A MAN who has guided people across the sands for more than three decades is hanging up his walking boots.

John Murphy has safely delivered scores of people to the shores of Piel Island during his guided tours.

But due to health issues John has decided that the time has come to retire from this venture.

John discovered the love that local people had for the outdoors and began taking people out every Sunday to explore more of the area, its history, and its wildlife.

He has been taking people on the two-mile journey across the sands from Walney to Piel Island every summer.

He has taken groups of up to 50-60 people, gaining national attention and starring on ITV after guiding famous faces to the historic island.

Over the years John’s walk has become ever more popular and has received calls from people in Australia and Italy, as well as every county across the UK.

“It’s been a great way for me to meet different people, the whole thing has been an amazing experience,” said John. “It’s a magical thing to show people, especially children, because they learn more about the area.

“I’m so in love with Piel and the history surrounding the island. It’s so much more than a castle and a pub, it has a very interesting place in history.

“We need to keep promoting the beauty of the sands and Piel Island so we don’t lose this part of our local heritage.

“To walk across sand the tide has touched only hours ago is a wonderful experience.”

John is now looking for someone to replace him on the walk with plans to work with them to guide visitors across the sands to Piel, where he will meet the walkers and explain the history and wildlife on the island.

Ideally the new guide would have some local knowledge and would work with John to maintain this unique experience for many more visitors to come.

If you would like to discuss this role with John, call: 07891006434.