Written by Mary Welsh

A walk on Humphrey Head

Humphrey Head is a low rocky promontory extending for about one mile, from where there are extensive views over Morecambe Bay. It provides good walking over pasture and a high field, which has a rich variety of flora. Legend tells that in 1390 this is where the last wolf in England was killed.

As for parking, a) if the tide is safe you can park up under the cliffs at the end of the road. Remember to check your tide tables. Or there are several laybys along the approach road to the start of the walk. There is also a very small layby immediately beyond the road up to the Humphrey Head Outdoor Centre.

Information

Distance: 3 miles

Time: 2-3 hours

Terrain: good walking, grassy slopes, woodland path, narrow road. Take care on the ladderstiles, the gaps between the steps are rather wide.

Map: OS Explorer OL 7

1 If you have parked at a) return along the narrow road, below the magnificent crags of the Head, to reach the entrance to the outdoor centre. If you have managed to park at the entrance to the centre, or a near by layby, go through the kissing gate beside the cattle grid. Beyond, walk a short way uphill on the access track and soon bear right onto an indistinct grassy trod, with the centre higher up to your left. Climb steadily to pass through the gate in the top right corner.

2 Beyond, carry on, parallel with the fenced edge of the cliffs, where the path takes you between small limestone outcrops and ridges in the grass. Follow the faint path as it leads you the trig point at 152-feet/52-metres. Pause here to enjoy the stunning view of Arnside Knott across the huge expanse of water. You can also see the Lakeland Fells, and nearer, Whitbarrow. Carry on beside the fence to descend gently to a gate onto the rocky end of headland. If the tide is right, there are rock pools and fine crags to explore, and a small sandy beach.

3 Then return to the gate and turn right before the continuing fence to reach a ladderstile. If you find the rabbit holes difficult or feel too close to the edge of the shallow cliffs go through the gate at the end of the promontory and walk right, inside the fence, to pass the ladderstile. Stroll on the lovely way to climb a similar ladderstile into woodland.

4 Go ahead on the path through the fine trees. Where some branches have fallen across the way, follow where other folk have walked. Enjoy the views of the sea, as you go. Just before you reach a gate out into a pasture, turn left and climb through the trees to a gate in the wall onto a field. Beyond, bear a little left to pick up a grassy trod climbing to the left side of the outdoor centre. Carry on beyond and then drop down the grassy slope to join the access road. Descend to the kissing gate beside the cattle grid to return to your vehicle.

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.