We started the last day of our walk by heading down to Coniston lake to reach the grounds of Coniston Hall and camp site. Looking back grey cloud still lingered over the fell tops.
The path now followed closely to the edge of the lake for quite a way. Initially the path was very easy underfoot, but gradually became rougher going with numerous ups and downs, twists and bends over tree roots and rocks. The lake was surprisingly quiet with few boats out on it.
There was a good view from Torver jetty, a stopping place for the Coniston passenger launch however there was no sign of it.
Reluctantly we left behind the lake to head up towards Torver Common. The previous days of rain had filled Torver Beck providing an impressive series of small waterfalls below the footbridge.
There were patches of blue sky and sunshine as we made our way through bracken across Torver Common.
As the path levelled out across open ground there were fantastic views back to the Coniston Fells. We gradually began to climb again through Blawith Fells to reach Beacon Tarn.
Beacon Tarn sits in a natural hollow, a very calm and relaxing area protected from the wind by the surrounding hills. In a few places the path became boggy as it ventured close to the edge of the Tarn.
As we climbed away from the tarn the hills behind began to recede into the distance and we had the disappointing feeling that we were now leaving the lake district behind. Ahead the scenery was changing with wider views of gently rolling farmland and in the distance our first glimpse of the sea.
The cloud thickened and darkened, bringing initially fine drizzle that turned heavier as the afternoon went on. By the time we reached Ulverston we were soaked once again.
The monument marks the official end (or beginning) of the Cumbria Way, but we still had further to walk as we had decided that Canal Foot would provide a memorable end to our holiday, overlooking Morecambe Bay.
We walked through the town to the Ulverston Canal basin where we joined the canal path. Ulverston Canal which is claimed to be the deepest, widest and straightest canal in the UK was built to carry Ships from morecambe bay into the heart of Ulverston.
The canal is mostly tree lined and the large GlaxoSmithKline factory which is situated on the opposite bank was surprisingly unobtrusive. It provided a pleasant final section to the walk especially as the rain had finally stopped.
The canal ends with the now redundant sea lock and beyond great views across the Morecambe bay to Cartmel Sands and Leven Viaduct.
Our bed and breakfast for the night was Honeysuckle Barn. We finished our day with a fantastic meal at the Bay Horse Hotel overlooking the sea.
Evening Meal: Bay Horse Hotel - Fantastic food although quite expensive. Amazing deserts
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