Arnside Knott from the Silverdale Road How To Get There: From Arnside follow the minor road towards Silverdale and just before reaching the track leading up to Arnside Tower find a parking area to the left of the road.

Map: OS OL 7 Grid Reference for starting point:- 457 774

Length: 3 miles

This stroll involves a couple of steep climbs and descents but offers excellent views up to and from Arnside Knott.

We all know of the nursery rhyme ‘Here we go gathering nuts in May’ but who would be daft enough to look for edible nuts in the spring?

The correct phrase should be: ‘here we go gathering knotts in May’ because a Knott simply means a bunch of flowers.

This is an ideal knott-gathering place because the limestone block which overlooks this Cumbria village is full of fascinating flowers.

This is also the place to look out for flow-worms on a summer evening. The sexes of the insects are attracted to each other by emitting light as a complex chemical produced by the creatures which are rare in the north of England.

Some have suggested that the view from the Knott over Arnside to the Kent estuary are the finest in England and it is hard to disagree with this statement.

The walk:

1. This begins close to Arnside tower which is a place of real historical interest. This was built by the Broughton family around 1340. Historians cannot agree with regard to the origin.

Some think that it was built on a Pele Tower defence against the Scots. Others think that its walls are not stout enough for this and say that it was a hunting lodge.

Now a ruin it was damaged by fire in 1602 and by a gale in 1884. It is still an impressive reminder of our medieval history. Cross the minor road and go into the National Trust woodlands.

2. Look out for the remnants of a former quarry and take the time to read the well placed information board.

Ignore the first track but continue to a second track, which sweeps to the right and ascends through woodland dominated by some splendid old yew which grow well in limestone areas.

Approach a substantive wall and at the corner continue to follow the trail signed Arnside.

3. Pass through a gate to reach on open fell which was well named as the Redhills Pasture. Take time here to enjoy the panoramic views over the estuary of Arnside.

Follow the delightful green track descending towards Saul’s Drove.

After passing through the pasture follow a signed path through a gate and into the Copridding Wood Area.

Next comes a level stretch and as this begins to rise find a wall to the right and also a gate. Pass through the gate.

4. After a pleasant section through the woods the track begins to twist but is very easy to follow. The belt of trees leads into an open area to reach a wide and very obvious path.

Turn left and approach the park at the head of Saul’s Drive. After crossing a track the route heads straight on and at a wall approach Saul’s Drive bridle path.

At a gate there is a sign indicating Heathwaite and Arnside Tower.

The path then ascends to the left and there is a welcoming seat as the track widens out. Turn left and negotiate the crest of a hill.

5. Approve the truly breathtaking viewpoint which is now known as the Toposcope.

This artistic effort consists of three large engraved panels designed by Don Hinslie.

From here can be seen a back drop of the Lakeland mountains while below is yet another panoramic view of the Kent estuary, and the railway viaduct which carries trains across a broad expanse.

The path hereabouts has needed the careful attention of the National Trust management team because there has been a series of wet summers and freezing winters.

Erosion has been a problem but has been dealt with very well. There is a path descending to the right but this should be ignored. Ascend towards the Trig Point.

Carry straight on and then bear left to reach a seat. From here turn left and descend to reach the Saul’s Drive bridleway.

Turn left along the gentle incline towards Arnside Tower and negotiate a series of old quarry workings. Return through a woodland area to the starting point.

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.