First posted: 30 November 2010. Last revised: Sunday 9 April 2023.

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For ease of navigation, I would have preferred the section headings in the left frame of this web page to be collapsible. But, without much additional time and effort, I cannot achieve this.

Previously, as what might have been viable and readily achievable alternatives, I uploaded, and provided access to, two additional files. But in practice (because of the many photos), I found these to be poor substitutes for what I wanted.

Far preferable, and very close to the result I want, is the following.

A docx file, best opened in Word, and viewed in Web Layout, which includes the content in the right frame of this web page, plus the content at the head of the left frame. You can navigate - except for the front matter - using the Navigation Pane (Word's automatic left frame with collapsible headings).

You can access it <here>, for downloading, and open it accordingly.

This file can also be opened in LibreOffice Writer, viewed as Web, and similarly navigated using the Navigator pane. But you will need to work harder than in Word.

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1 Introduction

This page is about the abundant cycling and / or walking opportunities that are local to Millhead. There are three sections: (1) walking; (2) cycling; (3) cycling and walking (combined).

For cycling I find the Ordnance Survey maps, Landranger series, most suitable. (I do not know whether these maps have been superseded. I have had my copies since 1993. I would expect there to be something current which is equivalent.) Because I have tended to cycle to the north and east of Lancaster, I have found that two maps suffice, as follows.

(a) Landranger 97, Kendal to Morecambe, 1:50,000 (2cm to 1Km).

This map alone will suggest many opportunities.

(b) Landranger 98, Wensleydale and Upper Wharfedale, 1:50,000 (2cm to 1Km).

I have used this map relatively little.

For walking I find the Ordnance Survey maps, Pathfinder series, most suitable. (Again, I do not know whether these maps have been superseded. I have had my copies since 1993.) Because I walk to the north of Lancaster, I find that four maps suffice, as follows.

(a) Pathfinder 636, Grange-over-Sands, 1:25,000 (4cm to 1Km).

(b) Pathfinder 637, Burton-in-Kendal & Caton, 1:25,000 (4cm to 1Km).

(c) Pathfinder 628, Kirkby Lonsdale & Barbon, 1:25,000 (4cm to 1Km).

(d) Pathfinder 627, Milnthorpe, 1:25,000 (4cm to 1Km).

I have never bought a copy of Pathfinder 648, which covers the area immediately south of Carnforth, because it very largely depicts water (Morecambe Bay). Partly on this account I did not begin walking south from Millhead until long after I should have done so.

For informative purposes, especially locally, the following is possibly useful: OpenSteetMap. It includes footpaths.

For cycling, both rider and bike should be up to the job. At the very least, carry necessary and sufficient tools to get you home in case you experience predictable problems: eg, puncture(s).

For walking, it is also advisable to possess, and know how to use, a compass. And it is best - essential at times, especially so in adverse conditions - to be properly shod and sensibly clothed.

The longer any of the suggested routes, the greater the number of possible variations. I have suggested a few, but to include more than a few would be to make what follows indigestible. Whether by consulting a map, or by being inquisitive, or both, you will find much to appreciate. And you may enjoy the process of personal discovery.

2 Walking from Millhead

These walks are all circular, starting and ending in Millhead. As such, the starting point could equally well be at some other point on the route; and the direction can be either clockwise or counter-clockwise.

I have preferred to give general indications rather than detailed directions. This is because - usually as rights of way, but not always - the maps have the details, and you should learn to use these: when you have begun to use the maps you will be able to find other walks than those suggested here (both locally and elsewhere). Also, you should be inquisitive, think for yourself, and not expect to be told exactly what to do. Neither have I indicated distances or times, because the routes can be modified (shortened or lengthened) according to circumstances, and the time taken will vary according to what you choose to do en route.

Best allow plenty of time when you first try a route; and always have an "escape route" in mind.

I have included a number of photographs that will give some idea of what might be expected. Headings precede each suggested route; headings (captions) precede each photograph. The order of the photographs (ie the places from which they were taken) corresponds to that of the suggested route as stated (though I may have been travelling in the opposite direction at the time, as may be indicated in a photograph's caption).

Bolton-le-Sands

Millhead > Shore Road > path S along coast, close to high water line, to Bolton-le-Sands > canal towpath N to Thwaite Brow Lane > choice of routes back to Millhead: either (1) continue along canal towpath; or (2) follow Thwaite Brow Lane and then rejoin canal towpath; or (3) cut through wood and follow Mount Pleasant Lane and then rejoin canal towpath; or (4) cut through wood and follow various field paths before emerging at Crag Bank at far end of Mount Pleasant Lane and then rejoin canal towpath.

