Askam-in-Furness Beach

The long, sandy beach in front of Askam village is situated on the northern coast of the Furness peninsula. Backed by dunes and marshes, the caost here offers views over the sands of the Duddon Estuary.

In the mid-19th century, iron ore began to be mined in the area and the village expanded to provide homes to the migrant workers who came from Ireland, Cornwall and beyond to work in the local iron and steel works.  The mining stopped in the early 20th century, but there remain reminders of the town’s industrial heritage, from street names, to the bizarre-looking Askam Pier which stretches out into the estuary.  The pier is actually made from slag from the old iron works.  A walk along the length of the pier offers fine views but can be quite exposed to the strong winds blowing in from the sea.

Look out for red slag heaps all around this area of the coast.  These former slag heaps, now grassed over are home to a wide variety of flora and fauna and have led to the beach being designated a Site of Special Scientific interest.

Askam-in-Furness is the home of Duddon Inshore Rescue - a volunteer lifeboat that serves the notorious tidal waters of the Duddon estuary.