ULVERSTON'S iconic Sir John Barrow monument at the top of Hoad Hill reopens on Good Friday after its regular winter closed season.

It will open through to Easter Monday , between 1pm to 5pm, and then every Sunday through to October.

The team of volunteers who open the monument and keep it spic and span for visitors is led by senior monument keeper Les Tallon, and they are always ready to chat to visitors about the history of the landmark.

The 100 feet tall structure has a spiral staircase of 112 narrow steps which need strong nerves and a steady tread. It leads to the ‘lantern chamber’, which has never had a functional light but does offer spectacular views.

Entry is free and visitors can buy drinks and snacks to refresh themselves for the climb. On the lower floors they can learn about the history of how a replica of the Eddystone Lighthouse came to be built in Ulverston.

They can also find out more about Sir John Barrow, a great British statesman, traveller, linguist, geographer and promoter of Arctic exploration who sent men and ships on expeditions across the world. He is also reputed to be the last man to shake Nelson’s hand before he left England for his date with fate at the Battle of Trafalgar.