ENJOY a short walk through ancient limestone woodlands to a hilltop tower with outstanding views over Morecambe Bay, writes JOHN EDMONDSON. Continue to a 'smugglers’ bay' then stroll along the coast and over pleasant pastures. Silverdale earned its name retrospectively in 2011, when a collection of Viking silver valuables was found. The Silverdale Hoard, consisting of 201 silver coins, jewellery, ingots and hack silver was the third largest collection of Viking silver found up to that date.

Start from Eaves Wood Car Park (map reference SD 471 759, postcode LA5 0UQ), which is north of Silverdale golf course.

INFORMATION

Distance: 4 miles with 400 feet of ascent

Time: 2 hours

Terrain: Good footpaths

Maps: OS Explorer OL7

ROUTE

1 Walk from the rear of the car park and along the track into Eaves Wood, an ancient limestone woodland belonging to the National Trust. Turn left and follow signs to the Pepperpot. There is a maze of paths, so continue following the signs and white waymarkers through the woods and avoid turning onto other paths. The wood is on King William’s Hill, which commemorates the accession to the throne of King William IV. Castlebarrow, the highest point at more than 250 feet above sea level, is the site of the 20 feet high circular stone tower now known as the Pepperpot. It was built in 1887 to commemorate the golden jubilee of Queen Victoria. Enjoy the view over fields, Silverdale village and across Morecambe Bay to Heysham and beyond.

2 Go back down a rocky path into the woods and turn left. Keep straight on at a junction then turn left, going downhill to leave Eaves Wood past at National Trust sign. Turn right and go through a wall gap stile. Continue ahead along the main downhill path to Holgates Caravan Park. Follow the footpath towards Arnside Tower going anticlockwise around the edge of the park then back across the park, passing left of the main building. The 100 acre park and woodland includes a swimming pool, gym, restaurant, bar and shop. Cross the driveway at a zebra crossing then turn left on the road. Walk past the cricket club and at the junction turn right onto a no through road leading to The Cove. With its little caves and cliffs this sheltered cove can be imagined to be a smugglers’ bay.

3 Turn left to ascend above the cove then go through a kissing gate into Bank House Farm field. Pass through another kissing gate and across The Lots to a gate and steps in the left corner. Turn left along the road, keeping straight on at a junction with the main road, heading towards Carnforth, on Stankelt Road. Turn left on Spring Bank (also signed Footpath to Church) turning left at a footpath junction near a wall. Turn right where the path meets a road then walk down St John’s Grove (signed Churchfield) and along the footpath signed Bottom’s Lane. Go down the left side of a field, through a kissing gate then along the right of the next field to a road. Turn right then after 100 yards left onto the path signed The Row. Walk along the right side of a field, turning right through a squeeze stile and head towards houses. Turn left onto the road and continue to the junction where Eaves Wood car park is opposite.

NB: restrictions on space mean that this article provides a general summary of the route. It is advisable for anyone who plans to follow the walk to take a copy of the relevant Ordnance Survey map.