Silverdale

Flookburgh, Cark and the coast

Moderate

8.3 miles | 13.4 km | 138 m Ascent | 9.0 Naismith miles | David & Sheila Longton
A number of Bentham Footpath Group walks feature views of Morecambe Bay – usually with the Kent or Levens estuaries as the backdrop to higher level walks such as those at Cartmel or Silverdale. This time we do the full seaside experience: Starting at Flookburgh, we walk along the coast getting sand on our boots for a while, before heading inland to Cark, on to Low Bank Side, then across the valley to Templand before returning on a route running through trees below Boarbank Hall. On the way we pass old airbases from both world wars, atmospheric salt marshes, bridleways across the bay, signs of the old shrimping industries, grand Italianate houses, and the odd lime kiln.

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Arnside

Easy

6.4 miles | 10.3 km | 236 m Ascent | 7.5 Naismith miles | Don Cartledge
Arnside is a favourite with Bentham Footpath Group – this small and very accessible area provides a huge variety of interesting features such as The Knott, a tidal bore, estuary views, a Pele tower, a Marylin, a wonderful railway bridge, Victorian architecture, rare butterflies, atmospheric distorted trees, and a seaside promenade.
This walk forms a figure of eight shape, so there is a good opportunity to approach it as two smaller walks, or because there are so many paths in the area, there are many ways that it could be combined with other BFG walks in our library to make a more challenging route.

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Fairy steps from Beetham

Easy

5.7 miles | 9.2 km | 309 m Ascent | 7.2 Naismith miles | Don Cartledge
December 2022 saw The Bentham Footpath Group walking from Heversham with views South toward Beetham and the Arnside and Silverdale Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB).
Just one month later, we start at the Heron Corn Mill in Beetham and then head through woodland and the famous “Fairy steps” to gain the complementary view – West across the estuary toward the Lakeland fells, and North toward Heversham and St. Anthony’s Tower.
We then skirt the estuary via the old railway track bed that we met on the Heversham walk, and then head up the river Bela, past Dallam Tower, and then though the deer park back to Beetham.
This walk is ideal for the shorter winter days – it’s relatively easy and offers a variety of landscapes as well as breath-taking views.

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Pen-y-ghent

Easy

6.8 miles | 11.0 km | 617 m Ascent | 9.9 Naismith miles | Peter Lennard
Pen-y-ghent is the smallest of the “three peaks” at 694m (2277ft).
This circular walk goes anticlockwise so that we tackle the steep ascent at the South end of the hill first followed by a gentler downhill return with views over to Horton, Ingleborough, and Hull Pot.
BFG walks are rated based on a combination of distance and ascent, and this one is quite short and so is classified as “easy”. Be aware through, that the climb to the peak is steep and rocky, so care is needed.

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Warton Crag from Silverdale

Moderate

8.7 miles | 14.0 km | 452 m Ascent | 10.9 Naismith miles | Rick Clapham
Another Silverdale walk from the Bentham Footpath Group – but this one takes us over to Warton Crag and the Beacon, with great views over Morecambe Bay at many points.
We pass a Victorian folly, a number of interesting sites of industrial archaeology, a failed attempt to reclaim land from the sea, and an iron-age hill fort.
The walk is classed as moderate mainly because it’s quite long, and although there is some climbing, the paths are generally good – at least in the weather that favoured us in April 2022.
Be aware that parts of the walk are on the edge of the bay so can be muddy in wet weather and/or during high tides.

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Silverdale

Moderate

8.2 miles | 13.1 km | 351 m Ascent | 9.9 Naismith miles | Alan Parker
Silverdale is a popular walking area, offering fine views in clear weather, and the area is one that the Bentham Footpath Group often explores.
The route is . . .
• Via the golf course to Hagg Wood
• To the edge of Silverdale village
• To The Cove, then up to Eaves Wood
• Behind Challan Hall to Hawes Water and Yealand Hall Allotment
• Finally across Leighton Moss to return to the RSPB centre.

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Challan Hall and Arnside Tower

Easy

7.3 miles | 11.7 km | 439 m Ascent | 9.4 Naismith miles | Alison Kinder & Colin Stroud
Silverdale and Arnside are great walking locations – Bentham Footpath Group often base walks in this area.
This walk includes the Knott and it’s great views before heading to an ancient “pele” tower and through a nature reserve to Challan Hall and Hawes Water. From there we pass a gingerbread house in the woods before seeing an even bigger pele tower and ending the walk.

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Silverdale, Arnside Knott and The Pepperpot Monument

Easy

6.9 miles | 11.1 km | 478 m Ascent | 8.2 Naismith miles | Sandra Craggs
Silverdale is a great place to walk, and BFG have used it as start point many times. This easy walk heads out of the village up to Arnside Knott where there are panoramic views over the Kent Estuary. We then head over to Arnside Tower, Eaves Wood and the Pepper pot monument before returning to the start.

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