🥾 England Coast Path from Lancaster to Morecambe
Date: 5th August 2025. More pictures from the walk visit our Instagram page 👉 @aa_on_foot
Route: Lancaster → Heaton → Overton → Sunderland Point → Potts Corner → Heysham → Morecambe. England Coast Path is not officially open at the time of writing this post.
Distance: Approx. 15 miles (varies with tidal route choices)
Terrain: River paths, quiet lanes, marsh, beach, promenade
Tips: Tide times are crucial for Sunderland Point and Potts Corner sections. OS maps recommended.
Other notes: You can include 2 Wetherspoons pubs on this section of England Coast Path 😊 – breakfast in Lancaster and well deserved pint at the end in Morecambe.
🚶♂️ Start: Lancaster
The walk begins at the train bridge in Lancaster. Cross the bridge alongside the River Lune, enjoying views back toward the city.
At the end of the bridge, turn right to descend to the river path. Here, the Lancaster Coast Way turns left toward Morecambe inland — but we chose to follow the river path instead.
Follow the cycle route (close to the river). When it joins the road, turn left and walk along Lancaster Road toward Heaton.
🛑 Optional Stop: The Golden Ball Hotel has a scenic beer garden overlooking the river.
🛤️ Heaton to Overton
From Heaton, continue along the road to Overton. No alternative yet – as per advice from Natural England and fellow walkers! There’s no path here, so care is needed along the verge.
In Overton, take Chapel Lane, which leads you to public footpaths around Bazil Point. This area can be boggy, especially after rain. Nice bench here to rest & to look back at Glasson Dock.
🌊 Sunderland Point (Tidal Section!)
When you reach The Lane (Causeway Road), turn left toward Sunderland Point.
⚠️ Tide Warning: This causeway is only passable at low tide. Always check tide times in advance and allow plenty of time to cross. Otherwise, you must use inland footpaths.
The name Sunderland means “separated land” — the tides cut off the route twice daily.
This now-tranquil area once served as a port, bathing resort, and artist haven. Fishing, farming, and river piloting were common professions.
We walked around Sunderland Point at low tide. The walk is very picturesque, relatively dry, and stony. If preferred, you can cut through The Lane instead.
If it’s of interest you can visit Sambo’s Grave, the resting place of a young African servant or cabin boy who arrived in 1736 from the West Indies. He died shortly after arrival and was buried in unconsecrated ground. A poem written in 1796 now marks his grave.
Nearby, you’ll also find:
- A bird hide
- The Horizon Line Chamber by Chris Drury — a dry-stone, camera obscura installation that reflects the seascape within.
🪨 Potts Corner to Heysham
From Sunderland Point, take the footpath to Potts Corner. The next section to Heysham is more challenging:
- You can either detour inland via roads
- Or follow the shoreline to Ocean Edge Holiday Park (only at low tide!)
⚠️ This beach route is rough underfoot and includes a hidden channel at the northern end — don’t stray out too far.
We took the shoreline route and enjoyed it.
🌿 Heysham to Morecambe
From Ocean Edge Holiday Park, pick up the well-marked trail through the Heysham Nature Reserve, which passes close to the power station.
At Shore Road and Smithy Lane, follow the coastal path into Heysham Village. From here, a promenade takes you all the way into Morecambe, offering classic seaside views to finish your walk.
✅ Final Thoughts
It was easier walk than expected. We are happy to share more details if you interested – please get in touch.
If there are any changes on open stretches, these are managed by the local councils and they should add any alerts to the interactive map here: 👉National trail
Recommending to stay at Westleigh in Morecambe seafront !!!!