Depending upon the time of year and the state of the tide, it is not always possible to get through on the path along the coast, which is not always comfortable walking at the best of times. But the outlook can make the trip enjoyable. If in doubt, omit the coastal part and use just the other parts of this route, which can be varied by introducing figures of eight (there are many possibilities when you come to know the various field paths to the east of the canal).

When you are familiar with the path along the coast, and well aware of how high and how fast the tide can rise, it is worth venturing below the high water line onto the saltings between Shore Road and Bolton-le-Sands.

When I follow this route I sometimes get my shopping in Carnforth on the return trip.

Warton Crag and Rainbow 9 November 2010

Warton Sands and Ironworks Tailings (1) 21 December 2010

Warton Sands and Ironworks Tailings (2) 21 December 2010

Across Warton Sands toward Grange 18 October 2010

Nearing Bolton-le-Sands 6 February 2012

Thwaite Brow Lane Bridge over Canal 18 October 2010

Ascending through Wood 18 October 2010

About to Descend Hawksheads Hill 12 September 2011

Northerly Prospect from Hawksheads Hill 21 December 2010

E Side of Hawksheads Hill 3 June 2011

Canal Towpath Crag Bank 6 December 2010

Borwick and Tewitfield Locks

Millhead > fields E of William Street > skirt Warton > Borwick Lane > Boon Town Farm buildings > track to cross A6 > skirt Pine Lake > R bank of Keer > High Keer Bridge > L bank of Keer > under Keer viaduct > Capernwray > track under Keer viaduct, below canal > bridge over canal at Mansergh Farm > through fields to Borwick church > Sanders Farm > through fields to take Kirkgate Lane > Tewitfield > canal towpath past locks > under M6 > fields to Dykes Lane > Church Lane > through fields to Well Lane > Footeran Lane > through field to Cringlebarrow Wood > past Yealand Manor > cross Coach Road to take Green Lane > Crag Foot > Crag Road > Occupation Road > skirt Warton Crag W side to descend S through fields to Silverdale Road > Howard Cottages > Shore Road > Millhead.

Approaching Keer Viaduct 3 February 2015

Crag Foot

Millhead > fields E of William Street > skirt Warton > Hyning Scout Wood > cross Coach Road > track (Green Lane) and fields to Moss House Farm and Crag Foot > Crag Road > Occupation Road > skirt Warton Crag on W side (optional digression to top) > descend to S > choice of routes back to Millhead: either (1) through fields > Howard Cottages (where Sand Lane and New Road meet at right angles) > track on SW side of railway line to Shore Road > Millhead; or (2) through field by churchyard > past side of Malt Shovel public house > Gardner Road > fields E of William Street > Millhead.

A further option is to continue from Howard Cottages along Sand Lane to Cote Stones Farm, continuing thence to R bank of River Keer, returning next to Keer through reed beds to Shore Road.

NOTE The fields E of William Street are sometimes flooded and impassable. In which case use Mill Lane between Millhead and Warton.

Approaching Lime Kiln above Hyning Scout Wood 9 May 2011

Descending to Crag Foot 3 September 2012

Ascending from Crag Foot (2) 14 March 2011

Ascending from Crag Foot (1) 14 March 2011

Occupation Road in Retrospect 1 December 2010

Flanking W Side of Warton Crag (Retrospective) 1 December 2010

On SW Side of Warton Crag (Retrospective) 9 May 2011

Reaching Crag Road after Flanking Warton Crag 1 December 2010

Highfield Lane

Millhead > back streets of Carnforth > canal towpath > Thwaite House Farm > drop down through field (for splendid view) to Mount Pleasant Lane > Highfield Lane > track > through fields and either (1) Thwaite House Farm > canal towpath > back streets of Carnforth > Millhead; or (2) Dunkirk Avenue > Carnforth High School > Hodgson's Bridge > North Road > Hawk Street > Millhead.

An attractive optional extra is a circular route (clockwise or counter-clockwise) from Highfield Lane (incorporating Whorleys Lane and Hallfield Lane) to include Hawksheads Hill (for another splendid view). And there are at least two alternatives to returning from fields via Dunkirk Avenue.

