15 Short Walks in Arnside and Silverdale

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.

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

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