Walk Leader
Jonathan Powell
Capacity
10
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.
Walk Location
Flood Tide! Higher Duddon Estuary
Walk Directions
Meet Wednesday 8th October 2025, 11am
Green Road station, Strands, near The Green, Cumbria, LA18 5HR
Ample free car parking in the station car park.
There are trains in either direction around that time. Do let me know if you will be arriving early or late.
The walk begins with a short, straight, walk down the lane from the station to the estuary embankment - signposted - so easy to catch-up. The start time allows ample opportunity to see the rising tide - so time is not critical. For those who wish to return later to see the empty estuary, back to turf and sand, there are countless photo opportunities to hand. The RSPB reserve at Hodbarrow is just beyond Millom and again provides magnificent views and wildlife photography opportunities.
Accessibility
The whole walk is on the level and on public rights of way. Much is tarmac other parts are rough roads. The estuary embankment is not metalled and can be muddy.
Nearest public lavatories are in Millom or Broughton in Furness.
Mobile signal available on many networks but not strong.
Feedback Meeting Type
Zoom
Feedback Talk Date and Time