The Lancashire countryside brims with remarkable walks, delightful villages and spectacular vistas, establishing it as a traveller’s dream destination.

Among the county’s wealth of beautiful locations, one particular walk stands out as genuinely extraordinary, with visitors describing it as “magnificent”.

Positioned at the very boundary of the renowned Morecambe Bay, between the Irish Sea and the River Lune estuary’s southern banks, sits Sunderland Point – an isolated and hidden expanse of territory offering abundant pristine natural splendour.

Encircled by marshland and waterways, Sunderland Point represents where the natural world thrives in true seclusion.

Distinctive and fascinating, most of Sunderland Point falls within a conservation area, with numerous surrounding properties holding Grade II Listed designation.

Taking the brief walk around this unusual peninsula creates the sensation of travelling back through the centuries to the 1700s, when Sunderland Point functioned as Lancaster’s first transatlantic harbour, reports Lancs Live.

Walkers will encounter windswept panoramas of the waterway and ocean, saltmarshes, tidal flats, hillsides, and expansive skies whilst navigating this three and a half mile loop along the magnificent Lancashire coastline.

Endowed with ideal conditions for supporting fauna, birdwatching aficionados will find Sunderland Point particularly rewarding, as observations of the increasingly rare curlew, greenshank, redshank, and oystercatchers are commonly recorded across the saltmarsh at the bay’s perimeter.

Wading birds are frequently observed playing in the mudflats or performing captivating aerial displays, whilst salmon is known to enter the River Lune at this location, where it can be spotted being caught mid-river using traditional haaf-net fishing methods.

Crucial warning for visitors

It’s not entirely idyllic scenery and wildlife at Sunderland Point. The small peninsula becomes isolated from the mainland twice daily by the rising tide, and if you’re amongst those unfortunate souls who failed to verify tide schedules before setting off on your excursion, you might potentially find yourself marooned from civilisation for several hours without provisions.

The tidal causeway linking the extremity of the point to the mainland has a habit of being entirely submerged by water, with one guest even warning that improperly positioned vehicles could end up submerged if trapped by the incoming tide.

Indeed, the residents of Sunderland village practically organise their entire lives around the tide’s schedule – departing for work and school early and coming back late, dictated by whenever the tidal causeway road is free of water and passable.

For guests, it is utterly vital to check the tide table for Heysham and remember that weather conditions negatively impact the height and timing of the tide. If you’re journeying from Overton village on foot or by car, it’s crucial to consult the tide tables.

This is because the Causeway to Overton is likely to be submerged under several feet of water for at least an hour or two either side of high tide, so careful planning is essential.

It’s also recommended dogs are kept on leads while exploring Sunderland Point. The path traverses a highly protected seascape vital for wading birds, with Morecambe Bay acting as their feeding ground.

Encounters with farm animals and cattle may also occur, so keeping pets leashed ensures everyone’s safety.

A breathtaking place worth a visit

Despite the ominous safety warnings, every corner of Sunderland Point is breathtaking and merits a visit for its spectacular views and unique wildlife alone.

One Tripadvisor review reads: “For me Sunderland Point was magnificent, I had always wanted to ride on a motorbike on a tidal road, we took advice and arrived at the correct time with the tide out phew, make no mistake chancing it is not an option, however you do have a few hours window.

“We arrived at the parking space to visit Sambo’s grave, look it up, very interesting, we had a lovely walk around, met some interesting locals then walked to the grave. Fun morning then onwards to Scotland.”

Another visitor writes: “I have never seen or known a place like this in the UK. The tide comes in and closes off the road making it an island for a few hours and goes out to give access.

“A few people live on the point and they are all lovely. I have met a few. When you visit always check the tide times so you are not stuck. There are no cafes on the point.”

Whilst one traveller gently warns: “A great place to drive over to see Samba Grave and to walk around the peninsula. DO make sure you know the tide times as you can get stranded with no return and where you park your car can be under water very quickly.”

Pott’s Corner: Start at Pott’s Corner car park beside the shore near the public conveniences. You can either follow First Terrace to The Lane by turning right for the green trail or proceed straight ahead for the blue trail which runs along Second Terrace.

First and Second Terrace: Absorb the views from First Terrace. At Second Terrace you’ll observe the wooden posts which were formerly used to air out and dry fishing nets.

Upsteps Cottage and The Lane: Upsteps Cottage, previously the brewhouse of the Ship Inn, is where Sambo the enslaved boy is believed to have concealed himself and drawn his final breath in 1736. If you follow The Lane as it passes by Mission Heritage Centre and continues along a hedge-lined path, it will eventually guide you along to the shore, taking you past the bird hide, Horizon Line Chamber and Sambo’s grave.

Bird hide: The perfect spot to observe curlews, redshanks, oystercatchers, and greenshanks on the mudflats and salt marsh – which serves as the feeding ground for nearly 40,000 waders including dunlin, knot, and bar tailed godwit.

Horizon Line Chamber: A stone sculpture handcrafted by Chris Drury, an internationally-acclaimed artist.

Sambo’s Grave: The resting place of Sambo the slave boy receives devoted care from locals, volunteers, and visitors alike – certainly merits a stop to pay tribute.

Go back to Second Terrace: Once you’ve finished exploring the Point, retrace your route from the grave, back down The Lane from where you arrived, and when you reach Upsteps Cottage, turn right onto Second Terrace.

Alternatively, for a more direct return journey, you can turn left, following the coastal path whilst taking in the spectacular vistas across the estuary, leading back to your starting location at Pott’s Corner car park.

Old Sunderland Hall: Should you have turned right at Second Terrace, heading towards the peninsula’s tip, you’ll pass the Old Sunderland Hall. Across the waters, magnificent views of Plover Scar Lighthouse and Cockersand Abbey can be enjoyed.