The Hoad Monument (Sir John Barrow Monument)
The Hoad Monument (Sir John Barrow Monument)
The Hoad Monument (Sir John Barrow Monument)
4.5
About
The prominent memorial on Hoad Hill was built in 1850 in honour of Sir John Barrow, a naval explorer and Second Secretary to the Admiralty, who was born in Ulverston. It is a replica of an early version of the Eddystone Lighthouse. On the 15th of May 1850, the foundation stones of the lighthouse monument were laid by the two sons of Sir John Barrow. There were huge celebrations in the town, with a procession, a religious service, and much rejoicing. The monument was finished by the end of 1850, and was promptly struck by lightning, causing nine stones to be dislodged from the cupola. It was fixed up, and a lightning conductor fitted. The total cost to build the monument was £1,250, and a further £136 to repair the lightning damage. Most of this was paid for by public subscription, and £100 was provided by Trinity House on condition that the monument had the capability to be used as a real lighthouse if deemed necessary at some future time. Since then, the monument has survived the elements, with the help of several restorations, the most recent of which was completed in 2010 at the cost of £1.2 million. Nowadays, it is maintained by a team of volunteer lighthouse keepers. It is open to the public on Sundays and Bank Holiday Mondays from 1pm to 5pm, from Easter to the end of October, when the flag on the hill is flying. The monument can be hired for weddings and other celebrations.
Duration: 1-2 hours
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- Gaynor EBolton, United Kingdom1,728 contributionsTake your camera .binoculars.Well worth the walk up. I went up on my own in the morning.plenty of benches on the way up so you can sit and get your breath back and take in the stunning views . Went up the step way and walk back down the other way which takes you through the countryside. Later that day went up again with my husband.Visited May 2023Travelled as a coupleWritten 24 May 2023
- Philip WSydney, Australia15 contributionsHoad is unique and very UlverstonCan’t believe they made us run up and down this damn hill back in the 80’s, but having said that we all survived and it didn’t kill us (not sure school health and safety would let kids run down the front these days). Visiting now, it’s such an icon and when in Ulverston I walk up and down every other day. Only suggestion, after reading some of the prior reviews, maybe sign post it, advising which routes are easiest and hardest for the out of town people. Wonderful views of the bay, the mountains in the Lakes and Ulverston itself.Visited July 2023Travelled soloWritten 2 July 2023
- SageTraveler700 contributionsA nice walk w/ many viewsGradual, windy uphill climb is worth the payoff: views of nearby Ulverston; the Cumbrian waterways; and the southern Lake District. Good for soloists or friends sharing a conversation. Plenty of space to sit for sack lunches. Or, walk off a nice meal.Visited August 2023Travelled with familyWritten 27 August 2023
These reviews are the subjective opinion of Tripadvisor members and not of TripAdvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
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4.5
242 reviews
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Jamie B
1 contribution
Jan 2024 • Family
The views were amazing and there is a couple of ways up depending on fitness, if you are looking directly ahead at the bottom, the left path is steady but steep, straight up is unsteady and steep, the right is steady and less steep.
Go from ford park (sat nav)
We are from ‘down south’ and we loved it.
Go from ford park (sat nav)
We are from ‘down south’ and we loved it.
Written 1 January 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Neldoo
Middlesbrough, UK187 contributions
Aug 2023 • Family
Unfortunately the monument wasn't open when we went up, but it was still very much worth the visit. It's a fair climb to get up there so be prepared.
The views are amazing, providing it's clear. We could just about make out Blackpool Tower on the horizon.
The views are amazing, providing it's clear. We could just about make out Blackpool Tower on the horizon.
Written 11 September 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
SageTraveler
San Diego700 contributions
Aug 2023 • Family
Gradual, windy uphill climb is worth the payoff: views of nearby Ulverston; the Cumbrian waterways; and the southern Lake District.
Good for soloists or friends sharing a conversation.
Plenty of space to sit for sack lunches. Or, walk off a nice meal.
