These Boots Were Made For Winter Walking

11 December 2013

Listed as one of the UK’s top 10 winter walking routes, Silverdale in Lancashire is a low-land route with gorgeous views over Morecambe Bay.

The vistas of the Bowland fells and Morecambe Bay change as you walk round the point, making Silverdale a unique place to visit for winter walking.

Green woodpeckers can often be spotted on the first half of the walk too, so it’s an interesting outing for amateur birdwatchers.

Begin at Woodwell car park, listen out for the water cascade from the cliff base. Turn right and follow the path along the field, then climb the steps and cross the road. Follow either of the two marked routes that bend to the left and climb the stone stile. In the next field, turn left to follow a path through a gate to the top of the hill.
In this field there are ancient anthills. Turn south to retrace your way to the path, turn left down the slope to the salt marsh, then go right along the shore.
On the shoreline, look out for the old ore-smelting chimney. From the chimney, take care over the rocks in front of the houses to reach the road. Continue onwards until you see a gate on the left where you enter National Trust land.
You will now find yourself on the limestone grassland cliffs of Jack Scout. Look out for close-cropped turf: grazing by rabbits encourages the orchid ‘autumn lady’s tresses’ to flower in August and September.
At the north end of Jack Scout is a lime kiln. Behind this is the gate back on to the road; turn left.
On your left at the end of the road is Lindeth Tower. In the 19th century, it was the home of the Victorian author Elizabeth Gaskell, who wrote a number of novels that have since been made into television serials. At the road junction, go left for about 200m, then turn right to return to the start point at Woodwell.

Time and Accessibility

Allow around two hours for this one-and-three-quarter-mile (3km) circular walk. Walking conditions are easy, with some ascents and one steep descent. It is advisable to wear walking boots. Point 3 is on the high-tide mark: beware of incoming tides and quicksands. Cliffs are dangerous so children should be supervised and dogs kept on leads. Of course, don’t forget the many dog friendly pubs in Lancashire!

Getting There

By foot: The Lancashire Coastal Way.
By bike: It is near the Lancashire Cycleway on Regional Route 90.
By bus: Silverdale Circular 33 runs from Silverdale railway station to Silverdale Village Monday-Saturday. While bus number 550 runs from Kendal to Silverdale.
By train: Silverdale and Arnside stations are both half a mile away.
By road: Junction 35 M6, then A6 north, then west to Silverdale at Yealand Redmayne. Car park at grid ref: SD465744.