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Winter walks and rides around the Bay

Embrace the winter months, wrap up warm and keep noticing nature in all its glory. Make the most of the daylight by planning ahead and most importantly, know where you can find the best places for cosy treats to reward your efforts.

Winter walks and rides around the Bay

Who's up for a winter walk or bike ride that involves a tasty reward either en route or at the finish? Here's our round up of suggested routes where you can easily enjoy a warming hot chocolate or great coffee and cake to complete your winter day out.

It's a great time for cycling or walking by the coast with abundant numbers of waders and wildfowl that overwinter here. The best time to see them is just before and after high tide as they move closer to shore.

Gentle strolls and flat bike rides

Head to Lancaster or Glasson Dock on the southern side of Morecambe Bay in the wonderful county of Lancashire.

With miles of flat, spacious dual cycle/walkway along the estuary and old railway line, this is the perfect destination to go for a stroll and meet up for a social walk with friends. The paths here are also great for wheelchairs and buggies.

Enjoy an out and back from either Lancaster or Morecambe, or start in Glasson at the Bay Cycle Way marker by the quayside - a fantastic route for spotting those over-wintering birds.

There's an array of cafe and pub options on this route but if you're looking for a welcoming, dog and cyclist-friendly spot, head to The Dalton Arms, tucked away by the quayside with great views of the dock.

Promenade pootles

Go for miles on foot, bike or wheelchair along the prom at Morecambe. Easily accessible by train or bus, it's a great place to go for a relaxing bike ride with the whole family with many cafes to choose from.

Alternatively, head for Grange-over-Sands where you'll find an equally impressive promenade with a very different feel, and lots of bench seating along the route where you can take a breather or sit down for a winter picnic.

Winter warmers for those who want hills and high views.

Around Arnside Knott on foot

If you're thinking of doing something a bit more challenging to work off that Christmas dinner, you won't be disappointed by the circular walk up to Arnside Knott starting from Arnside Station.

With amazing views across the Kent Estuary, lucky onlookers are often greeted with the views of snowy Cumbrian fell tops, and when you get back down to sea level, you could pop by Ye Olde Fighting Cocks Hotel in Arnside village, a traditional pub serving fantastic beers and delightful home-cooked meals.

Hampsfell hike from Grange-over-Sands

Wander through wintry woodlands up on to Hampsfell with spectacular views of Morecambe Bay.

Hoad circular walk from Ulverston town.

Enjoy a varied walk starting in the bustling town of Ulverston with its many cafes and local shops, and climb up to the Hoad and visit the iconic landmark seen from miles around.