The Cistercian Way: Walk in the Footsteps of Monks

Step into history and discover The Cistercian Way

Created by writer Ian Brodie, The Cistercian Way weaves together a rich tapestry of heritage sites – both sacred and secular – around northern Morecambe Bay.

Many of the routes, footpaths and trails date back centuries and were once travelled by monks from Cartmel, Conishead, and Furness priories, giving the walk its resonant name.

On this exclusive event, you’ll explore ONE section of the route from Cark village to Grange-over-Sands, with an experienced guide.

Led by Cumbria Blue Badge Guide, Jeff Appleyard, you’ll visit key sites along the way, discovering fascinating histories and stories rooted in the area.

Historic highlights:
• Flookburgh Church – including a special visit inside
• Cartmel Racecourse – steeped in local history
• Cartmel Priory – with a guided tour of this magnificent building
• Cartmel Village – a charming stop for your lunch break
• Hampsfell Hospice

Viewpoints and Nature highlights:
This walk is as much about the landscape as it is about history. Along the route you’ll experience:
• Beautiful limestone pavements
• Dramatic views of the Kent Estuary
• Breathtaking panoramic views of the Lakes and Yorkshire Dales from Hampsfell summit
• The vast, shifting sands of Morecambe Bay

Why Join Us?
This event is organised by the charity, Morecambe Bay Partnership; part of our mission is to connect people with the extraordinary nature, heritage, and stories of the Bay.

With expert guidance, stunning scenery, and a journey through centuries of history, this will be a memorable walk connecting you with this very special area.

What to expect? Is this walk for me?

Start/finish: the route begins at Cark & Cartmel train station and will end at Grange-over-Sands train station. This is ideal if you’re planning to catch the train or use public transport. If you plan to drive and park near Cark train station, you can catch the train back at the end of the walk. The train journey from Grange to Cark train station takes 7/8 minutes.

Walking route: The walk is 8.7km/5.4.miles with 250m/800ft ascent (and descent). You will tackle hills on this walk so please be sure you can manage ascents and descents safely.

Terrain and risks: the terrain is muddy, stony, and steep and with some limestone pavement to traverse, care is needed in places. You will encounter a tall stone stepped stile plus numerous kissing gates. There are also short sections of road walking.

What to wear and bring: You’ll need to wear suitable clothing & sturdy footwear for the terrain, bring water and pack sunscreen and waterproofs. Weather conditions can be changeable so bring kit and clothing for every eventuality! Do bring snacks with your water and a packed lunch which you can enjoy at our stop in Cartmel village.

Minimum age: Given the walk duration and ascent, all walkers must be 12+ years and able to walk the distance plus hills comfortably.

Dogs: dogs are not permitted on this walk. This is to give maximum protection to nature, vulnerable wildlife and domestic grazing livestock.

Ticket price: This event forms part of Morecambe Bay Partnership’s fundraising programme. All well-organised, and carefully planned events incur costs. Your ticket covers a fee to pay the expert walking & history Guide, plus small donations to Flookburgh Church and Cartmel Priory both of whom will welcome us inside for a special visit and tour. The remainder of the ticket price will contribute to the charity Morecambe Bay Partnership and will help to support the nature, culture and heritage of Morecambe Bay.