NOTE After much rain, the stream that overflows the lower end of Mount Pleasant Lane can be difficult to negotiate, and the track which continues beyond Highfield Lane becomes somewhat muddy (but not impossible) in places (as it was on 27 March 2023).

If you search on line for "'Highfield Lane' Carnforth map" - and persevere - you may find a map suitable for illustrative purposes (at least). Or, have a look at: OpenSteetMap.

This is often a shopping trip (including recyclables), but not necessarily so.

Bridge over Canal to Thwaite House Farm 27 March 2023

Thro' Fields E of Thwaite House Farm 26 June 2019

Descending from Thwaite House Farm to Mount Pleasant Lane 27 March 2023

Track between Highfield Lane and Fields 27 March 2023

Descending Hawksheads Hill to Rejoin Track (Continuation of Highfield Lane) 27 March 2023

Back Street between Highfield Road and Russell Road 27 March 2023

Hodgson's Bridge 3 July 2019

Hilderstone or Tewitfield

Millhead > Carnforth > N on canal towpath > Hilderstone > Hilderstone Moss > White Moss > Yealand Hall > Cringlebarrow Wood > Yealand Manor > cross Coach Road > Hyning Scout Wood > skirt Warton > fields E of William Street > Millhead.

Part of this route is inherently boggy (Hilderstone Moss > White Moss). This is best negotiated either when the ground is hard frozen, or during a prolonged period of dry weather.

There is a pleasant and interesting alternative to the canal towpath, beginning near the Keer aqueduct (carrying the canal over the Keer): a path under the Keer viaduct (carrying the railway over the Keer), leading to a track to rejoin the canal towpath at Borwick. (But be sure to admire the Keer aqueduct first.)

Instead of going on to Hilderstone from Borwick, you might leave the canal at Tewitfield, and then: Tewitfield Farm > Snape Lane > Yealand Conyers > Hyning Scout Wood > skirt Warton > fields E of William Street > Millhead.

Retrospective on Approaching Carnforth 19 December 2010

Going under Keer Viaduct 8 February 2012

Having left the canal towpath to rejoin it at Borwick.

Keer Aqueduct 18 December 2012

Photograph from garden of Mill House, with permission.

Approaching Capernwray 19 December 2010

Borwick 19 December 2010

Tewitfield Locks 8 December 2010

Just beyond Yealand Road Bridge 8 December 2010

Bridleway near Hilderstone Farm 8 December 2010

Retrospective across White Moss 8 December 2010

Crossing White Moss to Yealand Hall 8 December 2010

A Sideways Look (N) into White Moss 8 December 2010

Approaching White Moss 19 December 2010

Nearing Yealand Manor 8 February 2012

Past Yealand Manor 19 December 2010

Yealand Manor 19 December 2010

Warton Sands

Millhead > Shore Road > bridge over River Keer > R bank of Keer > Warton Sands > ironworks tailings > R bank of Keer > bridge over Keer > Shore Road > Millhead.

R Bank of Keer 14 June 2011

Facing W on Warton Sands 14 June 2011

Warton Sands and Ironworks Tailings 21 April 2011

Facing N on Warton Sands 14 June 2011

White Moss

Millhead > fields E of William Street > skirt Warton > Hyning Scout Wood > Yealand Conyers > Snape Lane > N on bridleway > past St John's Church > N on bridleway and through fields to cross Nineteen Acre Lane > N on bridleway to White Moss > W then S and continue through Cringlebarrow Wood > past Yealand Manor > Hyning Scout Wood > skirt Warton > fields E of William Street > Millhead.

Junction of Nineteen Acre Lane and Bridleway 1 March 2011

White Moss 1 March 2011

Retrospective near Yealand Manor 1 March 2011

Yealand Storrs

Millhead > fields E of William Street > skirt Warton > Hyning Scout Wood > Yealand Manor > Deepdale (clockwise) > Cringlebarrow Wood > Yealand Hall > Yealand Storrs > track through fields > Leighton Hall > rejoin outward route near Yealand Manor > Hyning Scout Wood > skirt Warton > fields E of William Street > Millhead.

Hyning Scout Wood (Outbound) 5 December 2010

Descending into Deepdale 5 December 2010

Retrospective toward Yealand Storrs 7 March 2011

Approaching Yealand Storrs 2 January 2012

Approaching Leighton Hall Home Farm 7 March 2011

3 Cycling from Millhead

These bike rides are all circular, starting and ending in Millhead. As such, the starting point could equally well be at some other point on the route; the direction can be either clockwise or counter-clockwise; and there are very many other variations that could be introduced.

