Moor Row Cycle Path: A West Cumbrian Gem

Nestled in the heart of West Cumbria, the Moor Row cycle path offers a fantastic opportunity to explore the region's industrial heritage and stunning natural beauty.

This relatively flat and well-maintained route is perfect for cyclists of all abilities, whether you're a seasoned pro or enjoying a leisurely family ride. ​

A Path Forged from History ​
The Moor Row cycle path was originally a section of the Whitehaven, Cleator and Egremont Railway, which played a crucial role in transporting iron ore from the local mines to the bustling port of Whitehaven.

The railway line closed in the 1980s, but thankfully, this valuable infrastructure was repurposed for recreational use. The cycle path itself was established in 1997, transforming a disused railway line into a vibrant green corridor for cyclists and walkers. ​

As you cycle (or walk) along, keep an eye out for remnants of its railway past. You'll pass old railway platforms which serve as fascinating reminders of a bygone era, allowing you to imagine the hustle and bustle that once characterised this route. ​

Moor Row C2C Cycleway Illustration
Moor Row C2C Cycleway Illustration

Your Gateway to West Cumbrian Adventures
The Moor Row path is more than just a local route; it's a vital link in a larger network of cycle paths, most notably forming part of the famous C2C (Sea to Sea) cycle route.

This iconic route stretches from the Irish Sea to the North Sea, and the Moor Row section offers a delightful leg of the journey for those heading east. ​

From Moor Row, you have several excellent options for extending your ride:
  • To Whitehaven: Head west and you'll soon find yourself on the outskirts of the historic Georgian port town of Whitehaven. This route offers a gentle descent and culminates with picturesque views of the harbour and its maritime heritage. The path continues right into the town centre, making it easy to explore. ​
  • To Bowthorn: For a shorter, scenic loop, the easterly path branches off towards Bowthorn, a small hamlet. This section is particularly pleasant, offering a tranquil ride through rural landscapes. ​
  • To Cleator Moor: Travelling east from Moor Row will take you towards Cleator Moor, another town with a rich industrial past. This part of the route provides a good connection to the wider network of paths in the area. ​
  • To Egremont: Heading south will lead you to the ancient market town of Egremont, dominated by the ruins of its Norman castle. This section offers lovely views and a sense of stepping back in time.
​Scenery and Serenity ​
One of the real charms of the Moor Row cycle path is the diverse scenery it offers. As you pedal along, you'll be treated to views of rolling Cumbrian countryside, often with the majestic Dent Fell providing a dramatic backdrop.

The path is lined with mature trees and hedgerows, providing a sense of seclusion and a haven for local wildlife. It's a truly peaceful escape from the hustle and bustle, allowing you to immerse yourself in the natural surroundings.

A Haven for Local Species
The transformation of the old railway line into a cycle path has created a rich, linear habitat, making the route a fantastic place for wildlife spotting. The dense hedgerows and bordering woodland provide shelter and food for numerous creatures, meaning you should keep your eyes and ears open as you cycle.

Birds are particularly abundant, from common songbirds flitting between the branches to various birds of prey circling overhead.

If you're lucky, and cycling near dusk, you might even catch a glimpse of the majestic Barn Owl silently hunting over the open fields that flank the path.

The region is also one of the few remaining strongholds for the native Red Squirrel. Look carefully in the trees, particularly where pine and conifer species are present, for these endearing, bushy-tailed animals.

Larger mammals also frequent the area. It’s common to see Deer grazing in the adjacent fields, especially during quieter times of the day. 

The ever-present Foxes can sometimes be spotted darting into the undergrowth, particularly towards the edges of nearby settlements. 

Who Manages the Route? 
Maintaining this green corridor is a joint effort that ensures it remains safe and accessible for everyone. The route is an integral part of the National Cycle Network (NCN), specifically NCN Route 7, which is managed and cared for by the charity Sustrans (formerly the Walk Wheel Cycle Trust). 

Sustrans plays a crucial role in the development and promotion of walking and cycling routes across the UK. For local maintenance and infrastructure planning, the route falls under the jurisdiction of Cumberland Council.

As the local highway authority, they are responsible for major repairs, surface upgrades, and ensuring the route integrates effectively with the surrounding area, often working in partnership with Sustrans on development projects like those linked to the Cleator Moor Town Deal. 

So, whether you're looking for a challenging long-distance ride or a gentle afternoon spin with the family, the Moor Row cycle path is a fantastic resource. So, pump up your tyres, grab your helmet, and go explore this wonderful Cumbrian gem!

Moor Row Cycle Path Illustration
Moor Row Cycle Path Illustration
Location: Moor Row CA24, UK

Comments

Post a Comment

Comments are welcome. Spam will not be tolerated. Strictly no advertising.

