The dismantled railway line is the remains of the Bardsea Branch line, established in 1883 and subsequently closed in 1917. The original plan was that the line would run from Plumpton Junction, outside Ulverston as far as Salthouse Junction, just outside Barrow-in-Furness, but the work was never completed going only as far as Conishead Priory. Originally intended to carry industrial goods, including loads of haematite, used in the production of iron. As part of the preparations for the line the rare and unusual rolling railway bridge across the Ulverston Canal was built.
The quality of the early morning light was wonderful, bestowing an ethereal, silver light over the waters and glistening sands. The soft mud of the embankments of the channel are a stark reminder of the dangers of the Morecambe Sands. Once clear of the overgrown railway embankment we enjoyed lovely, clear views out and over the bay. The main building of the Heysham power station dominated the distant horizon as it has done now for the past seven days. Fishermen lined the shore here, their rods cutting dark lines across the blue sky.
All along this shore, as far as Moat Farm, we enjoyed the beautiful light conditions. Walking under a slightly dark cloud for a short period, we were looking out into the light which gave many of the seascapes an almost dream-like quality. Blues, greys, white and silver colours dominated, lighting the middle and distant horizons. The sea water lingering on the sands sparkled and glittered, looking like a sea of diamonds.
Beyond the churchyard on the landward the substantial Aldingham Hall, now a residential care home, can clearly be seen. Built in in 1846 by Dr. John Stonard, upon his death he left it to his servant who had, apparently, saved his life on Morecambe Sands.
Along the top of the shore, where the sea has nibbled away the earth, interesting, convoluted roots could be seen beneath some very old trees. By Sea Wood, at times walking at the back of a salt marsh, we were dwarved by the high reed beds to our left, the light breeze causing the seed heads to produce a pleasant, light drumming noise. The wood to our right, dense with vegetation, curtained off the rest of the world.
Back on the coast, the light show continued and we enjoyed further lovely views before we reached the start of the road section at Newbiggin, leading down to the Point at Rampside and our final section up to Roose Railway Station.