As with the walking routes, I have preferred to give general indications rather than detailed directions. You will need a map to be able to follow a route to best advantage (and to devise your own routes).

Best allow plenty of time when you first try a route; and always have an "escape route" in mind.

I have included a number of photographs that will give some idea of what might be expected. Headings precede each suggested route; headings (captions) precede each photograph. The order of the photographs (ie the places from which they were taken) corresponds to that of the suggested route as stated (though I may have been travelling in the opposite direction at the time, as may be indicated in a photograph's caption).

Aughton, Eskrigge, Gressingham

Millhead > Carnforth > canal towpath > Bolton-le-Sands > Nether Kellet > Shaw Lane > Laverick Hall > Halton Green > Halton Park > Aughton > Eskrigge > Gressingham > Storrs Hall (see option below) > Arkholme > Docker > Keer Holme Lane > Priest Hutton (see option below) > Borwick > Warton > Millhead.

Option: at Storrs Hall take Locka Lane > Gunnerthwaite > Keer Holme Lane, etc (as above).

Option: omit Priest Hutton.

Halton Park 27 November 2011

Between Aughton and Eskrigge 3 July 2011

About to Cross Gressingham Beck 3 July 2011

Having Crossed High Dam Beck at Gressingham 3 July 2011

Golden Yew at The Old Vicarage, Gressingham 3 July 2011

Facing Lancaster Bank near End of Locka Lane 3 July 2011

Toward Ingleborough from Arkholme-Docker Lane 26 September 2010

Approaching Priest Hutton 12 December 2011

Tulip Tree at Priest Hutton 6 July 2011

Barbondale (1)

Millhead > Carnforth > North Road > Kellet Lane > Borwick > Priest Hutton > Keer Holme Lane > Docker > Newton > Whittington > Devil's Bridge > Chapel House > High Casterton > Whelprigg > Barbondale > Gawthrop > Dales Way > Holme Farm (see option below) > Four Lane Ends > Killington > Three Mile House > Swarther Plantation > Old Town > Barkin House > Warth > Nook > Farleton > A6070 > Warton > Millhead.

I would not have followed the A6070 had I not been running out of daylight (because I had dawdled earlier, taking photographs in excellent light). It was the first time I have followed the main road all the way from Farleton to the Warton roundabout. In fact, there was very little traffic on the road (just before dusk on Sunday 10 October 2010) so it was quite pleasant. I had not passed through the centre of Burton-in-Kendal for a long time, and it was interesting to do so.

Option: shortly after Holme Farm there is a well-defined footpath to Middleton Bridge, worth following on foot, pushing the bike.

Approaching Barbondale 10 October 2010

Barbondale (1) 10 October 2010

Barbondale (2) 10 October 2010

Barbondale (3) 10 October 2010

Dales Way 10 October 2010

River Dee Valley in Retrospect 10 October 2010

Middleton Fell and Barbon Low Fell from Approach to Killington 10 October 2010

Barbondale (2)

Millhead > Warton > Yealands (all three of them) > Thrang End > Fell End > Hale > Pye's Bridge > Elmsfield > Farleton > Nook > Warth > Barkin House > bridleway to omit Old Town (or Old Town if preferred) > Swarther Plantation > Three Mile House > Killington > Four Lane Ends > (see option below) Holme Farm > Dales Way > Gawthrop > Barbondale > Barbon > N almost to Applegarth > to A683 > cross Lune near Rigmaden > S to Kearstwick > NW via Tosca and Pant End to Warth > Nook > Farleton > Elmsfield > Pye's Bridge > Hale > Fell End > Thrang End > Yealands > Warton > Millhead.

Option: there is a well-defined footpath from Middleton Bridge, worth following on foot, pushing the bike, to reach the road to Holme Farm.

