Six Walks to do from Arnside
Arnside is an unspoilt area of the Lake District offering an abundance of walks ranging from coastal hikes, woodland trails and hill days…
Arnside Knott Circular
Distance: 7.64km Time: 3 hours Difficulty: Medium
The circular route from Arnside town to Arnside Knott is a stunning coastal walk with great views and a fish and chip reward at the end! Starting from Arnside Seafront Car Park, the footpath passes the Albion Pub where you will begin to see signs for Arnside Knott. Follow the signpost up High Knott Road through Red Hills Wood. The woodland path becomes steep as it climbs uphill towards a wooden gate. Leave the woodland through the gate and continue on the path to Arnside Knott summit which marked with a trig point. A path from the trig point leads 520ft limestone rock, which neighbours Silverdale and is renowned for its wildlife. Return to Arnside seafront via a downhill climb through Hollins Farm and the shoreline footpath. Treat yourself to some tasty Fish and Chips at Arnside chip shop!
Leighton Moss Walk
Distance: 2.5km Time: 1 hour Difficulty: Easy
This route explores Leighton Moss nature reserve which boasts the largest reed bed in north-west England, making it home to a wide range of wildlife including otters, marsh harriers, egrets and red deer. Start the walk at the RSPB Visitor centre car park and head up the bridleway towards Moss. The first section is a bit steep but evens out quickly. There are information posts dotted along the footpath where you can stop and observe the wildlife. ‘The Hide’ provides clear views over one of the main lagoons. At the end of the causeway a pair of stone gates indicate the original entrance to agricultural fields. The walk begins to turn here and returns to the start. When you reach the car park, there is a RSPB centre with a café and shop to explore.
Silverdale
Distance: 8.8km Time: 3 hours Difficulty: Medium
Around 4 miles from Arnside, this route starts from Morecambe Hide in Silverdale and heads towards the famous Jenny Brown’s point. The coastal path follows the Lancashire Coastal Way exploring the pretty village of Silverdale exploring countryside paths, rocky shoreline and sandy beaches! Jenny Browns Point is a small headland is home to a mysterious chimney; a grade II listed structure, which is now thought to be the remains of a copper mining project from the 18th century.
Pepperpot Walk
Distance: 3.5km Time: 2 hours Difficulty: Easy
In the nearby village of Silverdale, this walk soaks in the atmosphere of Eaves Wood and its mossy limestone outcrops, distinctive trees and surrounding views from the highest point at Pepperpot. Follow signs through the woodland for Pepperpot; the path is waymarked halfway through and takes you through some old yew trees with remarkable roots. You reach a stone seat before the climb up to Pepperpot begins via a little, steep stone path. You will cross a section of limestone pavement before reaching the Queen Victoria Jubilee Monument at the top of the hill, also known as Pepperpot, providing amazing views over to Morecambe Bay and the surrounding countryside. You can return to Eaves Wood the way you came.
Ashmeadow Woodland
This two hectares of woodland is typical of the semi-natural woodland found around the Morecambe Bay limestone area. The principal species you will find in the forest are Oak with Ash, Beech, Wild Cherry, a few Sycamore, Birch and Wych Elm. Groves of Yew trees are also a particular feature. Yew were also planted along the drive together with trees around the garden, and some are estimated to be over 300 years old. A walk through the woodland provides the opportunity to spot some amazing wildlife including Greater Spotted Woodpeckers, Nuthatchs and Tawny Owls. The woodland is also a haven for butterflies during spring and summer. Walks here can be as little or as long as you like, exploring the forest trails, walled garden and Crossfield Wood.
Dallam Park
Around 5 miles away from Arnside, this route begins at Beetham, a little hamlet on the eastern edge of the Arnside and Silverdale AONB. The route heads north towards Dallam Park and Milnthorpe from Heron Mill car park. The footpath explores woodland paths running alongside the River Bela, showcasing a range of tree species from beech to yew. Shortly, following signs for Dallam Park, you reach the woodland, which is a popular site for herds of fallow deer; you might spot them if you’re lucky. Dallam Tower also comes into sight as you continue through the park; the tower was built in 1722 and is a remarkable piece of history. Explore the parks range of gardens featuring a natural rock garden, water garden and 19th century ornamental gardens. The park has 75 hectares of land to explore, so see as much or little as you like!