Arnside and Silverdale is an Area of Natural Beauty – now known as a Natural Landscape – that delights thousands of walkers each year. With an endless network of trails, woodlands and viewpoints, this tiny seaside district in northwest England is perfect for outdoor adventure. Located just a short drive from the world-famous Lake District National Park, which attracts millions of visitors each year, Arnside offers a less-crowded alternative to the busy shores of Windermere and the hectic slopes of Helvellyn.
To enjoy the best that Arnside and Silverdale AONB has to offer, we recommend walking between the coastal village of Arnside and the nearby village of Warton. The route takes you over rolling hills, across nature reserves and through beautiful woodland, with the changing seasons offering dramatic views and typical English landscapes at every turn. Here is our guide to the walk from Arnside to Warton.
Part One: Arnside to Arnside Knott
The walk from Arnside to Warton begins on the sweeping Arnside promenade, where dozens of houses enjoy unbroken views across the water. Gaze out over the vast, flat expanse of Morecombe Bay as you start to follow the path around the headland. Behind you, the impressive Arnside Viaduct stretches over the Kent estuary. Watch out for the occasional train passing over on the route between Arnside station and Grange-over-Sands.
Follow the coastal path southwest away from the houses on Arnside’s promenade. Eventually, you will pass the hut for the heroic Arnside and South Lakes Coastguard Rescue Team. Morecambe Bay is notoriously dangerous, with rapid tides and hidden quicksand creating a potentially lethal combination. The Coastguard performs a vital service to the community throughout the year. Occasionally, you can spot the team performing exercises – and the occasional rescue – out on the bay.
Try to look out for the silver sirens affixed to the hut. These eerie horns sound when the Arnside bore – a tidal bore that forms an impressive wave of water – is due to race in from Morecambe Bay.
Heading up to Arnside Knott for amazing views over Morecambe Bay and the Lake District
Continue along the coast until you reach a small patch of mossy grass that stretches back towards a tiny lane. A signpost will point you in the direction of Arnside Knott, a small hill that stands at 159 metres above Arnside and Morecambe Bay.
Follow the lane around the corner before cutting up a small public footpath that leads into the woods. The woods are beautiful at any time of year but are particularly striking during autumn’s explosion of colour.
Follow the trail through the woods until you reach a signpost and a gate. Walk through the gate before taking the steep path up the hill to your left. Within a couple of minutes, you will be admiring the view from the top of Arnside Knott.
Despite Arnside Knott’s relatively humble height, it offers a splendid view across the surrounding landscape. From the dramatic summits of the Lake District to the north, and the Pennines to the east, some of England’s finest scenery stretches out beneath you.
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Part Two: Arnside Knott to Arnside Tower
The next stage of the walk sees you descend from Arnside Knott and head towards the ruins of Arnside Tower. The tower, which was built in the early 15th century, stands next to a small farmyard where pigs, hens and sheep roam.
There are a handful of routes from Arnside Knott to Cove Road, from where you can easily access the tower. The descent from Arnside Knott is steep – care should be taken, particularly when conditions are wet underfoot.
Once you reach Cove Road, turn right and head along the verge for a hundred metres before turning left down a single-lane track towards the farm. The crumbling ruins of Arnside Tower stand tall directly ahead of you.
When you pass Arnside Tower, you can walk straight up to the ruins. However, you will spot warning sights advising you not to climb the walls – the structure can be unstable.
Part Three: Arnside Tower to the Pepper Pot
Arnside Tower is perched on the edge of the Eaves Wood Nature Reserve, a gorgeous expanse of semi-ancient woodland crisscrossed with countless walking trails. Once you have finished admiring the tower’s weather-worn remains, follow the path as it climbs over a stile and into the reserve.
The route takes you through the Holgate Holiday Park and to the small collection of houses on Elmslack Lane. From here, follow the signposts to the Pepper Pot monument.
The curiously named Pepper Pot was built in 1887 to commemorate the Golden Jubilee of Queen Victoria. Perched at the top of Castlebarrow Hill and surrounded by the thick canopy of Eaves Wood, the monument resembles the classic shape of a pepper pot.
