Cistercian Way
Visit historical religous sites on this fascinating walk through the South Lakeland area of Cumbria.
The path starts at the train station at Grange Over Sands and takes you to Cark via Eggerslack Wood and Cartmel with its interesting priory founded in 1190. At Cark you can catch the train over Cartmel sands to Ulverston. It is possible to walk this section over the sands but this is not advised unless you are with an expert guide.
At Ulverston the path heads south to Urswick, leading you around the lovely Urswick Tarn and the fascinating Birkrigg Common with its ancient stone circle and wonderful views over the Furness Peninsuala.
You continue on through Dalton-in-Furness where you can visit the historic Dalton Castle which is owned by the National Trust.
The route then passes the delightful Abbotswood Nature Reserve before arriving at Furness Abbey in Barrow in Furness. This ruined former Cistercian monastery dates back to 1123 and is one of the major highlights on the path.
The final section takes you south to the coast where you finish on Roa Island at the southernmost point of the Furness Peninsula.
Cistercian Way Ordnance Survey Map 
- view and print off detailed OS map
Cistercian Way Open Street Map 
- view and print off detailed map
Cistercian Way OS Map 
- Mobile GPS OS Map with Location tracking
Cistercian Way Open Street Map 
- Mobile GPS Map with Location tracking
Pubs/Cafes
On the route you could stop off at Barrow in Furness at the The Harbour Inn. The friendly pub serves good quality food and can be found near the docks. They also have a nice garden area for warmer days. You can find them at 1 The Strand with a postcode of LA14 2HG for your sat navs.
There's also the Abbey Mill Coffee Shop next to Furness Abbey. They serve a fine afternoon tea which you can enjoy outside with nice views of the area. You can find them at Abbey Approach with postcode LA13 0PJ.
Further Information and Other Local Ideas
An alternative section of the path starts/ends on Walney Island in Barrow in Furness.The scenic island includes two more nature reserves and the only grey seal colony in Cumbria.
For more walking ideas in the area see the Cumbria Walks and the Lake District Walks pages.
Cycle Routes and Walking Routes Nearby
Photos
The track near Mount Barnard
Looking back towards Ulverston
Entrance to Plas Geler. Plas Geler stands on an ancient Christian site associated with Saint Celer, a C7th monk who lived in the woods and caves of this valleyside. In past ages pilgrims came to worship at a holy well close to a chapel here. The Cistercian Way runs close by this site.
Roa Island
Ornamental lake at Grange-over-Sands
Birkrigg Common. In the background is Bardsea church
Urswick Tarn
Furness Abbey. The 12th century abbey was once the second-wealthiest and most powerful Cistercian monastery in the country, behind Fountains Abbey in Yorkshire. The site is now run by English Heritage who premit access for a fee. You can then explore the ruins and the visitor centre where there are a number of stone carvings and effigies to see.