Morecambe Bay has been described as ‘a great inner sea’. Low tide reveals a tawny desert 120 square miles in extent. Crossing the Sands – and the estuaries of Keer and Kent – was once part of a daring west coast route linking Lancashire with its northern territory of Furness. A milestone on the Cartmel peninsula gives the distance to Lancaster ‘over sands’ as 15 miles, less than half that of the land route via Kendal. The safe passage of travellers was ensured by appointed guides. Fishermen from Morecambe used trawlers known as ‘nobbies’ and were part of a lively coastal trade. At low tide the horse-and-cart fishermen would take to the sands, seeking shrimp.In his inimitable and entertaining style, the author follows the shoreline, showing the unique points of interest of each area: Ulverston has a lighthouse; at Dalton, clog irons and red earth hint at an industrial past; Furness Abbey was one of the richest in the north country; Barrow rose from a hamlet to become the world’s biggest centre for iron and steel in Victorian times. This fascinating book will interest visitors and residents alike.
