The Pictures:-

To see who was on the walk click the following:-

To view all the pictures taken on the walk click 'Here' then click again on first picture to view in full screen. Click on small arrow on right to continue.

The Walk:-

Walk leader - Ian Wardle

Distance - 18.5 miles

Number on walk - 16

Weather - A lovely spring day. Quite muddy in places.

 Hornby to Levens Hall

 18.5 miles

We set off from Hornby on a much better day weather wise. With no rain expected and sunshine forecast we all had smiles on our faces as we crossed the bridge over the River Wenning. Glancing over the side of the bridge it was clear to see that there had been a lot of heavy rain recently as the river was very high almost breaking its banks.

 We continued on to cross the river Lune where we left the road to follow well defined paths up to Storrs Hall. Storrs hall, an ancient estate associated with the Storrs and Askew families, was the first of many grand and stunning properties we would pass on today’s journey.

 Looking across to the east the snow covered tops of Whernside, Gragareth and the Barbon Fells could be clearly seen.

 Soon we were leaving Locka Lane heading for Gunnerthwaite, a large farm, which I recognised as soon as I saw it. The last time I led a walk here the field we had just crossed was full of very inquisitive bullocks which charged us and there was a very large bull blocking the exit path in the field corner. Fortunately today there were only sheep in this field!

 After a short diversion, caused due to the collapsed bridge over the river Keer, we passed through two large metal gates. We were now in Cumbria and leaving Lancashire behind us.

 As we climbed to Harry Wood the track turned sharp right and there it was in the distance: Lakeland with its snow topped fells could now be seen beyond Arnside Knott.

 From Harry Wood the route meandered through very pleasant countryside passing more grand properties; Henridding, Dalton Hall and Coat Green before arriving at Burton-in-Kendal where we stopped for our lunch break.

 Two deer had been spotted on our left running up a field towards Dalton Park Wood.

 After a short walk along the Lancaster canal we reached the picturesque village of Holme where we stopped for a short break at the war memorial.

 Once over the A6 we were into Arnside and Silverdale a limestone landscape of National Importance.  We passed through the very picturesque Hale before dropping down to Beetham where we stopped for our final break of the day.

 We then entered Dallam Park where there were plenty of deer to be seen and good views north across the Kent estuary to Whitbarrow Scar and the Lakeland fells beyond.

 Skirting Milnthorpe we climbed to a vantage point where there were stunning views back across to Morecambe Bay.

 We then reach Heversham where there was an unexpected sting in the tail as the route climbed steeply up a country lane to a footpath lined by trees across to High Barnes. From here it was a welcome drop to our finish at Levens Bridge.

Ian.