We start the New Year close to home with a range of pleasant walks based on Arnside in North Lancashire.
‘A’ Walk
From Pine Lake near Warton, we climb Warton Crag for views of Morecambe Bay, then descend to cross Leighton Moss to Jenny Browns Point. Passing through Silverdale where we may toast the New Year, we go inland to Hawes Water. After lunch we savour the beautiful coastal scenery around Arnside Park to the hostelries of Arnside.
Distance: 13 miles Ascent: 700 ft Leaders: Merion Williams, Rob Buck<<
‘B+’ Walk
From Arnside we follow the coastal path to Far Arnside where we turn inland passing through Eaves Wood to Hawes Water. After lunch we stroll through rolling pasture land to Hazel slack with its ancient tower. Here we turn west again for Arnside Knott and a bracing end to the day before descending to Arnside for a well earned drink.
Distance: 10 miles Ascent: 600 ft Leaders: Dave Miles, Gordon Spence
‘B’ Walk
A pleasant walk covering coast, country and wood land. Starting at Yealand Conyers we make our way across open country to cross the Leighton Moss bird reserve (bring binoculars?). Shortly afterwards, we enter the National Trust Eaves Wood at King Williams Hill before crossing the Middlebarrow caravan park and heading for far Arnside and the return walk along the coast to Arnside.
Distance: 8.5 miles Ascent: 450 ft Leaders: David and Ginny Willis
‘C’ Walk
An enjoyable circular walk, much through woodland, with a teasing scramble up the Fairy Steps – lovely views at the top. Three ascents and some tarmac tramping, mainly at the start and middle of the walk.
Starting at Arnside, we follow the road southwards past the station before turning off eastwards along the Limestone Link, which take us up to the Fairy Steps. We continue on to Slack Head and then road walk southwards before following bridle paths, road and field paths to cross the railway line and return to Arnside via the lower slopes of Arnside Knott.
Distance: 7 miles Ascent: 550 ft Leaders: David Griffiths, Stuart Norris