The Arnside and Silverdale area is the perfect place for a walk, with stunning scenery and incredible wildlife. Here are some of our favourite routes.
The extraordinary area of Arnside and Silverdale is known for its stunning scenery, amazing wildlife, and of course, the brilliant walking routes. The Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty is simply awe-inspiring; from the shining sands to the limestone pavements intimate orchards and ancient woodlands, this area certainly lives up to its AONB status.
What better way to experience the area than with a walk? Whether a gentle stroll on the beach or a strenuous climb up Warton Crag, Arnside & Silverdale deserves to be explored property – on foot! Here are just a few of our favourite walks in the area. Walking boots at the ready? Snacks in your backpack?
Beetham Heritage Trail
5 Miles | 2.5 hours
Discover ancient medieval mills, the quaint village of Beetham, an ‘erratic, some fairy steps, Norman architecture and even a deer park! It is a fairly level route, with no strenuous climbs. It really is suitable for the whole family.
You will be transported back to medieval England with outstanding views across the estuary to the Lake District hills and beyond.
Keep an eye out for red squirrels and be sure to stop at the erratic, a large granite boulder transported in the Ice Age from the Shap Fells! There is even a corpse road on the route where in the Victorian times, the people of Arnside had to carry their dead along to reach the churchyard!
Click here for the full route and further information on what to expect on the walk.
Yealand Storrs to Hawes Water
1.9 Miles | 1 hour
The Yealands – Redmayne, Conyers and Storrs – are all tranquil villages tucked into this AONB. On this easy access walk, you will experience intimate landscapes, stunning views and tales of history.
Ending at Gait Barrows National Nature, one of Britain’s most important limestone landscapes and home to the rare Lady’s slipper, you will be gifted by a flurry of butterflies, dragonfly and damselfly, as well as some amazing treats for birdwatchers including the green woodpecker.
If you want a chance to also stop for a refreshment in the village pub a 20-minute walk and you will reach the New Inn, which dates from around 1680.
In Spring, keep your eyes open for the stunning purple orchids, primrose and cowslip. For more information on the route and a map, simply click here.
Trowbarrow Local Nature Reserve
1.3 Miles | Under 1 Hour
This short and easy walk starts from Storrs Lane, just along from RSPB Leighton Moss Visitor Centre and Silverdale Station. This disused quarry is now managed by the Arnside & Silverdale AONB Partnership for its special limestone habitats, plants and wildlife, but evidence of its industrial heritage is still evident. Make sure to take a moment to admire the various rock formations – you may even be able to spot limestone sea coral and trace fossils.
You will witness many birds in this area, including the Raven and Kestrel, as well as various butterflies and wildflowers. This site is also popular with climbers so keep an eye out for people dangling off the rocks! Please take extra care around the high rock faces which may be unstable and present a risk.
To see more information about the area and a full map of the route, click here.
Arnside Ascent
5 Miles | 2.5 Hours | 150m ascent
This is more of a moderate walk and will be a bit more difficult than the above strolls. Your circular walk will begin at Arnside Railway station where within 5 minutes you will witness spectacular views across the Kent Estuary to Grange over Sands and the Lakeland Fells. You are also likely to see a grey heron or two standing still in the waters.
Throughout the walk, you will reach the Beach Walk cafe where you could stop for a refreshment, climb some rougher paths and ascend higher and higher to be rewarded with unbelievable views/ Keep an eye out for the many unusual grassland flowers and rare butterflies such as the High Brown fritillary.
Another spectacle to be aware of is the bore – the tidal wave caused by the surge of incoming tide meeting resistance from the sand and channels of the Bay. Click here for more information on this walk.
Silverdale Shore to Shore
4 Miles | 2 Hours
As many may know, the village of Silverdale borders the Kent Estuary as it flowers into the stunning Morecambe Bay. This walk will follow certain parts of the estuary as well as allowing you to explore the various exquisite woodlands bordering the coast.
This route allows a longer and more diverse walk, with a great combination of coast walking, paths and roads. This also means it would be best to avoid high tide if you want to experience all aspects.
You will discover a secluded cave on the route which is an ideal vantage point for a photograph. Be prepared to scramble over difficult terrain at certain points, sands and cobbles. Along your way, you will reach Jack Scout too, a fine example of a restored lime kiln. You’ll also find the chimney at Warton Sands, Jenny Brown’s Point and much more. Check out this walkers past experience of his walk for a full walk-through. Click here for the Google Map route.
Leighton Moss Nature Reserve
2 Miles | 1 Hour
Leighton Moss is the large nature reserve in Silverdale and is simply the most perfect place for ultimate peace. If you are seeking a stroll full of beauty and wildlife, there couldn’t be a more ideal choice. From breeding bitterns to starlings, marsh harriers and even red deer, you will be surprised by the sheer abundance. There is also a fantastic converted barn where you can grab a coffee or a slice of cake.
The located is right next to Silverdale Railway station which makes it easily accessible. It is also near Warton Crag, Arnside Knott and Eaves Wood where you can enjoy more wildlife and extend your walk. Click here for the OS Map.
For more info about the Nature Reserve itself, the wildlife you would find there, facilities and activities click here.
Warton Crag
3 Miles | Just Over 1 Hour
This enjoyable circular route is situated near Carnforth and stands at 163 metres (535ft) making it the highest point in Arnside and Silverdale AONB. If you are looking for a slightly challenging ascend, this is ideal. Full of grassland, ancient woodlands and amazing views, this walk won’t disappoint.
If you want to extend your walk, why not combine the above Leighton Moss Nature Reserve walk with Warton Crag? If you want to extend it further, you could then head towards Arnside Knott for more interesting wildlife and plant life.
Click here for the Ordnance Survey Map and you will see how the walks can be combined.
These are just a few of the hundreds (if not thousands) of walking routes in Arnside and Silverdale – there are so many more areas to explore! If you want a walking adventure, make sure to visit this part of the Lake District. It’s full of wonders waiting to be uncovered.
However, if you’re looking for a memorable walking holiday, make sure you have a comfortable base to retreat to and rest those tired feet. Comfort is a must!
At Holgates, our collection of holiday cottages have everything to make your walking holiday the best possible – with a location that is perfect for every possible route. For more information on our holiday parks in Cumbria and Lancashire, be sure to get in touch.
Click here to see our full collection and their locations to find your ideal Lake District holiday cottage walking retreat.
