Heathwaite from Silverdale.
Start. Silverdale.
Route. Silverdale - The Lots - Silverdale Cove - Cove Road - Holgates - Hollins Farm - Heathwaite - White Creek - Arnside Point - Park Point - Far Arnside - Holgates - Cove Road - Silverdale Cove - The Lots - Silverdale.
Notes. There I was sitting looking out of the window, horizontal snow, then sleet followed by rain, every so often it would stop, take a break before the next deluge. On my mind the planets (yes our solar system) were in line, the moon was in a perfect position, the wind was howling in off the Irish Sea, the tide prediction was for a 10 ½ metre tide, all this lunar jiggery pokery could add up to a spectacular walk. Out into the tempest I stepped, little did I know Silverdale would greet me with sunshine, churning seas and almost perfect walking conditions. My route would take me over Heathwaite to New Barns then along the coast at high tide.
Via The Lots I left Silverdale a green trod under foot, the sea was in angry mood at Silverdale Cove, I spent a few minutes drinking in the atmosphere before turning my back on the coast. Up Cove Road I strolled to access Holgates, field paths then guided me to the Silverdale Road where I joined a path signed Arnside Knott. With tarmac under foot I wandered down the lane to Hollins Farm. The ascent started here, a good path guided me to a path junction, I turned left to start the traverse of Heathwaite. Through coppice woodland I wandered, hunting for the path that lead to New Barns, on reaching said path I found a dog walker quite lost, his dog looked equally bewildered, a lucky find for me. He informed me New Barns was awash, his words not mine, he had been unable to cross the bay and was looking for an alternate route, after pointing him in the right direction I doubled back.
My route now descended to the south of New Barns, it was muddy and slippery but deposited me safely at an old iron stone quarry a few yards from the coast. The walk back along the cliff top path was a blast, spectacular every step of the way, I lingered, a lot, but eventually reached Far Arnside and the Silverdale Road. All that remained, to re-trace my steps back to Silverdale Cove then through The Lots.
As seen from The Lots, Know Hill across Silverdale Bay.
Looking to Red Rake from Silverdale Cove.
Wandering over a reassuring path onto Heathwaite.
Sylvan Castlebarrow backed by Warton Crag with the grey hills of Bowland across the skyline.
A stunning panorama from Heathwaite.
The past endeavors of man, a small iron stone mine near New Barns.
Along the shingle bank at White Creek lies Frith Wood.
On view Frith Wood backed by the limestone cliffs of Meathop Fell.
It's a wonderful path this trod above the bay, especially when sunlight reflects of a churning sea.
Looking west to the long finger of Humphrey Head.
Gorse on the edge of sea washed cliffs.
A wonderful view along the riven edge where salt water meets limestone cliffs.
Boiling seas and views to Grange over Sands.
Know End Point seen from near Far Arnside.
The Silverdale coast can be a magical place at high tide.
Along the high tide line, where the Irish Sea meets impenetrable rock, and sylvan Arnside Park reaches into Morecambe Bay..
Know End Point seen from the shingle beach at Far Arnside.
Let the limestone cliffs on the Silverdale coast guide the eye to Know Hill.
Heathwaite crossed earlier, stands guard over Far Arnside.
Arnside Knott as seen from Holgates.
The cave at Silverdale Cove.
To the left of the wall, the path above Red Rake leads into The Lots, to the right wet feet.