Furness Haematite Trail

Cumbria

The wealth and growth of Barrow was not due to shipbuilding but to the steelmaking industry that developed from the discovery of superior grade haematite ore in the area. The Furness Peninsula was internationally renowned for its iron ore industry in the 19th and 20th centuries.

In the early 2000’s Barrow Borough Council devised a 19-mile walking trail, which had since faded with neglect. To preserve the history of the haematite industry, the trail has been revived and extended, staying true to the original route while visiting more mining sites and telling more of the story. The route of the Furness Haematite Trail includes historic sites of over 20 iron ore mines, Hindpool and Askam Steelworks, and other historic industrial sites.

(March 2026)

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Details:

Path Type:	Other Paths
Attributes:	Industrial History
Start and Finish:	SD190692 - Barrow-in-Furness Dock Museum, Cumbria
Open Date:	25th March 2026
User Group:	Furness PathFix Furness, Cumbria Furness PathFix
Web Sites:	Furness Haematite Trail

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Publications, Badges and Certificates:

Leaflet - PDF	Furness Haematite Trail - Introductory Leaflet  (Furness PathFix )
Route Description - PDF	Furness Haematite Trail - RD and notes for printing  (Furness PathFix )
Route Description - PDF	Furness Haematite Trail - RD and notes for phone  (Furness PathFix )

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