Today it stands as a popular landmark for ramblers seeking an unforgettable view of the surrounding hills and woods.
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Part Four: The Pepper Pot to Leighton Moss
After taking in the vista from the Pepper Pot, retrace your steps into the woodland and start to follow signs to the car park.
On a busy day, you will likely pass a steady stream of families and dog walkers making the pilgrimage to the Pepper Pot memorial and hoping for clear views across Morecambe Bay. As you continue to walk downhill through Eaves Wood, the car park will soon come into view through the trees.
Walk through the car park, dodging rogue canines and tearaway children. Make sure to stay alert during the next stage of the hike, as this involves a short stretch of road walking.
Turn left out of the car park before taking the next right at the junction onto Red Bridge Lane. Follow the road around a gentle curve before turning right to follow a single-lane track – Moss Lane – that descends into the valley. After less than a minute on this small track, follow the signs pointing right. This will lead you onto a small forestry trail and eventually onto the lush green grass of the Silverdale golf course.
Keeping an eye out for stray shots, walk confidently along the public access footpath that leads through the golf course. Eventually, you will reach a small gate which leads directly onto Storrs Lane.
Turn right along the narrow road before almost immediately ducking left and following a footpath that descends into RSPB Leighton Moss.
Part Five: Leighton Moss to Summerhouse Hill
Take your time as you wander along the causeway at Leighton Moss. The causeway is a hotbed of wildlife, flanked by impossibly tall reeds that tower over visiting twitchers. From marsh harriers to ever-elusive otters, there is a wealth of exciting species to spot.
If you are lucky to visit during the winter months, try to time your visit for sunset. When the conditions are right, the causeway offers a perfect spot to witness one of nature’s most mind-blowing spectacles – a starling murmuration.
With thousands of tiny starlings swooping, diving and dancing through the sky, watching a murmuration is a unique experience. Dozens, sometimes hundreds, of locals turn out to watch the show.
Once you have had your fill of bird watching, continue to the end of the causeway. Follow the tarmac road as it meanders upwards. Eventually, the ruined outbuildings of Leighton Hall appear on your right.
The impressive Leighton Hall dates back nearly 800 years and is the historic home of the Gillow family, who made their name as makers of fine furniture. Above the Leighton Estate, Summerhouse Hill offers unbeatable views across the Arnside and Silverdale Area of Natural Beauty. On a clear day, lucky walkers can enjoy exceptional views of the distant Lake District peaks.
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Part Six: Summerhouse Hill to Warton
Once you have battled to the top of Summerhouse Hill, you are approaching the end of the walk from Arnside to Warton.
Follow the narrow path through the woods that hug the ridgeline of Summerhouse Hill. Eventually, you will reach the tiny stretch of road known as Peter Lane. Turn left here and walk along the lane for a couple of minutes before taking a right through a gate into a small clearing.
Walk through this clearing, keeping the wall to your left. At the end of the path, a gate leads into Hyning Woods. Hyning Woods are attached to Hyning Monastery, a small community of Cistercian nuns. Whilst beautiful at any time of year, the woods come to life in spring. For several weeks, thousands of vibrant bluebells form a carpet of colour.
Meander through the woods until you spot the path that takes you to Hyning Road. Turn right here, and the village of Warton stands up ahead.
Congratulations – this is the end of your long walk from Arnside to Warton! Treat yourself to a pint at the Old School Brewery before returning to Arnside by bus or train from nearby Carnforth.
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The walk from Arnside to Warton: Our final thoughts
Arnside and Silverdale is a rambler’s paradise, with an endless network of hiking trails and paths that meander through the landscape. From coastal routes to ancient woodland, this tiny region packs a punch – particularly if you make it up to some of the viewpoints on Arnside Knott or Warton Crag. The walk from Arnside to Warton is a great way to experience the best of this National Landscape in a day, with a huge variety of things to see along the way. Wrapping up in one of Warton’s excellent pubs is a perfect way to finish your day.