Discover the hidden beauty of Arnside and Silverdale with this curated collection of 15 short walks, guiding you through some of England’s most enchanting landscapes. Explore dramatic crags, peaceful woodlands, shimmering wetlands, and sweeping coastal paths, all within one of the country’s smallest National Landscapes (formerly AONBs). Each route is designed for easy enjoyment (between 3 and 10km, all under three hours), making this guidebook the perfect companion for families and new walkers.

• Each of the 15 Arnside and Silverdale walks features clear Ordnance Survey mapping, step-by-step route descriptions, and practical information and highlights to ensure straightforward, memorable outings.
• Essential details are included for every walk, such as parking, available facilities, refreshment stops, and must-see sights, helping you make the most of Arnside and Silverdale’s welcoming villages, cosy cafés, and scenic picnic spots. Free GPX files are available for every route, making navigation across this distinctive landscape even easier.
• Explore the area’s most celebrated locations, from the iconic Arnside Knott and the mysterious Fairy Steps to the wildlife-rich Leighton Moss, the panoramic heights of Warton Crag, the atmospheric Jenny Brown’s Point, and the historic Pepperpot.
• Routes begin from welcoming villages such as Arnside and Silverdale, with helpful advice on accommodation, public transport (including train and bus options), and parking to make planning simple.
• Enjoy the best of the region’s hospitality, with recommendations for local inns, cafés, and the famous Arnside chippy, perfect for rounding off a day’s adventure.

Part of Cicerone’s trusted Short Walks series, this guide to Arnside and Silverdale contains everything you need for a refreshing day out in the area. Whether you’re a local resident, a day visitor, or planning a scenic getaway, this guide is your key to discovering the stories, wildlife, and breathtaking views of Arnside and Silverdale at your own pace.

15 Short Walks in Arnside and Silverdale: Quick Facts

Location: Arnside and Silverdale National Landscape, Lancashire and Cumbria, UK
Total walks: 15 selected short walks
Typical duration: Under 3 hours each
Distance per walk: 3–10 km (2–6 miles)
Walk type: Easy day walks on circular, there-and-back, or linear routes
Difficulty: Easy to moderate; short climbs, well-marked paths, no challenging terrain
Navigation: Clear Ordnance Survey route maps, step-by-step descriptions, and free GPX downloads available
Highlights: Arnside Knott, Fairy Steps, Leighton Moss RSPB Reserve, Warton Crag, Beetham and Heron Corn Mill, Jenny Brown’s Point, The Pepperpot, Eaves Wood, Dallam Park, Levens deer park, and more
Best season: Walkable all year round (enjoy cool woods in summer, sheltered crags in winter, and vibrant wildlife throughout the year)

Author Highlight

"One of the smallest Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONBs) in England, the Arnside and Silverdale peninsula is sometimes overlooked by potential visitors as they drive by on their way to its larger neighbour, the Lake District. For those lucky visitors who do ‘discover’ it, a real treat is in store. The AONB designation reflects the incredible beauty of its landscape, the diversity of its plantlife and wildlife, and the cultural history that means that in every corner there is a story to be uncovered." 

- David Jordan, author of 15 Short Walks in Arnside and Silverdale

Location of walks 

Map key 

Using this guide 

Route summary table 

Introduction 

Walking in Arnside and Silverdale 

Special things to see 

Bases and places to stay 

Travel 

The walks 

1. Arnside Park 

2. Around Arnside 

3. Arnside Knott 

4. Sandside, Dallam Tower and Haverbrack 

5. Beetham, Hale Fell and the Fairy Steps 

6. Gait Barrows and Hawes Water 

7. Leighton Moss and Cringlebarrow Wood 

8. Warton Crag 

9. Silverdale to Carnforth 

10. Jenny Brown’s Point 

11. Arnside Tower from Silverdale 

12. The Pepperpot and Eaves Wood 

13. Middlebarrow Wood and Eaves Wood 

14. Arnside to Silverdale 

15. Levens Park and the River Kent 

Useful information 

Seasons

Pleasurable year round: enjoy spring flowers, summer's clear skies and views, bracken turning, leaf fall and easier wildlife sightings in autumn and migratory winter birds.

Centres

Arnside, Silverdale, Milnthorpe, Carnforth

Difficulty

The routes in this guide are accessible to most. Good woodland and coastal tracks make for easy walking for much of the way. Limestone - a key characteristic of the area - can be slippery when wet so care should be taken in rain. Signposting and waymarkers are commonly present, as are benches on some routes.

Must See

Outstanding estuary views from Arnside Knott and Warton Crag, RSPB Leighton Moss, monuments to kings and queens at Eaves Wood, Dallam Tower and deer park, Levens Hall and the River Kent, the Fairy Steps, the mystery of Jenny Brown's Point, wildlife-rich ancient woodland and limestone crags

June 2023

Walk 7

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