Good for soloists or friends sharing a conversation.
Plenty of space to sit for sack lunches. Or, walk off a nice meal.
Written 27 August 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Lester
Telford, UK2 contributions
Jul 2023
Me and wife had a good old walk up this big hill and back down again, Bit hard the old knees but we had a good laugh with great views
Written 27 July 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Philip W
Sydney, Australia15 contributions
Jul 2023 • Solo
Can’t believe they made us run up and down this damn hill back in the 80’s, but having said that we all survived and it didn’t kill us (not sure school health and safety would let kids run down the front these days).
Visiting now, it’s such an icon and when in Ulverston I walk up and down every other day.
Only suggestion, after reading some of the prior reviews, maybe sign post it, advising which routes are easiest and hardest for the out of town people.
Wonderful views of the bay, the mountains in the Lakes and Ulverston itself.
Visiting now, it’s such an icon and when in Ulverston I walk up and down every other day.
Only suggestion, after reading some of the prior reviews, maybe sign post it, advising which routes are easiest and hardest for the out of town people.
Wonderful views of the bay, the mountains in the Lakes and Ulverston itself.
Written 2 July 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Gaynor E
Bolton, UK1,728 contributions
May 2023 • Couples
Well worth the walk up. I went up on my own in the morning.plenty of benches on the way up so you can sit and get your breath back and take in the stunning views . Went up the step way and walk back down the other way which takes you through the countryside. Later that day went up again with my husband.
Written 24 May 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
SteveOD1963
Derby, UK168 contributions
Mar 2023 • Friends
I visited today with a good friend of mine Ant who lives nearby beautiful scenery from Hoard Hill where the Sir John Barrow monument stands
Written 2 March 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Kas
2 contributions
Oct 2022
Took kids up but a bit far for them as weanther was bad so we will be back in the spring time when dry
Written 26 October 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Debbie S
Sandwich, UK857 contributions
May 2022 • Couples
Not usually a keen hiker but husband had spied this from our hotel and once we started we were determined to reach the top!! The path is fairly safe but is very steep at times but it’s worth it for the fantastic view at the top. It was a gorgeous sunny day and thank goodness for the slight breeze! Fabulous view of the countryside, Ulverston and the bay in the distance. Well worth the effort!!!!
Written 28 June 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
nadia021
Blackpool, UK258 contributions
Jun 2022
The prominent memorial on Hoad Hill was built in 1850 in honour of Sir John Barrow and this attraction is a stunning place to visit, surrounding views of Morecambe bay, Ulverston and the distant mountains of The Lake District and farmland at the rear are truly amazing. A tough climb up but worth every step. If you choose to climb to the Lighthouse / Monument, I would advise appropriate footwear, as the terrain is quite unpredictable and uneven paths in places. There are many benches for resting / photo stops on the way up, which makes it more accessible too many including me.
However there is an alternative and less stressful route to climb for those who are not as confident as others which takes quite a bit longer but not as steep, When you reach the top it can be quite windy and stands approx 500ft. The Monument itself is only open for viewing when the flag is flying.
Please note: that sheep are grazing around so please keep dogs on a lead.
If visiting Hoad hill by vehicle there is a free car park in Ford park, but they do ask if you would mind giving a donation towards upkeep.
However there is an alternative and less stressful route to climb for those who are not as confident as others which takes quite a bit longer but not as steep, When you reach the top it can be quite windy and stands approx 500ft. The Monument itself is only open for viewing when the flag is flying.
Please note: that sheep are grazing around so please keep dogs on a lead.
If visiting Hoad hill by vehicle there is a free car park in Ford park, but they do ask if you would mind giving a donation towards upkeep.