Descending to Killington 30 May 2011

Killington 30 May 2011

Ascending from Middleton Bridge (1) 26 May 2013

Ascending from Middleton Bridge (2) 26 May 2013

Dee Valley 30 May 2011

Rash Bridge 30 May 2011

Corn Close 30 May 2011

Barbon High Fell from Summit of Barbondale Road 30 May 2011

Descending Barbondale 30 May 2011

Barbondale in Retrospect 30 May 2011

Reaching Barbon 30 May 2011

Crossing the Lune to Rigmaden 30 May 2011

Great Stone of Fourstones

Millhead > Carnforth > North Road > Kellet Lane > Over Kellet > Birkland Barrow> Addington > Halton Park > cross River Lune > Caton > toward Quernmore > past Cragg Wood > The Cragg > Crossgill > Winder > Haylot Farm > Thornbush > Wray > Above Beck > Cragg Hall > Park House > toward Summersgill > Ivah > Ringstones > Great Stone of Fourstones > Willow Tree > Mill Houses > Mealbank > Wray > Bull Yeats > Hornby > Loyn Bridge > Gressingham > Sunny Bank Farm > Capernwray church > Borwick > Warton > Millhead.

Ascending from Quernmore 10 April 2011

View E from The Cragg 10 April 2011

Caton Moor En Route to Winder 10 April 2011

Haylot Farm from Winder 10 April 2011

Haylot Farm from Ascent to Thornbush 10 April 2011

View NE from Above Beck 10 April 2011

Ascending to Cragg Hall 10 April 2011

Summersgill to Ivah 10 April 2011

Descending from Summersgill 10 April 2011

En Route to Ringstones 10 April 2011

Hornby Castle 10 April 2011

Castle Stede next Loyn Bridge 10 April 2011

Loyn Bridge 10 April 2011

Hazelslack and Carr Bank

Millhead > Warton > Yealands (all three of them) > Brackenthwaite > Creep i' th' Call Bridge > Hazelslack > Carr Bank > Black Dyke > Arnside > Arnside Tower > Elmslack > Bottoms Lane > Silverdale Green > Silverdale > Lindeth Lodge Farm > Hazelwood Farm > Slackwood Farm > Crag Foot > Howard Cottages (at W end of Sand Lane which runs from Warton to Cote Stones) > turn immediately left (SE) to follow lane next to railway line > Shore Road > Millhead.

Hyning Scout Wood between Warton and Yealands 19 May 2011

Hyning Scout Wood between Warton and Yealands 25 May 2011

Hazelslack Tower 24 October 2013

Holme Moss

Millhead > Warton > Borwick > Priest Hutton > Cinderbarrow > Hilderstone > Holme Moss > Fell End > Thrang End > Yealand Storrs > Leighton Moss > Crag Foot > Crag Road > Warton > Millhead.

Borwick 8 September 2010

Yews at Fell End 8 September 2010

Lancaster and Morecambe

This is a shopping route. But not necessarily so.

Millhead > Shore Road > Crag Bank > canal towpath (either (1) all the way to Lancaster or (2) at Bolton-le-Sands take Ancliffe Lane to rejoin canal towpath near Slyne) > on nearing Lancaster either (1) leave canal towpath to pass through Skerton and use cycle path over Millennium Bridge and behind Lancaster Castle to railway station, or (2) continue on canal towpath to reach centre of town > Lancaster > Millennium Bridge > cycle path > Morecambe > promenade > coast road > Hest Bank > canal towpath > Crag Bank > Shore Road > Millhead.

Approaching Aqueduct near Lancaster 8 April 2011

Whittington and Newton

Millhead > Warton > Borwick > Priest Hutton > Keer Holme Lane > Keer Holme > Keer Side > Johnson House > Hutton Roof > Gallowber Lane > Pit Lane > High Biggins > Hosticle Lane > Whittington > Newton > Docker > Keer Holme > Keer Holme Lane > Priest Hutton > Borwick > Warton > Millhead.

Returning via Borwick 3 March 2011

4 Cycling and Walking from Millhead

These combined cycling and walking routes are all circular, starting and ending in Millhead. As such, the two starting points - one for cycling, one for walking - could equally well be at other points on the respective routes; the directions can be either clockwise or counter-clockwise; and there are very many other variations that could be introduced.

As with the walking routes and the cycling routes, I have preferred to give general indications rather than detailed directions. You will need a map to be able to follow a route to best advantage (and to devise your own routes).

Best allow plenty of time when you first try a route; and always have "escape routes" in mind. Best also to change into walking boots for the walk; and be very careful about where you leave your bicycle(s). I prefer to enlist the assistance of a local resident and leave my bike out of obvious sight wherever possible.

I have included a number of photographs that will give some idea of what might be expected. Headings precede each suggested route; headings (captions) precede each photograph. The order of the photographs (ie the places from which they were taken) corresponds to that of the suggested route as stated (though I may have been travelling in the opposite direction at the time, as may be indicated in a photograph's caption).

