Beach Guide: North West

Information coming soon...

The tidal inlet formed by the Isle of Walney and accessed from Roa Island is an ideal windsurfing location. It is fairly well protected by the low-lying islands of Piel Island, Foulney Island and the Isle of Walney and therfore provides relatively safe flat water conditions ideally suited to intermediates. You can windsurf here at any state of the tide and in any wind direction. At low water in a SW-W wind there are perfect flat water speed sailing conditions along the sand bank at the far side of the channel There are a variety of conditions depending on where you sail and the state of the tide. As the tide fills in, the enclosed bays around the inlet provide for beginners a couple of hours either side of high tide. At other times, the tidal currents can be quite strong so it is not recommended for beginners at any time other than around high tide. Parking is available along the road and there is a local cafe. other facilities can be found in nearby Barrow-in-Furness.
To find Roa Island, from the M6 take the A590 towards barrow, when you get to Ulverston, take the coast road (A5087), follow this to the end and turn left at the roundabout into rampside. Follow this road to Roa island.

The large crescent shaped bay of Allonby offers good windsurfing and kite-surfing conditions for intermediates or experienced. There are lots of reports by locals of this area being one of the windiest in Britain. Most wind directions from Northerly through West to Southerly are good, and Easterly winds although gusty can produce offshore speed sailing conditions.When really windy small waves can form, but this isn't really a wave-sailing location. There can also be strong currents so it is not recommended for beginners. It is only possible to sail at high tide and as the water goes a long way out, it is advisable to check the tide tables before you travel. At low tide, the sands are good for kite-buggying, although there are a few patches of pebbles. The sands are backed by dunes which are a nice place to hang out and enjoy the views across the Solway Firth to Scotland.
There is a car park by the beach and toilets, shops and accomodation are available nearby.

Silloth has a long straight sandy beach with a few areas of pebbles and is backed by dunes. The beach is good for windsurfing and kite-surfing with SW winds being virtually cross-shore and NW winds onshore. The water is usually fairly flat although the chop can build up to provide some bump and jump conditions. Tidal currents can be strong. Kite-buggying on the sands at low tide is good too. Parking and all the amenities expected of a tourist beach can be found nearby.