6c Bus Route Morecambe
Clidia Panahon
Opened in 2015, the Bay Cycle Way hugs the coast for 80 miles from Barrow-in-Furness, through Morecambe and Lancaster, to the sleepy canal port of Glasson Dock. There are just ten hills on the whole route, and the only difficult one has sticky toffee pudding at the top. (Really.)
The intention is to develop loops and spurs along the way, but right now only the main route is open. That said, the Bay Cycle Way weaves in and out of other NCN routes, so you could easily add in a few excursions or diversions. Kendal is just six miles away by NCN, Carnforth will appeal to devotees of Brief Encounter, and the southern tip of Lake Windermere is only four miles from Low Wood.
I rode the Bay Way over a weekend in July 2021. I cycled Barrow to Morecambe on day one then rode the last section to Glasson Dock the following morning. To describe it as "80 fairly flat miles" is not entirely correct, there are some tough hills on the ride. However it was enjoyable all the same and would certainly recommend.
The Bay Cycle Way is a long-distance cycling route which covers 81 miles of awe-inspiring sea, sand, mountains and sky as you pootle around an amphitheatre of ever-changing views. From the coast of Cumbria into Lancashire, this route packs in everything from industrial heritage to nature gems with incredible 360 degree views to the Lake District fells and out to sea.
Developed in close partnership with Sustrans, the Bay Cycle Way is part of the National Cycle Network (NCN 700) and connects Walney Island near Barrow-in-Furness to Glasson Dock just south of Lancaster. This relatively flat route is one of many long-distance cycle routes that cross Cumbria into Lancashire and beyond, linking with the Way of the Roses, Walney to Wear and Coast to Coast.
The route skirts the coastline around the Bay, between the sands and saltmarsh and the outer edges of the Lake District National Park with views to the Cumbrian fells, and as you cycle towards Lancashire, you'll glimpse the hills of the Yorkshire Dales National Park too.
Most people enjoy the route comfortably over 3 days which averages between 25 and 30 miles a day, allowing plenty of time to soak up the views, take ample coffee breaks or explore some of the cultural sites such as Birkrigg Stone Circle or the Budhist Temple near Ulverston.
Use the route planner to devise your own itinerary. You will be able to see where there are places to stay, eat and shop and lots more besides. We've suggested a three day route here starting from Glasson Dock.
This route is a feast for the senses. As you cycle along the route you can enjoy the sights of the landscape, the smell of the sea, the sounds of the waves, and there are plenty of opportunities to stop for refreshments.
Along the Bay Cycle Way, you'll be able to take in stunning views across the bay, with a chance to detour down to the beach, where you can look out for seals at Walney, or try to get a glimpse of rare birds like ospreys or red kites.
The development of the Bay Cycle Way is part of Morecambe Bay Partnership's 700 Days Scheme which, with 0.5 million from the Coastal Communities Fund, will support over 260 tourism-related jobs and safeguard many thousands more.
Welcome to the official online guide to the Way of the Roses coast to coast cycle route. For 170 miles between Morecambe and Bridlington, this highly popular route passes through historic cities York and Lancaster, and lesser known gems such as Settle, Pateley Bridge and Ripon.
From coast to coast, you'll cycle across beautiful, varied landscape including the Lune Valley, Yorkshire Dales, Nidderdale and the Yorkshire Wolds and use traffic-free paths, on-road cycle lanes, country lanes and quieter roads. It's a challenge but rewarding cycling adventure for all. Combine with other routes to make a longer cycle touring holiday.
We aim to make this site as useful as possible for everyone, so do contact us with feedback. Please have a safe, pleasant adventure and let us have photos and stories to pass on to others. Keep updated with the Latest Route News about closures and diversions - also found on our Facebook page.
Thanks to Sustrans Volunteer Rangers and Local Authority partners, the route is generally well signed in both directions but this cannot be guaranteed so the official Map and Guide Book can be purchased from Sustrans on-line shop, Tourist Information Centres and Cycle and other shops along the route.
Red and white roses on signs make the route easy to follow in either direction but you may still need to consult a map where a sign is missing or damaged and where a diversion is in place. Diversions: Before and during your ride, please check the news page for on-going route diversions and/or signing issues.
Use the above map and weblinks to book on-line, cycle friendly Guest Houses, Inns and Hotels on the route or, if you prefer to see them in mile order, use our Accommodation List. Campsites, hostels and bunkhouses are also shown. Cycle friendly means that the owners welcome single night cyclists, have secure cycle storage and can either offer meals or there are places to eat nearby. Let us know if you have a recommendation that is not listed.
Our 'Places of Interest' page describes some of the key features on the route. You can also find out more at Visitor Information Centres along the route.
The Visit Lancashire and Welcome to Yorkshire websites cover all of the Lancashire and Yorkshire sections of the route, where you can also check availability and book accommodation on-line.
If you arrive by car and need somewhere to park, your accommodation provider might recommend somewhere or, you could park at the Festival Car Park opposite the Midland Hotel for 3.20 per night (2013 prices). It has CCTV cameras and is well-lit. All Morecambe car parks are open 24/7 and if using Pay and Display, you need to buy a ticket for each day the car is to be left. If you prefer an entirely secure parking arrangement, then the nearest guaranteed security car park is at Parksafe in Lancaster. Other options are available - see for the list of all Morecambe car parks and charges.
Just after York and Dunnington village, there's a short section of route (less than a mile) that's unmade earth and stone track but is usually firm going. Otherwise, the off-road sections are well made and suitable for most kinds of bike.
Unfortunately, going down Greenhow Hill has caught a few cyclists out and NYCC and Sustrans have produced a leaflet to let you know what lies in store. Have a look at this video too - please don't underestimate this demanding hill and remember that descending in the wet can impair your braking.
The start of the Way of the Roses route from Morecambe is on the sea front just south of the stone jetty and Midland Hotel at the Bastion. Look for the Way of the Roses information board and sign showing Bridlington 170 miles. Many cyclists mark their start with a photo at the Eric Morecambe statue found on the sea front.
The start/finish at Bridlington is on the north side of the bay, a short way down from the Expanse Hotel, at the bottom of Sands Lane - Postcode YO15 2JF. Again look out for an information board and sign, this time showing Morecambe 170 miles.
Morecambe is an 11 minute train ride from Lancaster on the West Coast mainline. The service is operated by Northern Rail, who are pretty good at letting you get on with your bike without a reservation and at no extra charge.
Space is allocated on a first come, first served basis, and strictly speaking they can only carry a maximum of two bikes per train. A 'bike' refers to an unpowered two-wheel cycle - it excludes tandems, tricycles, power-assisted cycles and trailers.
Smaller groups shouldn't have too much difficulty catching a train with their bikes from either Bridlington or Morecambe, especially if they're prepared to travel out of peak times. From Bridlington cycling on to nearby Scarborough (approx 20 miles on Route 1) might also be a possibility if you want a direct train to York, Manchester or Liverpool. For larger groups, getting home from Bridlington can be a bit of a problem. Local East Yorkshire coach company, Airlink Travel run competitively priced transport for passengers and bicycles to all UK destinations... more info
If you want to take the hassle out of planning your trip or feel like you'd need more support, we have several Cycle Tour Operators offering a full range of services, waiting to organise your trip for you.
The OSPs will transform electricity generated by the Wind Turbine Generators to a higher voltage, allowing the power to be efficiently transmitted to shore. They are likely to have one or more decks, a helicopter platform, cranes and communication antenna.
The exact location of the Morgan offshore booster station is subject to further onshore design refinement. This will take into account factors, such as seabed conditions but is anticipated to be located within the search areas shown on the map.
From the landfall, the onshore export cable corridor routes head east away from the coast. Beyond Blackpool Airport and Queensway (B5261), the route corridor narrows and heads south east towards North Houses Lane.
Option 2 (south) is the route we presented at our previous non-statutory consultation. Option 1 (north) is an alternate onshore export cable corridor route option proposed to mitigate potential environmental impacts. More information on this is available in the PEIR (Volume 1, Chapter 4: Site Selection and Consideration of Alternatives).
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