Arnside Knott

Bike out: Millhead > Warton > Coach Road (which passes the entrance to Leighton Hall) > Yealands (all three of them) > Brackenthwaite > Creep i' th' Call Bridge > Black Dyke > Arnside > Arnside Tower > Far Arnside. Leave bike; change into walking boots.

Walk: Hollins Farm > Arnside Knott > New Barns > Blackstone Point > Arnside Point > Park Point > Far Arnside. Between New Barns and Park Point, whether you take the path above the high water line, or walk on the beach, depends upon personal preference and the state of the tide.

Bike back: Elmslack > Bottoms Lane > Silverdale Green > Slackwood Farm > Crag Foot > Howard Cottages (at W end of Sand Lane which runs from Warton to Cote Stones) > turn immediately left (SE) to follow lane next to railway line > Shore Road > Millhead.

Lake District Peaks across Kent Estuary 27 April 2011

Kent Viaduct 27 April 2011

Beginning to Descend 27 April 2011

At New Barns 27 April 2011

Blackstone Point in Retrospect 27 April 2011

Approaching Park Point 27 April 2011

Nearing Far Arnside 27 April 2011

Arnside Tower

Bike out: Millhead > Warton > Crag Road > Crag Foot > Slackwood Farm > Silverdale Green > Bottoms Lane > Elmslack > Silverdale Cove. Leave bike; change into walking boots.

Walk: NW along shore > Park Point > Arnside Point > White Creek > Blackstone Point > New Barns > Arnside Knott > Arnside Tower > caravan park > Silverdale Cove.

Bike back: Elmslack > Silverdale > Lindeth Lodge Farm > Hazelwood Farm > Slackwood Farm > Crag Foot > Crag Road > Warton > Millhead.

Crag Road 21 June 2011

White Creek (1) 21 June 2011

White Creek (2) 21 June 2011

Descending toward Arnside Tower 21 June 2011

Arnside Tower 21 June 2011

Caton Lune Bridge

Bike out: Millhead > Carnforth > North Road > Netherbeck Farm > Kellet Lane > Over Kellet > Birkland Barrow > Lower Addington > Higher Addington > Brooklands > Kirkby Lonsdale Road > Aughton Road > Aughton. Leave bike; change into walking boots.

Walk (initially, mostly along River Lune): Aughton Barns > Over Lune Barn > Lawson's Wood > concessionary path > past Waterworks Bridge > R bank of Lune to Caton Lune Bridge > ascend to Park Lane > Halton Park Farm > Hawkshead > Lower Highfield > Middle Highfield > Far Highfield > Aughton.

Bike back: Aughton Road > Kirkby Lonsdale Road > Dunald Mill Lane > Nether Kellet > Bolton-le-Sands > canal towpath > Crag Bank > Shore Road > Millhead.

Over Lune Barn (Retrospective) 17 May 2016

Lawson's Wood Start of Concessionary Path 17 May 2016

Lawson's Wood Concessionary Path (Retrospective) 17 May 2016

Lawson's Wood End of Concessionary Path 17 May 2016

Caton Lune Bridge 17 May 2016

Approaching Far Highfield 17 May 2016

Returning to Aughton 17 May 2016

Farleton Fell

Bike out: Millhead > Warton > Coach Road (which passes the entrance to Leighton Hall) > Yealands (all three of them) > Brackenthwaite > Leighton House > Slack Head > Beetham > Dallam Tower > Milnthorpe Marsh > College Green > Leasgill > Mabbin Hall > Deepthwaite > Wath Sutton > Moss End > Dovehouses Bridge > Nook Bridge (over Lupton Beck) > SE by Farleton Fell. Leave bike near Newbiggin; change into walking boots.

Walk: counter-clockwise (the first time, unless you are already familiar with the ascent recommended below) over Farleton Fell. There are numerous paths and tracks, few of them shown at all on my map, and only three indicated as rights of way; and so - except for following the Limestone Link, which is one of the rights of way - I did not walk in this area until someone made a chance remark about it.

Bike back: Newbiggin > Clawthorpe > New Mill > Hilderstone > Cinderbarrow > Yealand Redmayne > Leighton Moss > Crag Foot > Howard Cottages (at W end of Sand Lane which runs from Warton to Cote Stones) > turn immediately left (SE) to follow lane next to railway line > Shore Road > Millhead.

