Heathwaite and Arnside Knott.
Start. Arnside.
Route. Arnside - Grubbins Wood - New Barns - Frith Wood - Blackstone Point - White Creek - Arnside Point - Park Point - Heathwaite - Arnside Knott - Red Hills - Arnside.
Notes. A low limestone ridge with grassy glades amongst sylvan woodland and scrub, the smell of the sea on a muddy shoreline path to the south of Arnside, spectacular limestone cliffs guarding the riven edge where the wooded slopes of Arnside Park meet the forever shifting sands of Morecambe Bay, spectacular views over silvery seascapes, this short walk gifts you with it all, that's if it ever stops raining.
It did so we're here in Arnside heading south along the edge of the estuary, I've got Sue for company with a promise of lunch at the end of the walk. Passed the old boat house and lifeboat station we walked, along the edge of Grubbins Wood before crossing New Barns Bay, at Blackstone Point we opted for the higher, dryer route through Frith Wood before crossing the shingle beach at White Creek. An easy scramble up the cliffs at Arnside Point allowed access to the cliff top path. On we walked a narrow path under foot, when the path ascended to a dry stone wall and tide warning notice in the shadow of a yew tree we turned sharp left, away from the Far Arnside and the coast.
This path guided us deep into Arnside Park, we were soon ascending a tree covered ridge, deer fences keeping us on track, I guess if it wasn't for the tree cover the views from this ridge leading to Heathwaite would be quite extensive. After a short climb a stile and metal sign welcomed us to Heathwaite, time to relax a while, drink in the views, have a brew. Break over we let good paths carry us along the low ridge, through woodland and grassland we wandered soon to reach a major path junction, a plethora of paths lead in many directions, our chosen route was Arnside Knott, up we went into yet more wonderful views. This was our high ground for today, it was down hill all the way back. A wicket gate allowed access to Red Hills, we descended through this extensive pasture before entering woodland, a short tree lined walk followed to access High Knott Road, all that remained, a pleasant short walk back through the streets of Arnside.
A Heron waits patiently for an unsuspecting fish to swim by.
Viewing the Kent Viaduct from near the old boat house.
Frith Wood and the way ahead.
View taken from above the cliffs at Blackstone Point.
Sylvan Meathop Fell seen from Blackstone Point.
The shingle beach at White Creek.
The long finger of Humphrey Head as seen from Park Point.
Views taken along the riven edge where Arnside Park meets the shifting sands of Morecambe Bay.
Wandering on Heathwaite looking across Silverdale Bay to Know Hill, with the hills of Bowland dominating the horizon.
The same view as above from slightly further along the ridge.
Middlebarrow and Eaves Woods as seen from Heathwaite.
Looking to Humphrey Head backed by Ulverston Sands and the Furness Peninsula.
Ascending Arnside Knott with wonderful views over Silverdale and the Lancashire coast for company.
About half way up Arnside Knott looking down on Arnside Park.
Seen from near the summit of Arnside Knott, the Newton Fells backed by the Coniston massif.
Red Hills with wonderful views over upper Morecambe Bay.