Written 26 June 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Marion M
2 contributions
Is there access for disabled? Is it suitable for unfit OAP with grandson for school topic?
gsmith3951
Barrow-in-Furness, UK4 contributions
Can it be accessed by mobility scooter
UlverstonCumbria
Ulverston, UK18 contributions
Hi. To be honest, I'm not sure. It may be possible, or perhaps not. I guess it depends on the capability of your scooter. There is a reasonably good track that runs from Chittery Lane to the top of the hill, but it's quite rough in places. You can get an idea of the quality of the track on the YouTube video "Hoad From Ford Park – Circular Walk | Choose Ulverston", starting at 4 mins 40 secs. You can also see the track quite well on Google Maps satellite view. At the T junction at the top of Chittery Lane, turn LEFT, and follow the track as it loops round clockwise onto Hoad Hill.
Vikki W
Blackburn, UK76 contributions
Hi, we’re thinking of going here tomorrow. Is the walk suitable for a toddler (aged 3) he enjoys walking but probably not if it’s steep or a scramble?
Many thanks
lakelover908
Kendal, UK1,157 contributions
Not too difficult. Seen toddlers go up. Slowly does it. Well worth the walk up. Return by the path beyond the Hoad, taking you back to Ulverston more leisurely than descending the way you went up. Only a mile or so in total. You start in Ford Park near the cafe and end up back in Ford Park.
billabon
walney island69 contributions
how do you get to the back of the Hoad please
UlverstonCumbria
Ulverston, UK18 contributions
There are several paths up Hoad Hill. One is from directly behind Ford Park, handy for the Coach House Cafe. The other is from Green Bank, next to Ulverston Parish Church. You'll find the path starts up a cul-de-sac next to St Mary's Mount Manor, LA12 7HD.
Jackie C
Chester, United Kingdom7 contributions
Is it ok for a novice walker?
LancashireToni
Lancashire, UK89 contributions
yes its a gravel path upto it, maybe wear trainers if no walking boots.
Emma Dickie
Nantwich, UK131 contributions
Where is the best place to park the car before going up the hoad?
UlverstonCumbria
Ulverston, UK18 contributions
There are a few options, depending on which route up and down you want to take. The easiest to explain is to drive into the grounds of Ford Park, and at the top of the drive you'll see a car park on the right. Leave your car there, and walk through the area of the house and cafe, heading towards the Hoad. I find that a bacon bun with chips and a coffee from the Coach House Cafe is a great energy booster. Then carry on up the hill, and follow the path all the way up to the top. You can come back down the same way, or alternatively follow the longer path down behind the hill, and make your way through the town, incorporating more pubs and cafes on your route, until you return to your car at Ford Park.
mdmlad
Cumbria, UK16 contributions
Where is start of the walk?
UlverstonCumbria
Ulverston, UK18 contributions
There are several routes up the hill. The easiest path to find is immediately behind Ford Park, which is also handy for the Ford Park cafe, before or after your walk. Alternative routes start on Green Bank and Town Bank Road. Neither are particularly well signposted. Best to look at an Ordnance Survey map first if you're unsure of the area. Alternatively, wait for somebody to walk past with a fit looking dog, and watch to see where they go.
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Claim your listingTHE HOAD MONUMENT (SIR JOHN BARROW MONUMENT): All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (with Photos)
Frequently Asked Questions about The Hoad Monument (Sir John Barrow Monument)
- The Hoad Monument (Sir John Barrow Monument) is open:
- Sun - Sun 13:00 - 17:00
- Hotels near The Hoad Monument (Sir John Barrow Monument):
- (0.66 mi) Candlewyck Luxury Bed and Breakfast
- (0.42 mi) Premier Inn Ulverston hotel
- (0.32 mi) St Mary's Mount Manor
- (0.56 mi) Church Walk House
- (0.50 mi) Log Home Village
- Restaurants near The Hoad Monument (Sir John Barrow Monument):
- (0.24 mi) Base Restaurant
- (0.25 mi) The Orangery
- (0.68 mi) Bengal Rose South Asian Restaurant
- (0.61 mi) The Stan Laurel Inn
- (0.63 mi) Poppies Cafe & Bistro