This walk starts from the village of Arkholme, named in the Domesday Book as Ergune. It follows the River Lune for three miles and returns through the village of Gressingham (‘the place where grazing takes place’). Gressingham Duck is so named because the village was the birthplace of Lake District Farmer Peter Dodd, who developed the cross breed between the popular Pekin duck and the Wild Mallard, which has more breast meat and a distinctive gamey flavour. The ducks are raised in East Anglia.

Walk description

1. From the crossroads walk along Main Street (across the B6254 from the Bay Horse Inn) towards the River Lune. At the end of the road go through the kissing gate on the right signed Lune Valley Ramble. Walk along the field to a fence stile next to a metal gate then along the left edge of the next field. Cross a fence stile close to the river and follow the riverside path for the next 1½ miles to Loyn Bridge. Loyn is an archaic name for Lune. The 17th century bridge is still adequate to support 40 tonne vehicles. Cross the road and steps over the wall on the far side then continue along the riverside for a further 1½ miles. After a mile, where the path leaves woodland, there is the option of shortening the walk by turning sharp right through a gate and following Sandbeds Lane to Gressingham.

2. To continue along the riverside, pass the confluence of the River Wenning, one of the Lune’s major tributaries. This area is renowned for its over-wintering geese, shellduck, oystercatcher and redshank. At a solitary riverside tree bear right to go through a gateway, across a field and over a fence stile to a tarn (at The Snab) below the trees. Cross the stile to the right of the tarn, go up through the woodland, through a gate then turn right on the tarmac lane signed Public Footpath. Go through a gate and over a fence stile then walk uphill across a field to a fence stile next to trees. Walk alongside the hedge on the left, across a stile and continue alongside the hedge on the right to a stile with a footpath fingerpost. The Eagle Tower of medieval Hornby Castle can be seen across the valley. Walk straight on to a hedged lane (may be overgrown) to Belle Vue Farm. Turn left along the lane past the house of Waterbrow Wood then turn right. Pass Eskrigge House, go over a stile/gate and keep ahead in line with the house to cross a pair of stiles about 25 yards to the right of the hedge. Descend past a barn to the village of Gressingham.

3. Turn left onto the lane then right in front of a barn and cross two footbridges next to fords. Cross the road to the left of The Old School, walk uphill and keep left at the junction (signed Cycleway 90). After ½ mile, where the road bends left after passing woodland, keep ahead over a stile beside a gate and head towards Storrs Hall. Go over a fence stile 100 yards to the right of woodland to a stile in the wooded corner of the field. Turn right on the B6254 and after 200 yards (opposite Storrs Cottage) turn left onto Locka Lane. Walk up over the brow of the hill and turn right at Locka Old Barn. Go through a gate on the right then through a wrought-iron wicket gate and continue beside a hedge on the left. Descend the field ahead to cross a footbridge then keep right to walk beside the beck. Go over the stile next to a gate and across the field to the left of a large barn. Go through the field gate and across a roadside wall stile (beware long drop on its far side). Turn left beside the B6254 to where the walk began.

 

DISTANCE: 7.2 miles (12km) ASCENT: 600 feet (183m)

TIME: 3½ hours

TERRAIN: Grassy paths and quiet roads. Some of the paths may be overgrown or subject to flooding MAP: Ordnance survey OL7 + OL41 START: Arkholme village, which is between Kirkby Lonsdale and Carnforth

GRID REFERENCE: SD 583 721 POSTCODE: LA6 1AS