This beautiful Lancashire walk offers breathtaking coastal views and unique wildlife, but visitors must beware of one thing before planning a visit.
This secluded walk is truly spectacular(Image: Lancs Live/Jude Tolson)
The Lancashire countryside brims with spectacular walks, picturesque villages and awe-inspiring views, establishing it as a haven for travellers.
Among the county’s wealth of beautiful locations, one particular walk stands out as genuinely extraordinary, with visitors describing it as “magnificent”.
Nestled at the very fringe of Morecambe Bay, between the Irish Sea and the southern banks of the River Lune’s estuary, sits Sunderland Point – a secluded and hidden strip of land brimming with pristine natural splendour.
Encircled by marshland and waterways, Sunderland Point offers an encounter with nature in true seclusion.
Distinctive and fascinating, much of Sunderland Point falls within a conservation area, with numerous surrounding properties holding Grade II Listed designation.
Taking the brief stroll around this remarkable peninsula transports you back centuries to the 1700s, when Sunderland Point functioned as Lancaster’s first transatlantic harbour, reports Lancs Live.
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Walkers will encounter wind-swept panoramas of river and ocean, salt marshes, tidal flats, hillsides, and expansive skies whilst tackling this three and a half mile circular route along Lancashire’s magnificent coastline.
Gifted with ideal conditions for nurturing wildlife, bird watching devotees will find Sunderland Point particularly rewarding, as glimpses of the rapidly diminishing curlew, greenshank, redshank, and oystercatchers are commonly documented across the salt marsh bordering the bay.
Wading birds are frequently seen cavorting in the mudflats or performing captivating aerial displays, whilst salmon are known to populate the River Lune at this juncture, where they can be observed being caught mid-river through traditional haaf-net fishing.
Important warning for visitors
However, Sunderland Point isn’t all picturesque landscapes and charming wildlife. The small peninsula is severed from the mainland twice daily by high tide, and if you neglect to check the tide times before setting off on your stroll, you could find yourself marooned for hours without any provisions.
The tidal causeway that links the extremity of the point to the rest of the mainland is prone to being entirely submerged by water, with one visitor even warning that improperly parked cars could end up underwater during high tide.
Indeed, the residents of Sunderland village largely structure their lives around the tide’s schedule – heading to work and school early and returning late, depending on when the tidal causeway road is free from water and safe to traverse.
For those planning a visit, it’s absolutely crucial to refer to the tide table for Heysham and bear in mind that weather conditions can significantly impact the height and timing of the tide.
If you’re making your way from Overton village on foot or by car, it’s essential to consult the tide tables, as the Causeway to Overton is very likely to sit beneath several feet of water for at least an hour or two either side of high tide, meaning careful planning is crucial.
Dog owners are also urged to keep their pets on leads whilst exploring Sunderland Point, as the route passes through a heavily protected seascape that’s vital for wading birds, with Morecambe Bay acting as their feeding area. There’s also the possibility of encountering farm livestock and cattle, so keeping your own animals on a lead ensures everyone’s safety.
Stunning destination worth visiting
Sinister safety warnings notwithstanding, every corner of Sunderland Point is breathtaking and merits a visit for the spectacular views and distinctive wildlife alone.
One Tripadvisor review says: “For me Sunderland Point was magnificent, I had always wanted to ride on a motorbike on a tidal road, we took advice and arrived at the correct time with the tide out phew, make no mistake chancing it is not an option, however you do have a few hours window.
“We arrived at the parking space to visit Sambo’s grave, look it up, very interesting, we had a lovely walk around, met some interesting locals then walked to the grave. Fun morning then onwards to Scotland.”
Another visitor notes: “I have never seen or known a place like this in the UK. The tide comes in and closes off the road making it an island for a few hours and goes out to give access.
“A few people live on the point and they are all lovely. I have met a few. When you visit always check the tide times so you are not stuck. There are no cafes on the point.”
Whilst another visitor offers a gentle caution: “A great place to drive over to see Samba Grave and to walk around the peninsula. DO make sure you know the tide times as you can get stranded with no return and where you park your car can be under water very quickly.”
The route
Pott’s Corner: Start your journey at Pott’s Corner car park beside the shore near the public loos. You can either turn right along First Terrace towards The Lane following the green trail, or press on with the blue trail that runs along Second Terrace.
First and Second Terrace: Soak up the views from First Terrace. At Second Terrace you’ll notice the wooden poles that were once employed for airing out and drying fishing nets.
Upsteps Cottage and The Lane: Upsteps Cottage, previously the brewhouse of the Ship Inn, is where Sambo the enslaved boy is thought to have sought refuge and died in 1736. Following The Lane as it winds past Mission Heritage Centre and continues along a hedge-bordered path, you’ll eventually reach the shore, passing the bird hide, Horizon Line Chamber and Sambo’s grave.
Bird hide: The perfect spot to observe curlews, redshanks, oystercatchers, and greenshanks on the mudflats and salt marsh – which serves as the feeding ground for nearly 40,000 waders including dunlin, knot, and bar-tailed godwit.
Horizon Line Chamber: This handcrafted stone sculpture is the work of Chris Drury, an artist of international renown.
Sambo’s Grave: The grave of Sambo, a young slave boy, is lovingly maintained by locals, volunteers and visitors alike – it’s certainly worth a visit to pay your respects.
Return to Second Terrace: Once you’ve finished exploring the Point, retrace your steps from the grave, heading back down The Lane from whence you came. Upon reaching Upsteps Cottage, take a right onto Second Terrace.
Alternatively, for a shorter return journey, turn left and follow the path along the shoreline, soaking up the stunning estuary views on your way back to Pott’s Corner car park, your starting point.
Old Sunderland Hall: If you opted for the right turn at Second Terrace, towards the tip of the land, you’ll pass Old Sunderland Hall. Across the water, you can enjoy spectacular views of Plover Scar Lighthouse and Cockersand Abbey.
