Last updated at 13:57, Wednesday, 02 May 2012

AFTER more than three years in her Barrow home, Narelle Earley is heading for a new life in Australia, but she will not forget the beautiful house she thought she would live in forever, as SUSAN GOODSON found out

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Travel

Walney is served by a regular bus service via Barrow town centre. The nearest railway station is Barrow, which is around two miles away.

Occasionally, Jubilee Bridge, which links Walney and Barrow, is raised to allow the passing of large vessels, but a good amount of prior warning is given before this happens.

Eating out

A popular Chinese restaurant on Walney means you can dine on good food and enjoy wonderful views of the beach at the same time.

There is also an Indian restaurant now open on the island.

There are pubs offering meals, as well as takeaways, including fish and chips.

If you want to go further afield on a summer’s evening you can always grab a cab or walk across the bridge and take advantage of the restaurants and pubs in Barrow.

Entertainment

Some of the island’s pubs and social clubs offer occasional quizzes and open mic nights.

It’s around two miles to the main Barrow entertainment venue, The Forum, across from the town hall.

Education

The island has four primary schools and a secondary taking pupils up to 16 years old.

Post-16 students tend to travel to Barrow Sixth-Form College which is around three-and-a-half miles away, or Furness College, just across the bridge at Channelside.

The college offers a wide selection of full and part-time courses for young and more mature students.

Health and Fitness

You can keep fit and healthy without charge on the island. You can enjoy a brisk walk or jog along the sweeping beaches at any time.

There is a park for both children and adults to enjoy, and the island is home to Furness Golf Course.

There are also football and rugby teams.

If you are a water baby you will be able to find a place to moor your boat, or try something different with kite surfing at the North West Kite Surfing School.

And if you love horse riding the island has plenty to offer you.

Politics

Walney is in the Barrow and Furness constituency, served by Labour MP John Woodcock. Council services are provided by Barrow Borough Council.

Highlights

Walk out of your door and have your breath taken away by the seemingly endless beaches – no matter what the weather, any cobwebs will be blown away.

The island has nature reserves to the north and south. And keep an eye out for the wildlife, including seals.

First published at 13:39, Wednesday, 02 May 2012
Published by http://www.nwemail.co.uk