Walks in Silverdale and Arnside

This guide covers the Silverdale AONB and area, with the north-west’s most beautiful coastal scenery and a naturalist’s paradise. Takes in Arnside, Beetham and Levens Hall, plus the surprising Farlton Fell and Hutton Roof area overlooking the Lancaster Canal. Often dry when the Lakes are wet.

The area covered by this book is compact - north to south from Milnthorpe to Carnforth is 7 miles; west to east from Arnside Point to Hutton Roof is 8 miles. Within its confines is perhaps the most prolific concentration of high quality woodland path walking in the north of England and undoubtedly the most beautiful coastal scenery in the north-west. Much of the area lies within the Arnside/Silverdale Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty - almost the whole of the land to the west of the A6 between Warton and Milnthorpe. 

Whilst the network of paths is well walked and jealously loved by locals, it deserves wider recognition. Anyone who likes a short walk in beautiful scenery would find a visit delightful. Naturalists know the area well, for it is rich in a varied flora and fauna, especially at the several nature reserves and the RSPB reserve at Leighton Moss.

The walks described are short enough to fill an afternoon or a short day, but long enough to make you feel feel that you have accomplished something. Times are based on a medium pace without taking into account any major halts. Even so, the times are generous and fast walkers could easily link two walks in a day. Remember that a fast walker sees little apart from the path at his feet; the connoisseur always takes an hour or two longer. It would be a pity to visit an area which is so rich in plant, bird and animal life and not notice much of it!