Arnside and Silverdale, on the Lancashire–Cumbria border

Arnside & Silverdale

Mixed-habitat reserve

Place photograph

7.4

Wildland

Half day

Time

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Cost

Peaceful

Feel

CoastalHillsWoodlandWetlandWalkersWildlife loversPhotographersFamilies

Why it's Wildland

7.4

A close-knit landscape of limestone hill, woodland and coastal estuary, where Arnside Knott rises above the Kent Estuary and Morecambe Bay.

This is more than a scenic stretch of coast: limestone grassland, mixed woodland, wet meadow and estuary habitats sit within a compact landscape, with notable butterfly and wildflower interest. Arnside Knott adds a rewarding high viewpoint above the bay.

Peaceful · Wild · Big-sky

Find your way

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Arnside and Silverdale, on the Lancashire–Cumbria border

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The experience

Choose a walk around Arnside Knott for a focused half-day, or explore the wider landscape’s varied habitats and viewpoints. Spring flowers and early-summer butterflies are the strongest seasonal draws. Paths can be steep, rocky and slippery, so check conditions and plan within your ability.

Things to do

Walk the Arnside Knott circular route

Take the National Trust circular walk of 1.7 miles, with a summit viewpoint above Arnside and the Kent Estuary. The route is described as moderate and takes around two hours.

About 2 hours

Look for spring flowers at Heathwaite

The National Landscape identifies cowslips and early purple orchids among the spring flowers to look for at Heathwaite.

Watch for butterflies on Arnside Knott

Arnside Knott is noted for butterfly interest, particularly in June and July. The National Landscape names the High Brown Fritillary and Scotch Argus among species found here.

Make a day of it

Quick escape · About 2 hours

Arnside Knott viewpoint walk

01
Start from the Arnside Knott car park, reached via Redhills Road, Knott Lane and Saul’s Drive.
02
Follow the National Trust circular walk towards the summit and its views across the Kent Estuary and Morecambe Bay.
03
Allow for a moderate, strenuous-in-places walk on uneven terrain; check the route and conditions before setting off.

Half day · Half day

Make a half day of Arnside Knott

01
Walk the National Trust’s 1.7-mile Arnside Knott circular route, allowing around two hours.
02
Pause at the viewpoint benches and take in the views north across the Kent Estuary towards the Lake District fells and across Morecambe Bay.
03
In spring, look for cowslips and early purple orchids at Heathwaite; in June and July, watch for butterflies on the hill.
04
Check current access, parking and local refreshments before travelling.

Hidden details

Heathwaite’s spring flowers — Look for cowslips and early purple orchids at Heathwaite, identified by the National Landscape as a spring highlight.

Arnside Knott’s small-scale superlative — The National Landscape describes the 159-metre limestone hill as England’s smallest Marilyn, a status it says the Knott gained in 2005. The source dates its comparison to February 2017.

When to go

April · May · June · July · Choose a clear day for the broadest views; no specific time-of-day advantage is established by the supplied sources.

Spring brings cowslips and early purple orchids at Heathwaite. June and July are highlighted for butterflies and wildflowers. Wet weather can make paths slippery.

Footpaths can be uneven, rocky, steep and slippery when wet. Check local conditions before visiting.

The route

stiles: Gates and stiles are present along some paths
surface: Good paths, but the wider area includes steep, loose, uneven and potentially slippery surfaces
distance: 1.7 miles
duration: About 2 hours
difficulty: Moderate; access to the summit is described as strenuous
waymarking: A National Trust circular walk is identified; check route details on site
route shape: Circular
start point: Arnside Knott car park, via Saul’s Drive and Knott Lane
parking start: Small, unmarked car park at Arnside Knott, at the end of the track; the National Trust gives postcode LA5 0BP and grid reference SD 450 774.

Summit viewpoint above Arnside
Views across the Kent Estuary and Morecambe Bay
Spring flowers at Heathwaite
Butterfly interest in June and July

What to look for

Look for cowslips and early purple orchids at Heathwaite in spring, and watch for butterflies on Arnside Knott in June and July. The National Landscape source names the High Brown Fritillary and Scotch Argus among the species found here.

The story

Landscape and settlement history; the supplied sources do not substantiate a specific historical narrative for the wider area.

Best time to go

Spring for cowslips and early purple orchids; June and July for butterflies and wildflowers.

Visit in spring for cowslips and early purple orchids, or in June and July for butterfly activity and wildflowers. Clear conditions improve the views across the estuary and bay.

How long to spend

Half day

Perfect for

Walkers · Wildlife lovers · Photographers · Families

Practical information

Opening & access

The National Trust describes countryside access from dawn to dusk. Small car parks serve Arnside Knott and Eaves Wood; paths can be steep, uneven and slippery, with gates and stiles. Check current access and facilities before travelling.

Check before visiting

Parking

Small car parks at Arnside Knott and Eaves Wood. Arnside Knott parking is unmarked and holds around 15–20 cars when full; check current details before setting out.

Check before visiting

Toilets

The National Trust reports no toilet facilities at the countryside site. Check before visiting.

Check before visiting

Food & drink

The source row mentions cafés and pubs in local villages, but does not identify specific venues. Check before visiting.

Check before visiting

Dogs

Dogs are welcome under close control, according to the National Trust.

Accessibility

Some accessible gates lead from Saul’s Drive onto Redhills Pasture, and views are available around the National Trust car park. Much of the area has steep, uneven or loose gravel paths; the summit walk is strenuous. Check current conditions and suitability before visiting.

Check before visiting

Cost

Check before visiting

Water

Kent Estuary and Morecambe Bay; no swimming or paddling permission established.