John’s top ten walks

1. North Walney National Nature Reserve

Best visited in spring and summer. Over 300 species of flower have been identified on this reserve, including the unique Walney Geranium. In late spring, Natterjack Toads breed in the shallow dune slacks and their distinctive call can be heard just after sunset. Allow two or three hours for a gentle stroll round this beautiful reserve.

2. South Walney Nature Reserve

Down at the southern tip of the island there is one of Europe’s largest gulleries, with a mixed colony of Herring gulls, Lesser and Greater Black-backed Gulls. Eider Ducks nest on the shingle beaches. We’ll also visit Walney Lighthouse to learn about the history of this hidden part of Furness. For a great day out with only the gulls and seals for company, allow three hours and be prepared to saunter for a couple of miles.

3. Furness Abbey

No visit to Furness would be complete without a visit to Furness Abbey. This magnificent ruin dates back to 1127. from here we will be strolling up towards the village of Newton-in-Furness before visiting Dalton-in-Furness and its castle dating from around the same time as the Abbey. In a three hour ramble you will learn much about the fascinating history of the Furness area.

4. Barrow Town Hall tour and heritage walk

The town of Barrow-in-Furness is a typical Victorian town created after the discovery of haematite ore brought jobs and prosperity. There are some beautiful Victorian buildings, dominated by one of the finest town halls in the country. This two mile stroll will show what makes the town (and the town hall clock) tick.

5. Cistercian Way

If you fancy something a bit more taxing you could join us on the latter part of the Cistercian Way. This is a full day, 10 mile amble from Ulverston to Furness Abbey. On the way you will visit iron age sites, ancient churches, a castle or two and some of the finest views in our country.

6. Hoad Monument and Newlands, Ulverston

One of the dominating features of Furness is the monument on top of Hoad Hill in Ulverston. We will be wandering up the easy route to enjoy the panoramic views over Morecambe Bay. On our return we will visit the bloomery and Newlands. A slight hill but no stiles. Allow three hours to enjoy the uniqueness of this walk.

7. Swarthmoor Hall and Birkrigg

Furness is criss-crossed with ancient footpaths and bridleways. Swarthmoor Hall is the cradle of Quakerism and on this walk we will follow in the footsteps of the Quakers. A hidden place of special interest is the Quaker burial ground where Mary Fell, wife of George Fox, is buried. This walk also includes a visit to our own Stonehenge – the stone circle on Birkrigg. About four miles with a few easy stiles.

8. National Trust Nature Reserve, Sandscale Haws

I daren’t organise walks without a visit to our third nature reserve. This walk is slightly longer at about five miles so that we can enjoy the true beauty of Sandscale Nature Reserve. From here we can look across at the western Lakeland Fells with Black Combe dominating the skyline. The walk will take us through the dynamic dune system and along the fringes of the Duddon Estuary.

9. Furness villages and views

There’s no stink in Stank but this delightful walk starts in this little mining village. It offers amazing views over Yarlside and the town of Barrow-in-Furness, with the strip of Walney Island sitting in front of you. Another five-mile circular amle but allow three hours to stroll through some of the picturesque villages of Furness.

10. Across the sands to Piel Island and its castle

Piel Island! This walk was recently features on Countryfile and is the lead programme in the Islands of Britain series; presented by Martin Clunes. The beauty of this island stunned Mr Clunes and a walk with us offer you the opportunity to see the beauty for yourself- and to meet the “King” of Piel. The mile long stroll will take us across the sands to Piel and on our way we will once again look at the wildlife and history of this remote and loved island. Of course the walk is tide-dependent but I can promise one of the most lovely walks you can imagine. Enjoy a pint or two at the island’s pub before exploring with us the ancient castle.