Backbarrow

Settlement in Lancashire South Lakeland

England

Backbarrow

The valley of the River Leven, west of Newby Bridge Trees and grass fields. Both the road and the railway are out of sight. — The valley of the River Leven, west of Newby Bridge Credit: Christine Johnstone

Backbarrow is a small village located in the southern part of the county of Lancashire, in northwestern England. With a population of around 400 residents, it is nestled within the picturesque Lake District National Park, known for its stunning natural landscapes and outdoor recreational opportunities. Backbarrow is situated on the banks of the River Leven and offers beautiful views of the surrounding countryside.

The village is primarily known for its historical significance in the industrial revolution era. It was home to the Backbarrow Ironworks, which operated from the late 18th century until the early 20th century. The ironworks played a crucial role in the development of the local area, producing iron and steel products that fueled the region's growth.

Today, Backbarrow retains its quaint charm and serves as a popular tourist destination. Visitors can explore the remnants of the ironworks, including the preserved furnace and machinery, at the Lakeland Motor Museum. This museum showcases a collection of vintage cars, motorcycles, and other historical artifacts, providing a glimpse into the automotive and industrial history of the region.

The village also offers opportunities for scenic walks along the river or in the nearby countryside, attracting outdoor enthusiasts and nature lovers. Additionally, Backbarrow is conveniently located near other attractions in the Lake District, such as Lake Windermere, making it an ideal base for exploring the wider region.

In terms of amenities, Backbarrow has a few small shops and a traditional pub, providing basic essentials and a place to socialize for both residents and visitors. Overall, Backbarrow offers a peaceful and idyllic setting, combining history, natural beauty, and a warm community atmosphere.

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Backbarrow Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 54.253158/-2.994583 or Grid Reference SD3584. Thanks to Geograph Open Source API. All images are credited.

The valley of the River Leven, west of Newby Bridge

Trees and grass fields. Both the road and the railway are out of sight.

Christine Johnstone

Great Wood, below Great Hagg

On the north-west bank of the River Leven, between the river and the railway line.

Christine Johnstone

The River Leven, upstream of Backbarrow

Seen from a train on the Lakeside & Haverthwaite Railway.

Christine Johnstone

New housing, Ironworks Road, Backbarrow

Residential or holiday? Built on the north-west bank of the River Leven, on the site of the Backbarrow ironworks.

Christine Johnstone

Haverthwaite Station, near Ulverston

The Lakeside & Haverthwaite Railway runs from Haverthwaite at the southern end of the line via Newby Bridge to Lakeside at the southern end of Windermere. It is a former branch line of the Furness Railway and was opened on 1 June 1869 British Railways closed the line to passengers on 6 September 1965, and to all traffic two years later. In the late 1960s efforts by enthusiasts to reinstate the line were frustrated by both an unsympathetic British Railways and the local planning authority who wanted to turn the route into a footpath. The line was eventually re-opened on 2nd May 1973, but no longer connects to the main-line railway system. At Lakeside, however it does still connect to the ferries on Windermere to Bowness and Ambleside.

pam fray

Haverthwaite Station, near Ulverston

The Lakeside & Haverthwaite Railway runs from Haverthwaite at the southern end of the line via Newby Bridge to Lakeside at the southern end of Windermere. It is a former branch line of the Furness Railway and was opened on 1 June 1869. British Railways closed the line to passengers on 6 September 1965, and to all traffic two years later. In the late 1960s efforts by enthusiasts to reinstate the line were frustrated by both an unsympathetic British Railways and the local planning authority who wanted to turn the route into a footpath. The line was eventually re-opened on 2nd May 1973, but no longer connects to the main-line railway system. At Lakeside, however it does still connect to the ferries on Windermere to Bowness and Ambleside.

pam fray

The Victor arrives at Haverthwaite Station

Much to the delight and excitement of potential passengers and photographers. The Lakeside & Haverthwaite Railway runs from Haverthwaite at the southern end of the line via Newby Bridge to Lakeside at the southern end of Windermere. It is a former branch line of the Furness Railway and was opened on 1 June 1869. British Railways closed the line to passengers on 6 September 1965, and to all traffic two years later. In the late 1960s efforts by enthusiasts to reinstate the line were frustrated by both an unsympathetic British Railways and the local planning authority who wanted to turn the route into a footpath. The line was eventually re-opened on 2nd May 1973, but no longer connects to the main-line railway system. At Lakeside, however it does still connect to the ferries on Windermere to Bowness and Ambleside.

pam fray

The Victor at Lakeside Station

The Lakeside & Haverthwaite Railway runs from Haverthwaite at the southern end of the line via Newby Bridge to Lakeside at the southern end of Windermere. It is a former branch line of the Furness Railway and was opened on 1 June 1869. British Railways closed the line to passengers on 6 September 1965, and to all traffic two years later. In the late 1960s efforts by enthusiasts to reinstate the line were frustrated by both an unsympathetic British Railways and the local planning authority who wanted to turn the route into a footpath. The line was eventually re-opened on 2nd May 1973, but no longer connects to the main-line railway system. At Lakeside, however it does still connect to the ferries on Windermere to Bowness and Ambleside.

pam fray

Haverthwaite Station

Foa short journey by steam train to Lakeside Station at the southern end of Windermere

Eirian Evans

Victor

A Bagnall Class loco purchased by the Lakeside & Haverthwaite Railway in 2009. It was resorted and is now in regular use once more.

Eirian Evans

Gift Shop and Ticket Office at Lakeside & Haverthwaite Railway

Eirian Evans

Train at Haverthwaite Station

Ex LMS Fairburn 2-6-4T No. 42073 waiting to depart from Haverthwaite on the Lakeside & Haverthwaite Railway. The railway has two of these useful tank locomotives, the second being No. 42085. They are the two remaining engines of this class and were the forerunners of a large class of similar BR Standard locos.

Bob Walters