9th May
 - 'flying start to the season!'
Halifax 4 / 54 Barrow

​16th May
 - 'two wins from two!'
Barrow 50 / 10 Keighley

Gardener John Belshaw has tended the grounds & gardens of West Point House for over 3 years, tasked with turning what were large & rather unkempt gardens into the beautiful outdoor spaces our residents & guests now enjoy,   - so especially important with the warmer weather approaching, & outdoors remaining the most sensible place to socialise during covid

Walney Island is celebrated & notorious for sunshine & wind (in equal measure), the shape of the trees having a signature ‘Walney curve’ as they brace the elements. The saline marshes that cover both the north & south end of the island mean its natural vegetation consists of salt tolerant plants, shrubs & grasses, which can make it something of a challenge when planting a garden that is open to these extremes of weather & environment. We asked John for his advice on maintaining a garden subject to the strong winds of Walney Island -

 - “Your garden should be planted in a way that alleviates the harsh elements & creates pockets of shelter to protect plants, spaced out evenly to allow for growth in the summer & cut back during the winter”

John’s choice of plants for West Point House consists of Valerian, Spirea, Geraniums, Formium & Alchemilla Mollis, along with Daffodils, Bluebells, Tulips & Daisies, which create a continual bloom that starts in late winter & continues through spring into summer

 - “These are hardy base plants that spread well & form a lovely colourful backdrop, but are low maintenance & return each year,   - we also have Bamboo, Mint & Hydrangea, which add height & depth, & provide some much-needed shelter to the more delicate plants”

Although the Walney weather can be unforgiving at times, the upside of a coastal garden is the reduced risk of frost over the winter months. Bulbs can be planted during spring to flower from March, cut back in autumn & left till the following year, where they will return in larger numbers,   - a proven way to manage a low maintenance garden that thrives -

 - www.westpointhousewalney.com/gallery

​West Point House’s location is perfect for business guests who prefer a more dynamic way to relax and unwind. Boasting some of the most scenic runs within Cumbria and alongside Morecambe Bay, West Point House is perfectly nestled just a 1-minute jog away from Earnse Bay and has the Walney circuit of the Cumbria Coastal Path within easy reach – a mere 26 miles for devoted athletes. We are also affiliated with our local Running Organization “Walney Wind Cheetahs” for any guests wishing to join up for motivation, company and to gain knowledge of more challenging routes. During the pandemic and at a time when gyms and fitness classes have closed, our guests have found our location perfect for maintaining their fitness whilst working, at absolutely no cost and with the added benefits of soul lifting views and the Walney breeze, - we also boast a large garden with weights, kettlebells and plenty of room for stretching and exercise regimes.

​“West Point House has become my choice of accommodation whilst on business in Barrow. My first evening there I took myself out for a run across the sands of Earnse Bay, I was delighted! In addition to being quiet, exceptionally clean and the rooms of a high standard, I am free to come and go as I please and use the facilities to cook the meals I want to, without spending a fortune in pubs and restaurants. The garden space is equipped with weights so it’s ideal for training without needing to join a gym, - it’s a great place if you have a level of fitness or a particular diet you want to maintain whilst away working” - FQ April ‘21

West Point House - proud sponsors of the South Walney Seals
 - we’ve sponsored a seal at South Walney Nature Reserve - now just to decide whether to call her/him; Derek, David, or Alana
South Walney Nature Reserve - 20 minutes south of West Point House – perfect for post shift fresh air, or a weekend leisurely linger
www.cumbriawildlifetrust.org.uk/shop#!/Sponsor-a-seal
www.cumbriawildlifetrust.org.uk/nature-reserves/south-walney​

 - "...we visited West Point House and saw a top-notch self-catering premises that, through the hard work of Heather and John, has made itself safe and ready to welcome guests back..." -

Click link for full story -
www.nwemail.co.uk/news/18564755.mp-goes-whistle-stop-tour-showcase-best-furness

www.cumbriatourism.org/cumbrias-tourism-businesses-praised-by-mps-during-weekend-county-wide-tour

​www.furnessgolfclub.co.uk

 - "From the majestic peaks of the Lakeland hills to the sparkling waters of Morecambe Bay panoramic views greet the eye on every tee. On a clear day, you can see the Isle of Man on the sea’s horizon. But the weather can be capricious. Play two rounds on Furness and, with the vagaries of the prevailing west wind, by the end of the day, you may believe you have played two different courses
   Whether the hills are wearing a covering of white on a clear frosty day or the summer heat haze dazzles on the water, playing Furness always creates an unforgettable memory. On the westernmost of the Cumbrian peninsulas your Furness experience awaits"

 - "Visitors are welcome to Furness Golf club throughout the week and can look forward to a challenging round..." - & West Point House guests do get particularly well looked after! - the 17th & 19th... our two favourite holes!

 - "Ange Harker celebrates the latest addition to the England Coast Path" ...

- “If everyone does their bit, we can all have electric cars and reduce pollution - electric cars are the future"

www.nwemail.co.uk/news/18508970.guesthouse-reopens-walneys-first-electric-car-charging-station
​www.in-cumbria.com/news/18510371.guesthouse-reopens-walneys-first-electric-car-charging-station
​www.facebook.com/northwesteveningmail/posts/3138061489565322

​www.chargemystreet.co.uk

 - after Storms Ciara & Dennis, we’re due a little Spring weather,   – a reminder of warm sunshine & relaxing evenings …

"On 12th February 2020 the second stretch on the England Coast Path becomes open in Cumbria and for the first time people have a legal right to circumnavigate the island, offering some stunning landscapes for walkers on the way. To the north, there are wonderful views of Black Combe and the Lake District Fells, to the west the Irish Sea and the massed ranks of wind turbines, to the south views across Morecambe Bay to Blackpool and to the east, Piel Channel and the adjoining Furness coastline. This 33km (21 miles) section will eventually connect to the rest of the England Coast Path"

 - "...excited & honoured to be involved in the opening of the England Coast Path on Walney. The Cumbrian coast is a place of beauty and we hope that with the recognition this path offers we will be able to welcome many new visitors to our area"

BBC North West - 
 - "This coastal path has been described as one of the best-kept secrets in the country - and now it's easier than ever to explore" - 
www.facebook.com/BBCNW/posts/2998948590136183

GOV.UK - 
 - "Walkers to enjoy new 21-mile coastal path on Walney Island" - 
www.gov.uk/government/news/walkers-to-enjoy-new-21-mile-coastal-path-on-walney-island

"More grey seals have been reported than ever before at South Walney nature reserve in Cumbria - with 483 seals including seven pups, up from 360 the previous year"

​www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-50949041

 - with stunning views across Morecambe bay, this shingle island reserve is full of interest and a fantastic place for bird watching. South Walney Nature Reserve is home to the only grey seal colony in Cumbria

www.cumbriawildlifetrust.org.uk/nature-reserves/south-walney

​ - our fabulous new rooms are ready! - en-suite rooms refurbished for 2020
 - luxury self catering rooms, suitable for contractors & leisure visitors alike

 - 'fabulous to see Walney & Furness in National Geographic UK, - a pleasure for West Point House to host journalist Mark Rowe, hopefully back with us soon to see the Southern seals & North Walney owls, & enjoy another evening of ‘sausages from Higg’s’!

www.nationalgeographic.co.uk/travel/2019/12/how-spend-weekend-cumbrian-coast