Ulvlak one

Verified Slow Way

Verified by 100.00% of reviewers

This is pleasant easy walking, much of it along quiet country roads and close to the beautiful River Leven.

For about half the length of the road from Lakeside to Newby Bridge, which has lots of careful tourist drivers restricted to 30mph, it is necessary to walk on the road, but there is a pleasant woodland footpath along and above the road for half of it. Many walkers miss this as the signposts don’t stand out. The busy, fast, A590 can be crossed safely where there is an island and good visibility. A bridleway leads up to some rough ground (with cows) where the footpath is difficult to pick out and it would be easy to follow the wrong one It’s also potentially a bit boggy across here. Near the stone wall corner there is a stone step stile to cross, then the route stays alongside and just above a stone wall, initially under telegraph poles. Don’t be temped to use the ladder stile as that path will lead down the hill. There are nice views as you walk between the wall and the woods. You can get your first glimpse of the Hoad Monument above Ulverston.
After crossing the road above Backbarrow, there is a footpath through the woods, which is very nice apart from the noise of traffic on the A590.
The next section from Low Wood to Greenodd (ignore the Private Road sign aimed at cars) is level and mostly close to the River Leven. This is very easy going, although a lot of it is a tarmacked estate road/cycle track. The section through fields is very pleasant (and stays alongside the river, not cutting across the field, obvious on the ground). The river towards Greenodd is tidal and there is a slight chance of flooding during exceptionally high tides. Just before crossing the estuary the path continues on the south side of the fence and doesn’t do the strange curve north which is shown on the map. This is again obvious on the ground.
There is a footpath under the A590, but it could be fairly easy to miss it and cross the road itself. Greenodd has several lunch options. There are two pubs but one looks as if it is closed for refurbishment, and the other wasn’t open until late afternoon – on a Saturday! However, before heading uphill, a short, level, detour to the little business park by the A5092 will take you to the chippy and the absolutely excellent Bakehouse café (both closed Sunday and Monday).
The next 2.5 miles is all quiet country roads, except for a short corner-cutting footpath at Smithy Green which, when I walked this in June, it was totally overgrown with a deadly cocktail of nettles, brambles, and sticky goose grass, as well as fallen trees blocking the path. The roads are quite nice though, very quiet with good views.
The walk past The Falls and through fields is an excellent diversion with great views, especially as you pass the Hoad Monument, and drop down into Ulverston. This must be the best approach to the nice town, with its many facilities.
A very enjoyable walk overall.

Interesting walk with varied landscape.
Decent level of fitness required.
Route a little unclear at Greenodd - you can go under the A590 rather than cross it but not very clear on approach.
Padlocked gate after crossing the river at Greenodd.

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