Many travelers bypass Arnside and Silverdale, skirting the edges of Morecambe Bay to the west and the Lake District to the north, as they journey along the M6 motorway. However, detouring to this Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB), one of the smallest in the UK, promises a delightful surprise. Despite its modest size of just 29 square miles, the region boasts remarkable diversity, featuring woodlands, limestone hills, and a coastal area interconnected by a network of paths. Trails conveniently commence right from Arnside station, which boasts direct rail connections to Lancaster and Manchester, with e-bikes available for rental at Ease E Ride.
What to do
Venture to Warton Crag, a local nature reserve on the southern fringes of the AONB, housing a limestone hill surrounded by rugged, weathered woodlands. The crag, the highest point in the area, affords stunning views of peaks in the Lake District and Yorkshire Dales. However, the reserve’s most exceptional feature lies closer to the ground: a variety of butterflies, including the rare pearl-bordered fritillary. Enthusiastic hikers can continue north to Arnside, located at the mouth of the Kent Estuary. During exceptionally high tides, a visit to the seafront provides a spectacle as the impressive tidal bore rolls in from Morecambe Bay.
Further inland, on rainy days, Heron Corn Mill in Beetham offers an alternative. Dating back to 1740, this operational watermill has transformed into a community hub hosting diverse events, from craft workshops to open days. Following each milling demonstration, visitors have the opportunity to purchase freshly ground flour.
Don’t miss
Boasting the largest reed bed in northwest England, Leighton Moss is a haven for wildlife, featuring marsh harriers, egrets, and elusive otters. In colder months, crowds gather to witness thousands of starlings engaging in mesmerizing murmurations across the dusk sky before descending to roost among the reeds.
Noteworthy
As winter sets in, there’s no better locale for a sunset stroll than Summerhouse Hill on Leighton Hall Estate. From its summit, sweeping views encompass Morecambe Bay and the snow-capped summits of Lakeland in the distance. At the estate’s foothills, the 18th-century country house hosts a series of festive season events, including wreath-making workshops and candle-lit tours.
Arnside serves as the embarkation point for walks traversing Morecambe Bay to the charming town of Grange-over-Sands. While the tidal crossing is known for its potential hazards, visitors can safely navigate the sands in the company of a royally appointed chaperone — the King’s Guide to the Sands, a venerable position dating back to 1548. Presently, these walks are coordinated by the Guide over Sands Trust and guided by local fisherman Michael Wilson during the summer months.
Accommodation Options
Located a brief drive from the village of Yealand Redmayne, Brackenthwaite Holidays offers four self-catering cottages nestled amidst patchwork fields. The standout is The Dairy, an idyllic retreat for couples featuring a wood burner and a prominent glass-topped well in the living area. Dog-friendly, it includes a two-acre enclosed field for pets to frolic. Cottages start from £113 per night, with a minimum three-night stay.
Alternatively, within a convenient five-minute walk from Morecambe Bay, the family-operated Silverdale Hotel boasts seven guest rooms, some of which accommodate dogs for a nominal fee. The on-site restaurant serves a hearty English breakfast, showcasing locally sourced favorites. Open for lunch and dinner, it proves to be a popular choice for a post-hike meal. Doubles are available from £90, inclusive of bed and breakfast.
Dining Recommendations
The Wheatsheaf at Beetham, established in 1609, stands out as one of the area’s premier country pubs. Patrons can indulge in homemade meals crafted from locally sourced ingredients, ranging from Cumbrian venison steak to Morecambe Bay potted shrimps and daily deliveries of cider-battered fish from nearby Fleetwood. The menu also features enticing seasonal daily specials.