of the start location.)
Halton car park near Caton, Lancaster
Start form M6 Junction 34. Take A683, direction Kirkby Lonsdale. After barely 400 yards, take the first sharp left turn down very narrow, steep lane (Denny Beck Lane). Follow this about 200 yards down to the bottom and just before a narrow bridge turn right into the carpark of the disused Halton railway station.
The route can be joined from Lancaster railway station. Depending on skiing plans you can either follow path/cycle track to Millenium footbridge or cut across Quay Meadow roughly parallel to railway and cross River Lune using footbridge next to the railway bridge (closer to Salt Ayre/Morecambe).
About 9km one way
From Halton the cycle way follows the south bank of the River Lune until the park with skate ramps before the underpass near Sainsbury’s. Walk through the underpass and take track past Sainsbury’s or cut through car park to re-join cycle track heading toward Millenium footbridge. Use bridge to cross River Lune and continue on track on other side of River Lune.
After rising to the Morecambe Road and dropping again the track heads away from the river, passing the Salt Ayre cycle circuit (if you know where to look!) onto Morecambe. Finishing near Morrisons supermarket.
About 5km, about 1km shorter than the equivalent section of Lune cycle track.
There is a wide cycle track beside the A683 that can be used as an alternative to the Lune cycle track for part of the route.
It runs between the M6 Jct 34 complex (just west of Halton start) and where the Lune cycle track passes under the A683 just west of Salt Ayre and is linked to the Lune cycle track via cycle tracks.
It is suggested to join the east (Halton) end south of the Lune (having just passed under the A683) and join the west end (having just passed under A683) by following the cycle track branch to McDonalds to cross A683 junction.
Tarmac cycle track generally in good condition (there are short sections with tree root distortion).
The route climbs over higher ground to the north of Lancaster, as such both directions start with a climb and finish with a descent. The middle consists of a further 2 lesser descents and climbs. Depending upon ability it may be necessary to walk parts of the final descent.
Both ends require crossing large road junctions, best done on foot
Cyclists and walkers share the cycle way.
Underpass and route around Sainsbury’s are tricky and normally walked.
The Millenium Footbridge is skiable and not steep gradient, but with limited runout it can be difficult for newer skiers. So walking may be option.
There is a road crossing just by Halton station car park and a number between Lancaster and Morecambe. Whilst these roads are generally quiet, this means that driver’s may assume the road is quiet and not expect to see a flailing rollerskier.
On approach to Morecambe you cross the Morecambe/Heysham railway line via an open level crossing. Remove rollers for a safe crossing.
A683 cycle track is wide and good surface although beware of stones kicked onto it from road. Generally quiet but beware of downhill gradients
There is a pub in Halton (opposite side of river from start). Sainsbury’s in on route in Lancaster and the Salt Ayre leisure centre has toilets and cafe. Toilets, cafes and supermarket on seafront at Morecambe.
The route can be extended even further by moving the start point to the car park at the ‘Crook of Lune’ (or going out and back from Halton car park). You would then pass through the Halton station car park along your way.
The Morecambe Promenade route starts a short walk from Morecambe railway station/ Morrisons. These are often skied as a single trip starting at various location along Lune Valley depending upon distance required.
Details by MCCSC
Last updated 30-12-2020