilities are limited

Where to Eat and Stay

Stay

• Walney Island Lighthouse – Stunning lighthouse retreat in South Walney Nature Reserve with sea views, wildlife, and family flexibility. Sleeps 8

Check availability and prices for Walney Lighthouse

• West Point House – Modern self-catering hotel‑quality accommodation with communal kitchen, garden, free parking.

Check availability and prices for West Point House

• King Alfred Hotel – Coastal hotel with warm hospitality, classic pub fare, and comfort close to bridge

Check availability and prices for King Alfred Hotel

• Westpoint Woods, Glamping – Pods and tents with garden views and all facilities

Check availability and prices for West Point Woods

• South End Caravan Park – Great for motorhomes (no tents), near beach and cycling routes

Eat

• Queens Arms, Biggar – Homemade meals, micro-brewed ales, and a welcoming local vibe

• Ocean Fish & Chips – Classic takeaway by the sea

• The Ferry Hotel – Traditional pub near Jubilee Bridge

• Barrow-in-Furness – Just across the bridge, with broader restaurant choices

Getting to Walney Island

• By car: Via A590 to Barrow-in-Furness, then cross the Jubilee Bridge onto Walney Island

• By train: Arrive at Barrow-in-Furness station, taxi/bus to start point

Check times and book trains to Walney island

• By foot: Experienced walkers may cross Widow’s Crossing (at low tide only)

Download the GPX route below for more details.

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Download Walney Island coastal route GPX

Final Thoughts

This is one of the most diverse island walks in England. From wildlife encounters to coastal solitude and historic towns, the Walney Island Coastal Route captures the essence of Islandeering: exploring the edges of the British Isles one walk at a time.

Whether you’re collecting Coast Path miles or simply after a nature-rich day out, this circular route offers everything a coastal walker could want.