The best walks and hikes in North Walney National Nature Reserve

Yes, the reserve is well-suited for circular hikes. A good option if you're looking for a shorter walk is the Hiking loop from North Scale, which is a flat 2.9-mile (4.6 km) route. For a longer outing that explores more of the coastline, consider the Walney Channel Coastal Walk loop from North Scale, which covers nearly 5 miles (7.9 km).

Yes, dogs are welcome in the reserve, but they must be kept on a lead at all times. This is to protect the sensitive ground-nesting birds and other wildlife that inhabit the area's dunes and grasslands.

The reserve's flat terrain makes it ideal for families. There is a 2-mile pram-accessible route that follows the England Coast Path along the shoreline. For a slightly longer but still easy walk, the Lowsy Point Huts – Sandscale Haws Nature Reserve loop from Hawcoat is a great choice, offering coastal scenery on a 2.8-mile (4.5 km) path.

The main access point to the North Walney National Nature Reserve is via West Shore Road on Walney Island, near Barrow-in-Furness. There is a free car park available at the start of the main trails, which is a convenient starting point for your walk.

The reserve is a fantastic spot for wildlife enthusiasts. It's a key habitat for the rare natterjack toad, though they are mostly heard at dusk in spring. Birdwatching is excellent year-round, with species like Eider ducks, Oystercatchers, and Curlew often spotted. From June to August, look for the unique Walney Geranium, a pale pink flower that grows nowhere else in the world.

Most trails are a mix of sandy paths along the beach and grassy tracks through the dunes. While the main coastal path is generally firm, some of the inland routes, particularly on longer circular walks, can become boggy and wet after periods of heavy rain. Waterproof footwear is recommended if you plan to explore away from the main shoreline path.

Both offer excellent coastal experiences, but with different focuses. North Walney is known for its expansive beaches, dune systems, and unique flora like the Walney Geranium. It's generally more open and windswept. South Walney Nature Reserve is particularly popular for its birding opportunities and has several hides for observing wildlife, including a grey seal colony.

The area is highly regarded by the komoot community, with an average rating of 4.4 stars. Hikers often praise the stunning sea and mountain views, the sense of wildness, and the peaceful atmosphere. The mix of beach walking and dune exploration on well-signposted routes is a frequently mentioned highlight.

You'll find a wide variety of options for hiking in and around the reserve. There are over 200 routes mapped on komoot, ranging from short, easy strolls to more challenging day hikes. About half of these are classified as easy, making it a very accessible destination.

The section of the England Coast Path that runs through the reserve offers fantastic, uninterrupted views of the Irish Sea. For a comprehensive experience that combines coastal scenery with the varied terrain of the dunes, the Sandscale Haws Nature Reserve – Roanhead Beach loop from Hawcoat is an excellent moderate hike.

The flora in the reserve is at its most vibrant between mid-June and mid-July, when you can see an abundance of orchids and the rare Walney Geranium. For early purple orchids and globeflowers, a visit in May is recommended.