Guide over Sands Trust

02/10/2026

👑 THE KING’S GUIDE TO THE SANDS — READING THE BAY

The role of the King’s Guide is about far more than simply leading people from one side of Morecambe Bay to the other.

A vital part of Michael Wilson’s job is to find and test a safe route across the sands. That route could be anywhere on the Bay, depending on the tides, rivers, channels and constantly changing sands.

There is no permanent path across Morecambe Bay. The landscape moves and changes, which means a route that worked previously cannot simply be assumed to be safe again.

Before a crossing, the Guide uses generations of local knowledge alongside his own experience to assess the sands, test the route and understand where the water and channels are running.

From the Kent Estuary and the sands around Arnside to the wider reaches of Morecambe Bay, it is a unique responsibility — keeping alive centuries of knowledge about one of Britain’s most remarkable landscapes.

👑 Knowledge • Experience • Heritage • Safety

The King’s Guide to the Sands — keeping the ancient tradition of guiding across Morecambe Bay alive.

www.guideoversands.co.uk

23/09/2026

MORECAMBE BAY & ITS SANDS — A LOOK BACK IN TIME

Long before thousands of people crossed Morecambe Bay on organised walks, its vast sands, shifting channels and powerful tides had shaped life around this coastline for generations.

An old description of the Bay compares it to a “huge, but relatively shallow, saucer.” At low tide, an enormous landscape of sand and mud is revealed, with the distance between high and low water reaching as much as eight miles in places.

The Bay covers around 200 square miles, receiving water from the Lake District and Pennines through rivers including the Leven, Kent, Lune and Wyre.

The landscape may look timeless, but the sands and river channels are constantly changing. That is why knowledge of the Bay, its tides and its safe routes has been passed down through generations.

A fascinating little glimpse into the history and geography of Morecambe Bay. ❤️

How many of these old names and places do you recognise?

22/09/2026

A lovely morning in Heysham, where year 5 & 6 children enjoyed a talk all about our bay walks, the history and the bay 🩵💙🩵

We look forward to welcoming you on a bay walk in 2027 💙🩵💙

08/09/2026

It’s live …. Let’s do this together 🤝

If everyone simply donates £1 we will soon hit Michaels target to bring Lady 465 & Lady 1060 back to life ready for the 2027 bay walk season 💛💙👌💙💛

Help Get the King’s Guide’s Tractors Back on the Sands W… Michael Wilson needs your support for Help get the Kings Guide tractors back on the sands

06/09/2026

Today two ladies from America & Manchester take the historical route across the bay as part of the Monks route walking from Grange , Flookburgh, Sandgate, Chapel Island and then finishing off at Canal Foot at Ulverston

Guided by Kings Guide Raymond Porter 💙

05/09/2026

A lovely walk today for Kings Guide Raymond Porter over to Chapel Island 💛

Thank you to Bay Hospitals Charity for joining us out on the bay for our final charity walk of 2026!

Thanks to Jaki for the photos 📸

05/09/2026

What a beautiful day for a bay walk over to Chapel Island from Canal Foot 💙

27/08/2026

And another big thank you…..

Of course there will be some of our team not on photos, but we just want to thank our team of volunteers who turn up and assist both guides on their walks.

They are another vital part of the walks.

They’re a friendly bunch and we have a great team morale and spirit!

Thank you to our team enjoy your break and see you in 2027!

26/08/2026

2026 bay walk season wouldn’t of been possible without of excellent team of drivers :

Michael Troughton
Dilly & Donna
Frank Benson
Frank Rhodes
Danny Wallbank
James Senior
Tony McClure
Jamie Latham

Not only did they drive for our walks they also made our bay rides and half marathon event possible too!

And let not forgot our bay ride helpers:

Dawn Rooney
Laura Lippiatt
Milly Lippiatt

Thank you all for giving up your time to help us ⭐️🤝💪🤝⭐️

26/08/2026

💙💛 A HUGE THANK YOU TO SANDPIPERS CAFÉ! 💛💙

A massive thank you to Sandpipers Café for sponsoring and supporting our team year after year.

Lee and his wonderful team always make sure our team are well watered, kindly supplying everyone with a complimentary drink when we’re at Arnside during our busy Bay Walk season. ☕🥤

It’s continued support from local businesses like this that means so much to everyone involved.

Thank you Lee & the whole Sandpipers team for your continued support — we really do appreciate it! 💙💛

Guide Over Sands Trust
🌐 guideoversands.co.uk