Finally, we have been able to organise a short cycling tour. The coronavirus pandemic has brought strange (and troubling) times over the last six months. This three-day tour was originally planned for spring. It is only in the Autumn we have felt confident enough to undertake the journey up to Walney.

Day 1 of our Bay Cycle Way tour began by with me, Sarah, Andy S and Mike driving up to Barrow-in-Furness and unloading our bikes and panniers.

Then we set off through Barrow-in-Furness following NCN Route 70.

This initial 2.5-mile trip took us over on to Barrow Island.

And then on to Walney Island. We fought a strong wind down to the coast.

On the far side of Walney Island was the starting point of the Bay Cycle Way.

Soon, we were on our way.

The first section of the Bay Cycle Way, NCN Route 700, took us through the industrial ship-building heartland that Barrow-in-Furness was famous for.

After reaching the quays, we followed the docks for the next few miles.

We continued to follow the path around the peninsula.

When we reached Rampside, we debated whether to cycle over the causeway to Roa Island.

We decided we would. It proved to be a tough crossing with the wind trying to blow us off our bikes.

Having made it across, at the far end of Roa Island you can look out over to Piel Island.

However, today we stayed on Roa Island and stopped off for some lunch at The Bosun’s Locker cafe. It was busy when we arrived, and we were only offered outdoor seating.

Thankfully, before our meals arrived and were blown away, we were offered seating inside.

It was a great little place to enjoy our first meal of the tour. The food was hearty and tasty.

The cycle back over the causeway was easier with the wind blowing us back on to the mainland.

Back in Rampside, we cycled past Rampside Lighthouse, also known as ‘The Needle’. Built in 1875, it is the only survivor of the thirteen built around Barrow-in-Furness to guide ships into its port.

We continued along the coast road for the next three miles.

Before turning inland towards Leece.

We cycled through the village of Dendron.

By now we were starting to do some climbing.

The weather forecast had promised rain in the afternoon, and this duly arrived.

After cycling through the villages of Gleaston and Scales we could see Appleby hill ahead of us.

We shared the top of the hill with some sheep.

Then we left them to themselves and cycled on down the other side.

At the bottom of the hill was the village of Bardsea.

Finally, we followed Priory Road to Ulverston. In doing so we cycled past the Manjushri Kadampa Meditation Centre.

We had covered the first 22 miles of the Bay Cycle Way by the time we arrived in Ulverston.

It was my birthday, so after checking into the hotel we went for a wander into the town. It’s famous, of course, for being the birthplace of Stan Laurel (& Hardy).

I had booked my birthday meal at The Farmers. Sarah and I had tested this out on our recent South Lakes Safari Zoo trip.

Once again, it proved a fabulous meal, and we all thoroughly enjoyed our evening.

Finally, we headed back to the hotel.

Today had been a great start to the tour, and to add to this, had made for a great birthday.

Tomorrow we are off to Arnside

You can view our Bay Cycle Way Day 1 route from Walney to Ulverston below: