Walney Channel and Bridge
Walney Island was formed at the end of the last ice age, when retreating glaciers deposited rock, clay and sand.
Over time, tidal currents have continued to reshape the island, making it longer and narrower as material is moved along the west shore.
Key Takeaways
- A landscape shaped by history
Walney Island was formed at the end of the last ice age and has continued to evolve, shaped by tides and shifting coastal sediments. - A natural barrier to the Irish Sea
For centuries, Walney Island has sheltered the Furness coastline and Barrow from the full force of the Irish Sea. - Strong industrial and maritime links
The Walney Channel remains crucial to shipping and trade through the Port of Barrow, even as traffic has declined from its industrial peak. - A bridge with a story
The Jubilee Bridge stands as a reminder of Walney’s growth, replacing the old ferry and enabling easier access while still accommodating passing ships. - Wildlife and heritage in one place
From the seals at South Walney to the historic setting of Piel Castle and the old village of Biggar, the island offers a rich mix of nature and history.
Now England’s eighth-largest island, Walney is completely accessible thanks to the coastal path and the Jubilee Bridge.
The island, known in ancient times as Houguney or the Isle of Hougun, was mentioned in the Domesday Book and has long sheltered Barrow and the Furness coastline from the full force of the Irish Sea.
For those unfamiliar with the Furness Peninsula, Walney Channel separates Barrow-in-Furness from Walney Island.
The island has three villages — Biggar, North Town and Vickerstown — while the River Duddon flows into the channel from the estuary and out towards Morecambe Bay.
Because the channel is an important route for shipping to the Port of Barrow, it must be regularly dredged to keep it navigable.
The Port of Barrow
The Port of Barrow is situated in the south-west of Furness and includes an outer deep-water harbour and the Ramsden Dock Basin.
Today, the main imports include wood pulp from Scandinavia, along with iron scrap and ingot moulds from the same region.
While the former ironworks have long ceased ore imports, the harbour can still accommodate boats with a draught of up to 30 feet.
The Channel Bridge
In 1908, as Walney’s population grew, a bridge was built to replace the steam ferry service, which had begun on 27 May 1878.
The bridge had to be an opening bridge to allow shipping to pass up the channel to the docks, and it opened on 30 July 1908 at a cost of £175,000.
Originally a toll bridge, it was renamed the Jubilee Bridge in 1935.
This was the original ferry crossing point between Walney Island and the mainland, and it remained in use until the 1940s.
Above is the original ferry crossing point between Walney Island and the mainland that ran until the 1940s.
Biggar Village
The secluded village of Biggar is very old, with its name believed to come from the ancient Anglian word byggerth, meaning “barley garth” or a place where barley was grown.
In monastic times, it served as a granary for the monks of Furness Abbey.
Historically, the village had several farms and a number of questionable alehouses, and smuggling was also common because of its remote location.
Today, only one inn remains — the charming Queen’s Arms.
South Walney
Travelling south along Walney Island brings you to Hilpsford Scar and the South Walney Nature Reserve.
Here, you can see Morecambe Bay’s resident seal population, including the great grey seals that come ashore near the lighthouse.
This functioning lighthouse on Walney Island dates back to the early 19th century and is now Grade II* listed.
You can watch them from a safe distance at high tide, but there is no access to the beach where the seals haul out.
Haws Point marks the southernmost tip of Walney, where the lighthouse guards the entrance to Piel Harbour.
A hide at Lighthouse Bay also offers a good vantage point for watching the seals move up the beach as the tide comes in. The reserve is one of the southernmost places in Europe to see breeding eider ducks.
From South Walney, you also get fantastic views of Piel Castle, a 14th-century fortress built by the Abbot of Furness to guard Barrow-in-Furness against Scottish raids.
The castle appears only a stone’s throw from the old jetty at North East Point.
If you are looking for a holiday cottage in Grange-over-Sands with easy access to Walney Island and Barrow-in-Furness, ring 07785944194 or enquire here.
How to Book Kents Bank Holiday Cottage
Booking Kents Bank Holiday Cottage takes just minutes. Simply visit our website at kentsbankholiday.co.uk or call us on 07785944194.
Our friendly team answers your questions and helps you find the perfect dates for your Pet-friendly, Lake District holiday. We make the booking process easy, so you can focus on planning your relaxing getaway.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1) Where is Walney Channel?
Walney Channel lies between Barrow-in-Furness and Walney Island on the Furness Peninsula, forming a vital waterway connecting the docks to the sea.
2) How do you get to Walney Island?
You can reach Walney Island via the Jubilee Bridge, an opening bridge first built in 1908, which replaced an earlier steam ferry service.
3) Why is Walney Channel important?
The channel provides essential access for ships travelling to the Port of Barrow and must be regularly dredged to keep it navigable.
4) What wildlife can you see on Walney Island?
At South Walney Nature Reserve, visitors can spot grey seals, seabirds, and breeding eider ducks, making it one of the best wildlife locations in the area.
5) What is there to see at the southern tip of Walney Island?
The southern end offers views of Piel Castle, a 14th-century fortress, along with a lighthouse and excellent vantage points for watching seals along the shoreline. The island offers a rich mix of nature and history.