Spot the fallow deer on a stroll around Dallam (From The Westmorland Gazette)

Spot the fallow deer on a stroll around Dallam

12:40pm Friday 21st October 2011

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Whatever has happened to the weather of 2011? I enjoyed this stroll on October 1, one of the hottest days on record. I had been planning this walk for some time because this is the time of the year to study the behaviour of the fallow deer, which is typified by the huge palm-shaped antlers of the stags. There is some argument whether the fallow deer was introduced by the Normans who loved their hunting.

There is a herd of fallow deer at Dallam where the Georgian mansion is a delight.

From the A6 at Milnthorpe turn left and follow the road towards Arnside. There is roadside parking close to Dallam Tower.

OS Landranger sheet 97 (Kendal and Morecambe)

Grid Ref: 488 818

Distance: 5 miles

At this time of the year (October/November) allow a full day to allow time to look at the fallow deer.

Route 1 From the parking area turn right over a bridge over the River Bela and turn left into the Dallam park. Turn left and keep the river on the left. Look out to the right to see Dallam Tower. The house was built in 1720 by the Wilson family but the site was occupied long before this date. It is still a family residence and is a fine example of Georgian residence.

2 Follow the bank of the River Bela and close to a bridge on the left turn very sharp right to continue in the grounds of Dallam Park. On the day of my visit the sun was blazing down and there were autumn birds all around. I noted redshank, curlew, lapwing and lots of swallows feeding on insects as they were building up their body fat prior to returning to South Africa.

3 Follow the obvious track to reach the Heron Corn Mill on the left. A few years ago I visited the Corn Mill and was surprised to see a heron perched on the river. It is known that cotton has been ground on this site since the 13th Century. The present building dates to around 1720 and there is an excellent example of a functional water wheel. On the opposite site of the river is a paper mill.

From the mill complex turn right and then left to reach Beetham village. The village church is attractive and look for a signpost which is signed to Fairy Steps and Beetham Fell.

4 The area called the Fairy Steps is a fascinating area named Whin Scar and the route climbs its way between rocks. On the day of my walk the sun was reflecting down the polished stone and the view from the area is panoramic; Arnside Knott and our Lakeland fells are delightful.

5 There is at this point a gentle descent through trees where I was surprised to find a green woodpecker. At Cockshot Lane turn right and then look for a sign to the left indicating Sandside and Milnthorpe. Head towards the crest of a hill and when you reach a fork turn right. There is then a junction at a gate. Find a sign indicating Hollins Well and Milnthorpe. With the late September heat I was sweating and my dog shared my bottle of water. A left turn leads to Haverback Fell. The views at this point are to say the least spectacular and the white limestone of Whitbarrow shone in the sunlight and Black Combe is also visible. I lived as a youngster close to this mountain and it looked at its best from this point.

6 Approach a minor road and turn right and turn sharp left. Bear left to reach an obvious winding track to reach a network of minor roads. Cross this and turn right and keep the water of the Kent estuary to the left.

7 At the point where the River Bela enters the estuary turn right and keep the river on the left. Return 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.