Wednesday 8th October 2025 brings one of the highest tides of the year - that associated with the full moon after the autumn equinox. It brings a dramatic transformation from the lowest water to the highest in a matter of hours.
The Duddon Estuary is one of the further reaches of Morecambe Bay. As such it carries the highest wildlife designations along with particular local SSSIs. The Lake District National Park and World Heritage Site is all around and begins on the river at Duddon Bridge.
The setting is remote and spectacular with views to the central high fells and Black Combe and the Coniston range closer to hand. The Kirkby Fells and views to Walney Island are seen across the water.
The Estuary was sketched by J M W Turner. The River Duddon was Wordsworth's favourite river - hence his 34 Sonnets to the River. He describes the estuary aptly as being "beneath an ampler sky". The day's interest is captured by the local poet Norman Nicholson who describes the rapid transformation from a vast landscape to a lake.
Our little walk is designed observe this transformation and the changes of light that it brings. A local tributary, Black Beck joins the estuary nearby and its surrounding fields can be seen to change from grazing to wetland and back.
The walk is from the station car park down a straight metalled lane, through the gate to the estuary embankment. From the marsh gate there is a promenade downstream passing WWII relics. This is now part of the King Charles III Coastal Path. Upstream, the embankment turns back towards the station and a rough farm road towards Black Beck and the station.
So, perhaps a long lens to pull in views of Skafell Pike over the strange watery foreground and also macro kit for the hedgerows ...?
Wellington Boots are wisely favoured by local dog walkers.