The Bay Cycleway (with lots of food stops)

The Bay Cycleway is a 'newish' signed sustrans route in our area. It connects various quiet roads and cycleways around Morecambe Bay, from Walney Island to Glasson Dock, creating an ~ 83 mile route.

Under starters orders on Walney Island

We'd previously joined some friends on the section near to Lancaster. On that day there wasn't much time to stop, take pictures and enjoy the scenery as it was quite a mission for them to ride the whole route in a day.

Barrow cycleway

So we decided to complete the whole route, but over a more relaxed two days. Janet and Rob joined us for this mission. It nearly didn't happen at all as they wouldn't let us on the train with our bikes. It's bl***y annoying that Northern Rail don't allow you to book bikes on their trains and only allow up to 2 bikes on any train journey at the guards discretion.

Views back over to Bowland

We knew this but assumed there would be some flexibility and a willingness to help...... no, not a bit of it (must write to Tim Farron about this!)! The 9am train came and went and we weren't allowed on it, the guards cheerfully told us we probably wouldn't be allowed on the next train either... How on earth anyone with a bike wanting to do this ride ever gets to Barrow is anyone's guess.

Near Ulverston

Luckily Abi had the idea of getting a taxi (van) and we found one outside the station that we managed to cram 4 bikes and 4 people into. It dropped us in Barrow, and we cycled to Walney Island the start of our big (mini) journey.

The sun was shining and the riding started out flat and interesting as we rode through the industrial sections of Barrow, spotting a submarine in the dock, and enjoying the expansive views out to sea.

Cartmel (I think!)

I kind of don't know where we actually went on the next section, but it was very pleasant with quiet roads and further sea views. The views into the Lakes were also pretty good. Our ride also corresponded with a Buddhist Festival at Ulverston - didn't spot the Dalai Lama though....

At the top of the hill of doom

After getting slightly lost (me and Abi), and losing Janet and Rob there's a great off road section before the mother of all hills. We rewarded ourselves after the tortuous climb with ice creams in Cartmel before another hour in the saddle got us to Grange and a rather strange night out.

Cake perfection...

Day 2 was drizzly, but fun as we strayed onto our more local patch. We enjoyed a rather fine cafe stop at the Wolfhouse in Silverdale. At this point (considering I'd also had a cooked breakfast in Grange) I was starting to think that I'd probably put on weight during this adventure due to the high quality of cafe stops we managed to fit in.

Morecambe

It rained fairly heavily as we were on the canal section near Carnforth, but this was nice and refreshing. Sadly it put off most members of the team from wanting an ice-cream in Morecambe (as we sheltered under a canopy trying to keep warm).

The rain soon stopped and we were treated to 200 Batala drummers performing on the quay - quite a sight, and sound (heres a video of it)

Morecambe bay looking fine...

Reinvigorated we kept going on the last leg round to Glasson dock, and then the final 5/6 hilly miles home, as Janet and Rob headed back to Lancaster train station to retrieve their car. What a brilliant 2 days.

Finished at last! Only 5/6 miles home!