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Looking north up the Kent estuary
Looking north up the Kent estuary

Discover Arnside & Silverdale: 5 must-do short walks

Often overshadowed by its larger neighbour, the Lake District, the Arnside and Silverdale peninsula is a hidden gem in England's Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONBs). Despite its small size, it boasts breathtaking landscapes, diverse wildlife, and rich cultural history waiting to be explored by fortunate visitors who stumble upon it. Here are five short walks that explore the best of the area.

Short Walks in Arnside and Silverdale - Front Cover

Short Walks in Arnside and Silverdale

£9.95

David Jordan has chosen 15 of the best short walks around Silverdale and Arnside. Each walk comes with easy-to-read Ordnance Survey maps, clear route description and lots of images, plus information on local beauty spots and tasty refreshment stops. No challenging terrain or complicated navigation means walks can be enjoyed by everyone.

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The estuary and viaduct from Arnside Knott
The estuary and viaduct from Arnside Knott

The best walk for stunning views...

What: Arnside Knott
Summary: A moderate walk with a rewarding climb up Arnside Knott for stunning views in every direction
Start/finish: Arnside Knott National Trust car park
TIme: 2hr
Distance: 5km (3 miles)
Climb: 160m

A highlight of any visit to the area, a walk to the top of Arnside Knott requires a bit of effort for a lot of reward. The climb is achieved early and is followed by more gently undulating paths and tracks. The panoramic views extend over the estuary to the Lakeland Fells and out over Morecambe Bay.

The Pepperpot, with views over Silverdale and the bay
The Pepperpot, with views over Silverdale and the bay

The best walk for historic monuments...

What: The Pepperpot and Eaves Wood
Summary: A moderate stroll through coppiced woodland rich in wildlife, and a couple of interesting historic monuments
Start/finish: Eaves Wood car park
TIme: 1½hr
Distance: 3km (1¾ miles)
Climb: 90m

Eaves Wood contains arguably some of the best ancient woodland in the country. Rich in wildlife and ancient folklore, this circular walk rewards the walker at the summit with an unusual landmark and outstanding views, but the keen-eyed will find much to see along the route too. Tracks are good, but for much of the walk it is limestone under foot so care is required after rain, as it is slippery when wet.

Causeway across Leighton Moss
Causeway across Leighton Moss

The best walk for nature-spotting...

What: Leighton Moss and Cringlebarrow Wood
Summary: This circuit brings together two nature reserves, with views across a third, via woodland and wildflower meadows
Start/finish: RSPB Leighton Moss
TIme: 3hr
Distance: 9km (5½ miles)
Climb: 180m

Rich in natural landscapes, this longer walk explores quiet tracks through wildlife-rich woodland, across meadows and through fields. Good tracks take you across Leighton Moss to Leighton Hall Home Farm, followed by a small climb through Cringlebarrow Wood. Views across Hawes Water can be had on the return, before an excursion around the fascinating Trowbarrow Quarry nature reserve.

The earliest buildings of Beetham Hall date from the 13th century
The earliest buildings of Beetham Hall date from the 13th century

The best walk for fairy steps...

What: Beetham, Hale Fell and the Fairy Steps
Summary: This moderate walk explores the unspoilt limestone pavement of Hale Fell and visits the Fairy Steps
Start/finish: Heron Corn Mill, Beetham
TIme: 2¾hr
Distance: 7.5km (4½miles)
Climb: 170m

This walk, full of interest, explores the limestone pavement and woodland of Hale Fell, then climbs to the Fairy Steps, a natural staircase down a limestone crag. The return is though Haverbrack and Dallam Deer Park.

The beach path
The beach path

The best walk for fish & chips and ice cream...

What: Around Arnside
Summary: An easy circular meander with opportunities for ice-cream, fish and chips and getting to know Arnside
Start/finish: Arnside railway station
TIme: 1¼hr
Distance: 2.5km (1½ miles)
Climb: 45m

A gentle walk on pavement and tracks with a small climb from the beach to the woods, this route from Arnside station meanders along the promenade and estuary front to the quintessential beach hut ice-cream bar, then returns through the historic woodlands at Ashmeadow, and the quiet passages above this picturesque coastal village.

All these walks (plus 10 more!) are included in our guidebook to Short Walks in Arnside & Silverdale. Other highlights include Warton Crag, Silverdale to Carnforth, Jenny Brown's point and Levens Park and the River Kent. Easy-to-read maps and clear route descriptions make these walks perfect for beginners and families. No specialist gear is needed, and each route includes information on facilities, parking, and highlights.

Short Walks in Arnside and Silverdale - Front Cover

Short Walks in Arnside and Silverdale

£9.95

David Jordan has chosen 15 of the best short walks around Silverdale and Arnside. Each walk comes with easy-to-read Ordnance Survey maps, clear route description and lots of images, plus information on local beauty spots and tasty refreshment stops. No challenging terrain or complicated navigation means walks can be enjoyed by everyone.

More information