THE former fishing port of Arnside is an unspoilt holiday resort with stunning views across Morecambe Bay, writes JOHN EDMONDSON. It’s a great place for a short walk, especially on a sunny evening when could see an amazing sunset. A fairly easy climb up to the 520-feet high wooded hill of Arnside Knott is rewarded by even better views. This small but distinctive Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB) spans the county boundaries of Cumbria and Lancashire.

Start from the parking area at the west end of The Promenade (map reference SD 453 786, postcode LA5 0AD).

Information:

Distance: three miles, ascent: 500 feet

Time: 1.5 hours

Terrain: grassy and stony paths, firm sand

Map: OS Explorer OL7

Route:

1 Begin from the west end of The Promenade along the seafront past Ash Meadow House. At low tide the mud flats and shallow water provide rich feeding for birds such as oystercatchers, dunlin, knots, herons and shelducks. During most months a tidal wave known as the Arnside Bore appears when the incoming tide is forced through the narrowing bay. The bore wave varies from a few inches to three feet high depending on the height of the tide. A siren is sounded 15 to 20 minutes before the bore is due. Walk along the foreshore footpath for about a mile to New Barns, passing the coastguard station, which was built in 1992. Grubbins Wood on the left provides shade for many species of ferns. The wood contains mounds of woodland debris that are homes for large red southern wood ants. This is the most northerly place they can be found. On reaching the concrete road near New Barns turn left then right to go through a metal kissing gate onto a footpath signed Arnside Knott and Silverdale.

2 Walk along the fenced path to a wicket gate into the woods and follow an uphill stony track through the woods, keeping on the main path and avoiding paths to the left and right. Go through a wicket gate next to a field gate into an open area then through Copridding Wood and bear left to walk beside a wall. Turn right through a gate onto a bridleway signed Heathwaite and Arnside Tower. Continue ahead beside a wall and turn left in front of a gate, going around a bench onto the footpath signed Arnside Knott. Follow the uphill path bearing right to continue ascending. Near the top where views open to the south turn left to visit the viewpoint. Plaques identify the magnificent views to the south, east and north.

3 Return to the main path and turn left passing a wooden bench with a memorial plaque. Turn right onto the grassy path to the trig point, which was adopted by Arnside Ramblers in 1997. Continue walking ahead going downhill, keeping right, to a gate in the wall. Descend across the wide-open space of Red Hills and enjoy great views over Arnside. The railway viaduct is 522 yards long and supported on 50 piers. After its construction in 1857 the bay started to silt up. Until then, the port was busy with small coasters, steamers and yachts. Head to a kissing gate leading to a footpath through Dobshall woods. Turn left on High Knott Road, around the bend to the right, right at Redhills Road then left on Silverdale Road. Keep on the pavement on the left where it leaves the roadside and follow it downhill to The Promenade where the walk began near the entrance to Ash Meadow House.

Next week: White Maiden and Coniston Old Man

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.