Coastal path opens up 'spectacular' views

4 hours ago

Phil Chapman,in Askam-in-Furnessand

Catherine Lee,North East and Cumbria

The newly opened route offers views across Morecambe Bay

BBC A middle aged man with short grey hair, wearing spectacles, a blue short-sleeved shirt, and grey shorts. He is standing on a sandy footpath cutting through rough scrabbly grass. Behind him, and to the left can be seen a tidal area with some boats which appear to be grounded, and mountains stretching into the distance. To the right is a high bluff. — The newly opened route offers views across Morecambe Bay

The latest section of the 2,700-mile King Charles III England Coast Path has opened.

Natural England claimed the new 34-mile (54km) section around the Furness Peninsula, from Foxfield to Greenodd in Cumbria, offers "spectacular" views across Morecambe Bay.

It also means walkers no longer go via shores affected by tides, and offers protection for rare wildlife on the sands and muds.

Adrian Waite, from Westmorland and Furness Council, boasted: "This part of the King Charles III footpath is absolutely amazing, if you look at the scenery it's the best you'll see on the whole route."

The route passes through coastal communities, nature reserves and industrial landscapes.

Following the eastern edge of the Furness Peninsula, it passes through Kirkby-in-Furness, Askam-in-Furness, Barrow-in-Furness, Bardsea and Ulverston before crossing the Leven Estuary.

Dog walkers, and their pets, have welcomed the new stretch

Andrew Tresise kneeling behind his seated dog - a black labrador - on a large sandy path with rough grass to either side, and a bluff behind him with a view of mountains in the distance. He is smiling, wearing glasses, jeans, a blue denim baseball cap and a grey sweatshirt. — Dog walkers, and their pets, have welcomed the new stretch

One of those welcoming the path was local dog walker Andrew Tresise, who said: "It's a great thing, opens it up, makes it a bit easier to get round the headlands, which is fantastic for walking the dogs.

"It's quite appealing that you can get right around the country, if I was a bit younger it's something I'd think about."

Claire Argent, Natural England deputy director for Cumbria, said: "The Furness Peninsula is one of those places that genuinely takes your breath away.

"This new stretch gives people the chance to experience all of that on foot, safely, sustainably and responsibly."

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