Woodland Walks

If you want to see a quaint monument built in dedication of another famous Queen then this is the walk for you, for in the lush woodlands of Eaves Wood the walker can see a building said to have been built by the Hebden family in 1887 to celebrate the Golden Jubilee of Queen Victoria. It is thought the rounded building standing at 20ft in height was initially built as a "Folly" but the fact that the building of it took place at the same time as the Jubilee presented the perfect excuse for association with the on-going nationwide celebrations by dedicating it to Queen Victoria. The flatted plateau on which what is now called the "Pepperpot" stands makes a superb vantage point from which to enjoy breathtaking views over the sweeping countryside stretching towards Morecambe Bay.

Walkers should seriously consider starting the walk from Dobshall Wood, Arnside but beware for this is no walk for the feint hearted because to complete this fascinating walk which can take you through to Carnforth and beyond covers a distance of some 9 or so miles and depending on how much of the walk you choose to cover this walk can take even the stout hearted between 5 - 6 hours. The walking terrain is considered to be moderate with some steep sections.

Areas to look out for include:

Once past Arnside Knott follow directions to the viewing point which stands at the top of a steep rise of about 200m. Once at the top the walker is well rewarded with spectacular views across the estuary to the glorious Lakeland mountains.

The ruinous Arnside Tower which is considered to date back to the 13th
or 14th century. The tower was destroyed by fire in 1602 and was later
restored and lived in until the 1680's. Left empty the building quickly
became dilapidated and then later sections of it crumbled still further
because of storm damage of 1884. None-the-less the remains of this once
noble building are fully deserving of more than just a second glance.

Not far past the famous Pepper Pot dedicated to Queen Victoria you can
follow a path which leads to Dogslack Well and Bank Well, an ancient pond.

Having reached Silverdale Station you can journey on towards Leighton Hall. This section of the walk takes you through a kissing gate, along a bridleway and past a bird hide. Leighton Hall is the historic home of the Gillow family, renowned makers of fine furniture and to this day  members of the family still use the Hall although it is let out for weddings and other functions and at certain times of the year the Hall is open for public viewing. Warton, Millhead and Hyning Scout Wood where you can see Red Squirrel and Roe Deer are all worthy of inclusion in this walk. Warton is believed to be the ancestral home of George Washington, first President of the United States.

Refreshments are available in Leighton Moss Visitors Centre and in Warton there is the George Washington pub.

A Pictures of England article submitted by Terri Walton

Pictures of England Articles