Piel Island

Barrow-in-Furness

Cumbria

England

New 'King's' crowning photos on Photos page.

Introduction

Piel Island, a tranquil little piece of heaven. 

   A 20 acre island, Piel is a designated Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI), it's a stones throw away from the south end of Walney Island and Roa Island, in the Borough of Barrow-in-Furness.  It's owned by the people of Barrow, gifted to them by the Duke of Buccleuch in 1920 as a war memorial. 

   Piel Island is traditionally managed by the 'King of Piel' a title given to the Landlord of the Ship Inn public house, the islands only watering hole.  The earliest record of a landlord was in the year 1800.  The original building itself was thought to have been built somtime during the late 17th or early 18th century and has had many alterations and extensions added during its life time mostly during the 19th century.

   Along with the pub the islands only other buildings are a block of 8 privately owned cottages (thought to have been use by local customs officers during the 17th and 18th centuries), a modern public toilet/shower facility and of course the magnificent ruins of the 14th century castle.  

  There are no mains gas or electric to the island and life can be a little harsh for those who wish to stick it out over the winter.  Modern conveniences are not too restricted - fresh water is piped from the mainland and there are flushing toilets!  Communication used to be by ship to shore radio but of course mobile phones have taken over!  How do they get supplies I hear you ask.  Well a ferry runs across the channel from nearby Roa Island, however the route residents usually take to get their supplies is either by their own boat or across the sands by tractor and trailer from the south end of Walney, but they have to wait for the tide to go out for the latter!  

   The island can also be accessed via a walk across the sands when the tide is out, this must never be attempted by a novice as the sands can be treacherous, assistance from an experienced guide must be sought.   Regular walks are organised through a local guide, to find out more about this contact: touristinfo@barrowbc.gov.uk or telephone our local guide John Murphy on 01229 473746.

   Humans are not the only visitors!  During the summer the clear waters and exposed sandbanks around Piel attract numbers of shore birds and in recent years seals have become are a more regular sight.  The original marsh pond in the centre of the island with careful management has become a haven for many other types of wild birds and wildlife who live happily alonside the domestic ducks.

Information Update - August 2008

Message from Steve and Sheila Chattaway new tenants of the Ship Inn

Since the abdication of the former 'King' in 2006 and our appointment last year, the local council has now got the  badly needed renovation and refurbishment work to the pub unerway, this means the pub will reamin closed to the public throughout this year.  HOWEVER, we are in the meantime able to offer refreshments and snacks to visitors from the The Bunkhouse Bar, a temporary conversion of the old bunkhouse while we wait for work to be completed.  We will be open everyday until the end of summer, the ferry will also be running in conjunction with the Bunkhouse Bar opening schedule.

Ferry crossings will be on demand starting at 10am until dusk throughout the rest of the summer.  Out of hours crossings may be arranged.  For further information please contact us on 07516453784 or email us at pielisland@tiscali.co.uk

We will be running trips to see the seals by request but these must be pre booked.

Campers are welcome on the island, facilities include separate male and female public toilets including a shower in each, but be warned the water is not heated!  Tent fees will apply and its advisable to phone for availability of space.

All visitors are asked keep their dogs on a lead and under control at all times.

We will endeavour to keep you posted on any new developments.

Best regards to old and new visitors and we hope to see you soon.

Steve and Sheila Chattaway

PS Go to the photo page to see Steve's crowning.  Photos

Click here for a Map of Piel and Roa Island.

This site was created 13 February 2003 by Carol Scarr and content is Copyrght ©