Charley Island

Island in Westmorland South Lakeland

England

Charley Island

The Strickland Arms At the entrance to Sizergh Castle, the Strickland Arms is named for the family who have owned the Castle for centuries. — The Strickland Arms Credit: Eirian Evans

Charley Island is a small, uninhabited island located off the coast of Westmorland in the North West of England. Situated in the Morecambe Bay, it is part of a group of islands known as the Westmorland Islands. Charley Island is approximately 2 kilometers long and 1 kilometer wide, with an area of around 1.5 square kilometers.

The island is mostly composed of salt marshes and sand dunes, providing a unique habitat for a variety of plant and animal species. It is an important site for birdwatching and is designated as a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) due to its rich biodiversity.

Access to Charley Island is limited as it can only be reached by boat during low tide. The surrounding waters are known for their treacherous currents, making the island difficult to reach. However, it attracts a small number of adventurous visitors who are keen to explore its natural beauty.

The island is named after Charles Gibson, a local fisherman who used to frequent the area. Charley Island has a rich history, with evidence of human activity dating back to the Neolithic period. Archaeological excavations have revealed the presence of ancient burial mounds, stone tools, and pottery shards.

Today, Charley Island remains largely untouched and serves as an important wildlife sanctuary. It is a haven for various bird species, including wading birds, ducks, and gulls. The island's remote location and pristine environment make it an ideal spot for nature lovers and those seeking tranquility away from the bustling city life.

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Charley Island Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 54.262734/-2.767589 or Grid Reference SD5085. Thanks to Geograph Open Source API. All images are credited.

The Strickland Arms

At the entrance to Sizergh Castle, the Strickland Arms is named for the family who have owned the Castle for centuries.

Eirian Evans

The west end of Hincaster Tunnel

Opened on the 18th June 1819, the 378 yard tunnel was built to facilitate access to Kendal by the Lancaster Canal. The tunnel had fallen into disuse by the mid 1940s and it was officially closed in 1955. There is an Ordnance Survey 1GL bolt benchmark on the pilaster to the right of the tunnel entrance (detail photograph SD5085 : Benchmark, Hincaster Tunnel).

Adrian Taylor

Sedgwick Hall Bridge

Detail of the north face of Sedgwick Hall Bridge on the disused Lancaster Canal. The wicket gate caters for walkers using the former towpath which is a public footpath. There is an Ordnance Survey benchmark visible on one of the voussoirs of the arch (photograph SD5186 : Benchmark, Sedgwick Hall Bridge). SD5186 : Sedgwick Hall Bridge is a photograph of the bridge from the south.

Adrian Taylor

Benchmark, Sedgwick Hall Bridge

Detail of the Ordnance Survey 1GL Bolt benchmark on the north face of the arch of Sedgwick Hall Bridge. The benchmark marks a height of 46.0004 m above sea level (Ordnance Datum Newlyn) last verified in 1952 (location photograph SD5186 : Sedgwick Hall Bridge).

Adrian Taylor

On Viver Lane

Viewed where the lane passes below the West Coast main railway line on a fine April afternoon.

Mary and Angus Hogg

Heading for Hincaster

Viewed from the bridge that crosses a disused railway line on a bright April afternoon.

Mary and Angus Hogg

Junction near Hincaster

Turn left here for Hincaster or right for Woodhouse and Milnthorpe.

Mary and Angus Hogg

Towards Leasgill

This road leads to Leasgill and then connects with the A6.

Mary and Angus Hogg

Footpath near Hincaster

The roadside start of this path, one of many in the area.

Mary and Angus Hogg

This way to Hincaster

A quiet country road leading to Hincaster village. Roadside dandelions add a splash of spring colour to the scene.

Mary and Angus Hogg

Old Milestone Marker 04-53 F (between bridges 178-177), Lancaster Canal

Old Milestone located by the side of the dry section of the Lancaster Canal. This milestone is 53 miles from the centre of Preston and 4 miles from Kendal. Inscription reads:- 23 :: 4 (Miles from Lancaster and Kendal respectively) Milestone Society National ID: LAN-53

Cactus Chris

Old Milestone Marker 05-52 F (between bridges 176-175), Lancaster Canal

Old Milestone located by the side of the dry section of the Lancaster Canal. This milestone is 52 miles from the centre of Preston and 5 miles from Kendal. Inscription reads:- 22 :: 5 (Miles from Lancaster and Kendal respectively) Milestone Society National ID: LAN-52

Cactus Chris

Old Milestone Marker 06-51 R (between bridges 172-171), Lancaster Canal

Old Milestone located by the side of the Lancaster Canal. This milestone is 51 miles from the centre of Preston and 6 miles from Kendal. Inscription reads:- 21 :: 6 (Miles from Lancaster and Kendal respectively) Milestone Society National ID: LAN-51

Cactus Chris

Benchmark, Hincaster Tunnel

Detail of the Ordnance Survey 1GL Published Abstract Bolt benchmark on the west portal of Hincaster Tunnel. The benchmark marks a height of 45.9205m above mean sea level (Ordnance Datum Newlyn) last levelled and verified in 1971 (location photograph SD5085 : Transport Trust Red Wheel).

Adrian Taylor

Transport Trust Red Wheel

On the west portal of Hincaster Tunnel, the Transport Trust ‘Red Wheel’ sign highlights the importance of the tunnel as a transport heritage site. The Transport Trust is Britain’s only charity dedicated to the preservation of all modes of transport and its infrastructure and the Red Wheel heritage plaque is the transport equivalent of an English Heritage Blue Plaque. There is an Ordnance Survey bolt benchmark on the wall directly below the plaque (detail photograph SD5085 : Benchmark, Hincaster Tunnel).

Adrian Taylor