Piel Island Cumbria
The seascape around Barrow-in-Furness certainly has pedigree. The town has been building warships and submarines since 1896.
Piel Island was originally named Fowdray and lies across the deepwater from Barrow.
It is a quiet and seemingly remote island about a mile off the shore of Walney Island.
The island was once under the control of the monks of nearby Furness Abbey.
These medieval monks were among those who profited from the flow of contraband across the waters.
Piel Island has one other old building, the Ship Inn, which is still open to the public.
This 52-acre stretch of pebble beach and wildflower area has no electricity, and only one person lives there year-round, known as the ‘King’ of Piel.
The King of Piel
Steve Chattaway, who is the former landlord of the 17th-century Ship Inn, was crowned King in a ceremony in July 2008.
This quaint old tradition, which is known as the ‘Knighthood of Piel’, has been handed down over the centuries by the local fishermen.
In one room at the inn is an ancient oak chair, and anyone who sits in it must become the “Knight of Piel”.
The ceremonial knighting is performed by the King of the Island (the landlord).
The “Knight” must pay for his “knighthood” by buying a round of drinks, but he assured that, should he ever be so fortunate as to be shipwrecked on Piel Island, he may demand a night’s lodging at the inn as much as he can eat or drink.
This fascinating island also boasts a ruined 14th-century castle and a campsite.
If you visit with children, you can spend many happy hours playing on the beach or collecting shells.
Additionally, you can try to spot seals at the water’s edge.
At low tide, you can walk out to Piel Island from Walney or catch the Piel Island ferry from Roa Island.
Incidentally, the ferry price is reasonable (at around five pounds each) and takes a few minutes to cross the Piel Channel.
Conclusion
Finally, if you drive along the scenic coast road from Ulverston, you will experience the beauty of the Furness peninsula.
Finally, the travel time by car from Lothlorien is about 45 minutes.
To enquire about staying at Lothlorien Holiday Cottage in Grange-over-Sands, ring 07785944194 or Click Here.