Morlan one

Verified Slow Way

Verified by 100.00% of reviewers

Walked from Lancaster to Morecambe, on an unusually warm morning in early May.

As has been mentioned in earlier reviews, the eastern portion of this walk requires some steep gradients and the use of steps, so if wheeling, Morlan Two would be the preferable option. Also, if travelling from West to East, make sure to note Mary Oz's advice regarding the minor mapping error around the river crossing at Lancaster.

For the most, this route consists of following the formation of a disused railway line, which now makes up the well surfaced shared paths of the Lancashire Coastal Way & National Cycle Route 69.

Overall, this is a pleasant SlowWay, it's direct, off-road and has great road and rail transport links at either end.

Pleasant green corridor linking Morecambe and the coast to Lancaster City centre. Shared, tarmac path used by pedestrians, cyclists, wheelchair users.

The route was walked from Lancaster (Railway Station) to the statue of Eric Morecambe on the sea front at Morecambe on Thursday 10.06.2021 (morning) – joined by a friend for the whole route. It was undertaken using the downloaded gpx file, which was then uploaded on to OS Maps. The weather was largely cloudy but dry for the entire walk.

This route includes passing Lancaster Castle and Priory and crossing the River Lune via the Millenium Bridge with its views of the historic St George’s Quay. It incorporates a riverside walk and for much of the distance it follows a path and cycleway utilising a former railway line between Lancaster and Morecambe. The latter passes a mix of fields, suburban housing and industrial/ retail units and had many users including walkers, runners, cyclists and people using mobility scooters.

This Slow Way is mostly on the level. Gates at a level crossing across the existing railway line near Morecambe (photo provided) should not pose a problem for most users. Indeed, it felt fully accessible between the Millenium Bridge (‘footbridge’ not open to cars or other such vehicles) and Morecambe. However, gradients including steep steps were encountered near to Lancaster Castle. Notably, a substantial flight of steps (photo provided) was encountered between the Vicarage Field and Damside Street which could be problematic for anyone wheeling although a small diversion could access a non-stepped, but somewhat steep and fairly narrow, pathway (photo provided). From beyond the Priory to access the footpath (that crosses Vicarage Field and passes near to the site of a Roman Bath House) there was a flight of several steps (photo provided) for which no nearby alternative was apparent.

Care should be taken along entire route that follows the former railway line as it is a shared space with cyclists, although white lines try to demarcate use along much of this. Crossing the existing railway line via a level crossing near Morecambe obviously requires particular care (photo provided). To reach the sea front at Morecambe after completing the route that follows the former railway line requires crossing busy roads, but these have traffic light-controlled crossings.

Buses or trains are available nearby for anyone wishing to return from Morecambe to Lancaster by such transport.

This route makes full use of the Lancaster and Morecambe Greenway, a tarmacked, well-lit, popular off-road route, created from a former railway line. It is a good idea to stick to the pedestrian side of the painted centre line, which is the north-east side, unless you are cycling or using a very fast mobility scooter. The path can be quite busy at the weekend and during the green-commuter rush-hour, but it is generally quite pleasant to use, and is very direct and quick.
From the Eric Morecambe statue on Morecambe Prom, follow the Prom, with its lovely view, then turn onto Northumberland Street and head for the railway station and small bus station. A short way along the Greenway, you must carefully cross the single-track railway, on a pedestrian level crossing with gates at either side.
The next mile or two is suburban with the odd field. Then there is a section passing an industrial estate on one side, with housing on the other. At about 2.2 miles or 3.6 km, you pass a large 24-hour Asda supermarket, which has a café and toilets. The Salt Ayre sports centre follows, and also has a café and toilets. The route now runs alongside the tidal River Lune, with plenty of flora and fauna to spot.
After passing under the West Coast main railway line viaduct, there is a good view of some historic quayside buildings, including the old customs house, across the river. The route crosses the river on the Millennium Bridge. There is a fork on this bridge and IT IS IMPORTANT TO TAKE THE LEFT BRANCH, CONTRARY TO WHAT THE MAP INDICATES, otherwise you will find yourself below the path you need, as it crosses the stone bridge above you.
The route takes the footpath up to the left just after this, and goes quite steeply uphill (21% slope) for nearly 200 meters or 600 feet. It is tarmacked but this has broken up a bit. The first part of the path is about a meter wide, but overgrowth over the summer can make it feel narrower. There is a flight of six steps at the top. If none of this is a problem for you, it is worth the effort for the view out towards the Lake District, and because you then pass the Priory and the Castle, before dropping back down a bit to Lancaster Station.

Share your views about this route, give it a star rating, indicate whether it should be verified or not.

Include information that will be useful to others considering to walk or wheel it.

You can add up to 15 photos.