There are several easy-enough ascents of the side of Farleton Fell from the lane near Newbiggin. Instead, for a first ascent, I recommend that from just above Farleton, which is a little more challenging. You will find the start as follows: walk back down the lane (NW) and where you see the lane on the right heading (NE) to Aikbank and the ford through Lupton Beck, take the track on the left (NW). This track, which soon becomes a path, skirts the flank of the fell (eventually heading SW). Keep going, pretty much contouring, until you see Farleton below, and presently you will see a cluster of ash trees, one or more of them quite large and close to the path on the left side (E). Very shortly after this point there is a well-defined and steep path heading up the fellside (NE, initially). Follow this upward between many gorse bushes until you emerge from among the bushes to find several cairns marking the way. I suggest you follow these cairns carefully and note their location relative to the plateau higher up. Otherwise, when you come to walk this route in reverse, you may have difficulty locating the path. Once on top for the first time, I suggest you take the widest counter-clockwise route possible, keeping to a path (there are many) and eventually descending to the lane near Newbiggin. On subsequent visits, provided you keep a good sense of where you are, you can explore other paths at will. It is an excellent place to be.

Descending through Dallam Park to Dallam Tower 6 October 2010

Leasgill 6 April 2011

Farleton Fell from Dovehouses Bridge 6 October 2010

Near Newbiggin 20 April 2011

Approaching Lane to Aikbank 2 October 2014

Beginning to Ascend Farleton Fell 2 May 2012

Beginning to Ascend Farleton Fell 16 March 2011

Descending toward Farleton 13 June 2012

Emerging from the Gorse 2 May 2012

About to Descend toward Farleton 13 June 2012

Top(s) of Farleton Fell 20 April 2011

On Farleton Fell (1) 2 October 2014

On Farleton Fell (2) 2 October 2014

On Farleton Fell 20 April 2011

On Farleton Fell (1) 5 November 2014

On Farleton Fell 20 June 2012

On Farleton Fell 30 May 2012

On Farleton Fell Approaching Whin Yeats 16 March 2011

On Farleton Fell Descending toward Newbiggin 6 April 2011

On Farleton Fell Descending toward Newbiggin 20 April 2011

Approaching Gate on Descent toward Newbiggin 2 May 2012

Immediately beyond Gate 2 May 2012

On Farleton Fell (2) 5 November 2014

On Farleton Fell Descending toward Newbiggin 30 May 2012

Passing under Canal Aqueduct toward Hilderstone 2 May 2012

Henridding

Bike out: Millhead > Warton > Borwick > Priest Hutton > Keer Holme Lane > Lancaster Bank. Leave bike; change into walking boots.

Walk: road to Keer Holme Farm > Hill Top > bridleway NW then northerly past New Close Coppice to Henridding > Dalton Old Hall > Priest Hutton, and take a U-turn (enter from NE, leave to E) > follow farm track easterly between hedges uphill from Hall Beck past Sheepfold to high point > descend to Starricks > Keer Holme Lane > Lancaster Bank.

Bike back: reverse of route out, with option of omitting Priest Hutton.

For the walk, nearing Priest Hutton it would be preferable to be able to go via Upp Hall, but there is no public footpath. The footpath which descends to Starricks is not clearly visible on the ground; use of a compass is advisable. At Starricks the right of way has been re-routed to enter at the SE corner, pass through the stable yard, and join the driveway exiting southerly.

Borwick 23 November 2011

Ascending from Hill Top 9 April 2014

Dalton Old Hall 16 April 2014

Nearing Dalton Old Hall 16 April 2014

E End of Track Next Sheepfold 15 December 2011

Reached High Point from Starricks 16 April 2014

Leck Fell and Barbon High Fell

Bike out: Millhead > Warton > Borwick > Keer Holme Lane > Docker > Newton > Whittington > Devil's Bridge > Chapel House > High Casterton > Roman road (Wandales Lane) > Overtown > Cowan Bridge > Leck. Leave bike; change into walking boots.

Walk: follow L bank of Leck Beck > Anneside > Ease Gill Kirk > Ease Gill > ascend Barbon High Fell to Crag Hill > follow horseshoe ridge via Green Hill to Gragareth > descend to meet road at Leck Fell House > road to Bank House > L bank of Leck Beck > Leck.

