Ulverston lies across the Leven Estuary from the Cartmel peninsula, its narrow streets stretched out below the market town’s most famous landmark, the Sir John Barrow Monument.
Built on Hoad Hill in 1850 and modelled on an early version of the Eddystone Lighthouse in Cornwall, the monument commemorates the Ulverston born naval administrator and explorer, Sir John Barrow (1764-1848). There are several footpaths up to the top and great views when you get there.
Ulverston used to be a busy port, thanks to what was once the shortest, straightest, widest and deepest canal in Britain. Completed in 1796, the one and a half mile (2.4km) long waterway enabled ships to sail in from Morecambe Bay and unload coal, timber and other goods. Iron ore, copper ore, slate, charcoal and bobbins were sent out to places far and wide.
The coming of the railway to the town in the 1850s signalled a long period of decline for the canal and it eventually closed to commercial traffic in 1916. Fortunately walkers can still enjoy its tranquillity.
