Cross Bay Walks - Come to Your Senses

Cross Bay Walking

Walking across Morecambe Bay is like walking along the horizon, with the sand beneath your feet and the huge sky wrapping right around you. It’s something everyone should experience at some point so, if it’s been on your ‘bucket list’ for a while, make this year the year that you do it.

People have crossed Morecambe Bay for centuries, in fact due to the soggy nature of the surrounding countryside it was often considered an easier option than wading through local bogs. Back in the distant past, the monks of Furness Abbey would guide pilgrims across, but there has been a King’s (or Queen’s) Guide to the Sands since the sixteenth century.

While it may look tempting to wander far out onto the sands and on a warm sunny day, this is an incredibly dangerous thing to do and our good friends at Bay Search and Rescue receive many callouts from people who become trapped in quicksand or cut off by the rapidly rising tide. If you’re going to cross the bay, then the only safe way to do it is on an unforgettable Cross Bay Walk.

Here are our pointers for things to expect and how to make the most out of the day.

Getting to the start:

However you choose to do this, you’ll need to plan ahead. All the walks run south to north, with Arnside to Grange-over-Sands the most popular option. However early your walk starts, there will be a lot of people parking in Arnside so be ready to squeeze into a tiny gap, or park further out and walk to the start.

For those parking near the finish, there are a good assortment of carparks in Grange-over-Sands. The small one outside the station will fill up fast, but the car parks in Windermere Road and Main Street are much bigger and only a short walk away. If you still luck out, then Hampsfell Road car park is tucked away, missed by most and is just 5 minutes’ walk from the station.

Talking of the station, there is a regular service between Arnside and Grange-over-Sands, and it takes just 4 minutes to get between the two.

What to wear:

This is very much going to depend on the weather. The main thing to bear in mind is that there is zero shelter out in the bay. No trees to shelter you from the wind, rain or sun, and no handy rocks to perch on as you change clothing.

Layers are the secret. Ensure you have plenty of light, interchangeable layers to slip on and off as the conditions dictate.

Footwear is a question most people ask before their first crossing. You will begin on tarmac and hard track, before moving along a pebble beach and then out onto the sands. The sand is mostly firm, but occasionally soft, and there will be wading required.

Walking boots and wellies work well but can be a hassle to get on and off for the wading parts. Hiking sandals are a very popular choice as they accommodate all terrains, plus you can wear them when you wade too. Just make sure that whatever you wear is well broken in, you’ll be walking most of the day so opt for comfort over style.

What to eat:

Now is the time to fill your rucksack with high energy, easy to eat on the go, snacks. There are several places in Arnside where you can stock up including a couple of fabulous cake/pie shops. And don’t forget to take plenty of drink too, especially if it turns out to be a hot day.

There are usually a few short rest stops on the walk, but no chance to sit down and unpack a huge picnic, so keep things as simple as you can. At the end of the walk there are excellent chippies in both Arnside and Grange-over-Sands where you can replenish your calorie deficit.

Bathroom breaks:

A delicate topic but one the needs addressing, even if only to state the obvious. There are no toilets in the middle of the bay, so you’ll need to go before you start. There are public toilets in both Arnside and Grange. Out in the middle of the bay the call of nature is far easier for men to answer – ladies will need to work together to create a shield and be ready to give your thighs a bit of a workout as there’s nothing to hang onto while you crouch.

Dogs:

Most walks allow dogs, but it’s worth double checking before you set out. These will need to be on leads at the start but many race around out on the sands. Your dog will need to be sociable with other dogs and, if you let it off the lead, well trained enough to come back when called.

Resting when you’re done:

You will be delighted to learn that the prom at Grange-over-Sands has plenty of benches and two cafés where you can rest and put your feet up once you’re done. It’s a great plan to have someone meet you there with a fresh bag of clothes and food, and possibly a hip flask…

However you choose to relax post walk, make sure you take the time to pause and reflect on your fantastic achievement.