MOST READ

About Moor Row

Image
Hello, and welcome. This site is about the village of Moor Row in West Cumbria. The history of Moor Row is one intrinsically linked to the industrial boom that transformed West Cumbria. While the area's roots stretch back to before 1762, when the homesteads of Low Moor Row and High Moor Row dotted the landscape between Summerhill Mansion and Woodend with Cleator, the true genesis of the modern village lies in iron ore and the mighty railway.  From Homestead to Hub The early landscape was characterised by family landholdings, such as the estate of the Wildridge family at Low Moor Row, located on what would become Church Street. The marriage of Elizabeth Wildridge to the local gardener, Dalzell, and his subsequent inheritance of the estates, is a pivotal local event. This link is preserved today, not just through family lore but in the village's street names, a testament to the enduring influence of the early landowners. The Railway Catalyst The mid-19th century witnessed an expl...
Read more

Beneath the Surface: The Forgotten Iron Giant

Image
If you were to walk through the quiet streets of Moor Row today, you might find it hard to believe that this West Cumbrian village was once the beating heart of a massive industrial operation. Beneath the modern pavement and suburban gardens lies the legacy of the Montreal Mines - an enterprise that once rivalled the giants of the industry. While the mine closed in the 1920s, its footprint remains massive, fascinating, and occasionally dangerous. Let’s dig into the history of the Montreal Mines.  An Industrial Powerhouse At its peak, the Montreal Mines were nothing short of a colossus in the iron ore industry.  Producing an impressive 250,000 tons of ore a year, it was the most productive mine in the entire Whitehaven or Furness district, second only to the legendary Hodbarrow mine. The scale of the operation was immense: The Land : The property covered 1,000 acres, with half of that land being rich in iron ore. The Workforce : It wasn't just machines; it was men. Between 1,00...
Read more

Moor Row's Enduring Spirit: A Legacy of Sacrifice in Two World Wars

Image
Nestled in the heart of West Cumbria, the seemingly quiet village of Moor Row holds a history far richer and more poignant than its present-day tranquility might suggest. Like countless communities across the United Kingdom, Moor Row played its part in the monumental struggles of the two World Wars, contributing its sons and daughters to the fight for freedom and peace. The echoes of their sacrifice still resonate today, etched into the very fabric of the village, most notably in the solemn presence of its War Memorial. The Great War : A Village Answers the Call When the call to arms came in 1914, Moor Row, then a bustling mining community, responded with unwavering resolve. Young men, many working in the local pits or related industries, swapped their tools for rifles and their civilian clothes for military uniforms.  Families bid tearful goodbyes, understanding the gravity of the situation but perhaps not fully comprehending the immense scale of the conflict that lay ahead. The t...
Read more

The Village: History, Growth, and Erosion of Amenities

Image
The village of Moor Row, a residential community between Whitehaven and Egremont on the Cumbrian coastal plain, essentially owes its existence to the 19th-century iron ore boom.  Originally known by various names, including Low Keekle and Moor Row Junction, the community expanded rapidly from what was initially just a scattering of homesteads.  Founding Streets and Industrial Heritage The village name itself probably refers to the houses on Scalegill Street (or Scalegill Road), which were noted on the 1860 Ordnance Survey map and represent some of the original development. The definitive oldest terraced housing, however, is believed to be the row of two-up, two-down cottages built in 1859 on Dalzell Street. This street is particularly significant, named after the prominent Dalzell family, who owned parcels of land in the area and were connected to the local gentry and mine owners (specifically Thomas Henry Dalzell). Another street, Penzance Street, directly reflects the large-...
Read more

Moor Row: Starting the Adventure on Wainwright’s Coast to Coast Walk

Image
The Coast to Coast (C2C) walk is one of the UK’s most celebrated long-distance paths, the brainchild of the legendary fellwalker and writer, Alfred Wainwright. Spanning approximately 190 miles from the Irish Sea to the North Sea, it’s a trek filled with breathtaking landscapes, from the craggy peaks of the Lake District to the gentle undulations of the Yorkshire Wolds. But every epic journey must begin somewhere, and for the traditional western start, that place is usually the unassuming Cumbrian village of St Bees. Yet, the very first few miles - the section that takes you inland from the sea - often involves a necessary, but perhaps less-glamorous, stretch that takes you right through the former mining village of Moor Row. The Start : After dipping your boots in the Irish Sea at St Bees and picking up a pebble to carry to Robin Hood’s Bay (a lovely tradition!), the walk begins with a stunning, clifftop amble. The first sight of the coastline and the distant Isle of Man on a clear day...
Read more