Instead of descending to Leck Fell House, it is possible to continue further down the ridge, following the line of the wall, past Ireby Fell Cavern, before cutting across to join the road above Fellside Barn. But this requires some crossing of walls, which are best treated with the greatest of respect for their condition.

Bike back: reverse of route out.

For the walk, there are footpaths or tracks most of the way, but the section on Barbon High Fell between Ease Gill and Crag Hill involves some rough walking, largely without path or track.

Area of Shake Holes beyond Anneside 2 May 2011

Nearing Ease Gill Kirk 2 May 2011

Ease Gill 2 May 2011

Pool of Waterfall 2 May 2011

During a prolonged dry period.

Retrospective from Waterfall 2 May 2011

Beginning to Ascend Barbon High Fell 2 May 2011

Rough Walking in Ascending Barbon High Fell 2 May 2011

Barbondale from Barbon High Fell 2 May 2011

Crag Hill 2 May 2011

Howgill Fells from Crag Hill Summit 2 May 2011

Ingleborough from Crag Hill Summit 4 June 2012

Continuing from Crag Hill Summit 2 May 2011

During Rest and Refreshment 4 June 2012

Just after Rest and Refreshment 4 June 2012

Ingleborough and Green Hill from Crag Hill 2 May 2011

Ingleborough, Green Hill and Gragareth from Crag Hill 2 May 2011

Retrospective En Route for Green Hill 2 May 2011

En Route for Green Hill 2 May 2011

Retrospective from Gragareth 2 May 2011

Descending to Leck Fell House 2 May 2011

Middleton Fell

Bike out: Millhead > Warton > Yealand Conyers > Yealand Redmayne > Cinderbarrow > Henridding > Nanny Hall > Sellet Hall > Low Biggins > Devil's Bridge > Chapel House > High Casterton > Roman road (Wandales Lane) > Bellgate > Whelprigg > Barbon. Leave bike; change into walking boots.

Walk: Oak Tree Farm > Eskholme Pike > Castle Knott > Calf Top > Barkin Top > Long Bank > Fellside > cross A683 > Low Waterside > Middleton Hall Bridge > minor road (High Road) > Ullathorns > Tossbeck > Mill House > Low Fellside > Sowermire Farm > Borwens > minor road (High Road) > Barbon.

Bike back: reverse of route out.

En Route for Eskholme Pike 24 April 2011

En Route for Castle Knott 24 April 2011

Crag Hill (Barbon High Fell) while En Route for Castle Knott 24 April 2011

Castle Knott 24 April 2011

Overlooking Barbondale (South Lord's Land) from Calf Top 24 April 2011

Descending Long Bank 6 May 2012

Retrospective from Long Bank 6 May 2012

Descending Long Bank 24 April 2011

Retrospective during Descent to Fellside 24 April 2011

Bluebells in Wood after Crossing A683 24 April 2011

Silverdale Cove and Jenny Brown's Point

Bike out: Millhead > Warton > Crag Road > Crag Foot > Slackwood Farm > Silverdale Green > Bottoms Lane > Elmslack > Silverdale Cove. Leave bike; change into walking boots.

Walk: S along shore > Know End Point > Jack Scout > Jenny Brown's Point > footpath beyond Brown's Houses > ascend Heald Brow > paths northerly via Silverdale to Silverdale Cove.

Bike back: Elmslack > Silverdale > Lindeth Lodge Farm > Hazelwood Farm > Slackwood Farm > Crag Foot > Crag Road > Warton > Millhead.

From inside the Cave at Silverdale Cove 16 June 2011

Silverdale Cove 16 June 2011

Approaching Silverdale Cove 7 September 2011

Approaching Jack Scout 16 June 2011

Facing Northerly from Jenny Brown's Point 16 June 2011

Yealand Storrs and Silverdale Cove

Bike out: Millhead > Warton > Yealand Conyers > Yealand Redmayne > Yealand Storrs. Leave bike; change into walking boots.

Walk: Yealand Hall Allotment > Hawes Water > Challan Hall > path SW to cross railway line > via car park into Eaves Wood > emerge at Elmslack > Silverdale Cove > footpath to Silverdale > Stankelt Road > Spring Bank > path to Bottoms Lane > path to The Row > The Row > Red Bridge > Moss Lane > path to West Coppice > Yealand Hall Allotment > Yealand Storrs.

Bike back: Leighton Moss > Crag Foot > Crag Road > Warton > Millhead.