This largely traffic-free 25k ride heads along the city’s quayside then follows the old trackbed of the Glasson railway south along the estuary to Glasson Dock with an optional extension to the ruins of Cockersand Abbey.

Refreshments: Lancaster City Centre and The Quayside At Glasson Dock, Tithebarn Hill, Glasson Dock, LA2 0BY
Public toilets: Glasson Dock car park

1. START

Begin by following Quay Road under the railway bridge, passing residential houses, and continuing into the industrial estate. At the cul-de-sac, take the bridleway straight ahead, passing through the woods by Freeman’s Pools, and continue over the freshwater marshes.

2. 2.7km

When New Quay Road meets the inland road, kink left, then right, to follow the Millennium Track between tall hedges. This route is signposted for Conder Green and Glasson. Continue for 5km until you reach the car park and picnic site at Conder Green, where you’ll find refreshments at the Greenfinch Café (closed on weekdays).

3. 7.5km

Cross the bridge on the cycleway to Glasson, with views opening up to the north, showcasing the Lakeland fells on the horizon. Glasson offers more cafes, a pub, and the Lancaster Smokehouse, where you can pick up some smoked products if you have space to carry them.

For an optional extension, head towards Plover Scar and Cockersand Abbey. Note that the scenic coastal route turns into a footpath that’s unridable for the last 500 meters, but the road route allows you to get within a few hundred meters of the Abbey.

Caution: Janson Pool can flood after heavy rain or during spring tides, making coastal access tricky. It's safer to follow the road route in both directions, but if weather permits, the footpath offers stunning ocean views on the return trip.

4. 8.7km

Road Route: From the mini roundabout near Glasson marina, go right over the canal bridge, then follow quiet country lanes south to Moss Lane. Turn right toward the coast.

Cockersand Abbey is located near a large derelict farmhouse on the coast. Follow the road as it zig-zags through farmland towards the large coastal farm buildings. When the road turns left near the barns, dismount and take the farm track straight up past the barns to the Abbey.

5. 12.3km

A few hundred yards northwest of the Abbey lies Plover Scar Lighthouse, which marks the entrance to the Lune estuary. Retrace your route to return to Glasson or push your bike north along the coastal path to Abbey Lighthouse Cottage, where you can remount.

6. 12.9km

From the cottage, continue north for another 600 meters to Crook Farm. Turn right along Marsh Lane track, passing the caravan park until you reach the road. Turn left to return to Glasson, and then follow the Millennium Track along the estuary back to Lancaster.