Our walk begins at Glasson Dock, a compact and characterful dock village at the mouth of the River Lune. Once Lancaster’s maritime outlet, the dock still retains its historic basin, lock gates and waterside atmosphere. Fishing boats and pleasure craft sit against the quay, and the wide estuary immediately gives a sense of space and openness.
Leaving the dock, the route follows the coastal path along the Lune Estuary, where the landscape quickly opens out into broad salt marsh and tidal flats. The walking here is airy and expansive, with big skies and long views that change constantly with the tides. This stretch is rich in birdlife, with curlews, oystercatchers and gulls feeding along the mudflats.
One of the most striking sights on this section is Plover Scar Lighthouse. Standing alone on the sands, this cast-iron lighthouse was built in the 19th century to guide ships into the River Lune. At low tide it feels almost reachable, while at high tide it appears isolated and defiant, a powerful symbol of the estuary’s maritime past.
The path continues along the edge of Cockerham Sands, a vast and atmospheric sweep of tidal land. The sense of scale here is impressive, with uninterrupted horizons and distant views across Morecambe Bay and, on clear days, towards the Lake District fells. Despite its openness, the area feels remote and timeless.
Turning inland, the walk leaves the coast and heads towards Cockerham through gently managed farmland. The landscape becomes quieter and more enclosed, with drainage ditches, hedgerows and long field boundaries reflecting centuries of agricultural use. This transition from wild coast to rural calm is one of the pleasures of the route.
As the path continues south-east, it reaches St Thomas & St Elizabeth Church in Thurnham. This 19th-century Gothic Revival church sits peacefully among fields and trees, its stonework and spire providing a strong focal point in the surrounding countryside. It offers a moment of architectural and spiritual interest within an otherwise natural landscape.
Beyond the church, the route passes through Back Wood, a small but welcome woodland section. Shaded paths, birdsong and seasonal colour provide contrast after the openness of the fields and coast, and the enclosed feel adds variety to the walk.
The final leg joins the Glasson Branch of the Lancaster Canal, a short but historically important canal spur linking the main Lancaster Canal to the sea. The towpath is flat and tranquil, running alongside still water fringed with reeds. Old locks, bridges and reflections in the canal create a calm, almost meditative end to the route, with swans and ducks often visible.
The canal leads gently back into Glasson Dock, returning you to the harbour basin near to where our walk began. Having passed through coastal wilderness, historic navigation landmarks, rural villages, woodland and canal-side calm, the route feels satisfyingly complete — a compact but richly varied circular walk that showcases the unique landscapes of this part of Lancashire.
Walk Distance: 8.35 miles or around 13.44 km
Time Taken: Around 3.5 Hours
Difficulty: Easy terrain, but some parts are very muddy and some streches are hard to follow.
Starting point: Tithebarn Hill Road, Glasson Dock
Postcode for Sat Nav: LA2 0DH
GPS Coordinates: 53°59'49.6"N 2°51'04.2"W
OS Map Link: https://explore.osmaps.com/route/3059...
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