Quieter Cumbria – Arnside

SUMMARY

Dates: Thursday March 16th to Mon March 20th

Guide: Alvina Labsvirs

Walking Grade: 2 Goats steady pace walking 5 to 10.5 miles each day.

Base: Ye Olde Fighting Cocks – a historic hotel in Arnside, Cumbria. There is a station at Arnside for those travelling by train and parking at the hotel if driving.

Price: £694  per person for the guided holiday inclusive :

• Ensuite accommodation – B+B
• Packed lunches on 3 walking days
• 3 course welcome dinner together at YE Olde Fighting Cocks on the first night.
• Expert local guiding

Not included is your travel to Arnside and drinks.

DETAILS

All women walking holiday in Cumbria

This is part of our winter revival series making sure we can offer times to get outdoors and connect with other women even in the shorter,darker days, again in Arnside as it was popular last year.

“Great scenery – well thought out walks. Alvina was brilliant – knowledgeable and friendly”

Arnside is a lovely quiet village on the shores of the River Kent on the north eastern corner of Morecambe Bay.

An area of outstanding beauty with gorgeous walks along the bay and over cliff tops, wooded walks around Arnside Knott and access to the Lake District. Plenty for our 3.5 days of walking.

Photos are by Alvina Labsvirs our guide. You will have ample opportunity to take your own as you spend time getting to know this unspoilt, stunning area.

Arnside is an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. A beautiful setting overlooking the bay. The area is primarily limestone with ancient woodland. There is an abundance of wildflowers and birds. The town is a Victorian seaside resort with a promenade and pier. This little west coast town hosts some fabulous sunsets which can be viewed from our hotel.

Our hotel is on the promenade with views over the estuary and is also a traditional pub serving local food and beers. Your first night will be eating together in the restaurant to get to know each other.

ITINERARY

Walks could vary depending on the weather. Graded 2 Goats as there are some ascents, descents and long walks. The pace will be steady.

Day 1 – Arrival by 5pm for a welcome briefing with Alvina your guide. Check in is from 3pm. If you arrive earlier there are plenty of local walks or simply relax at the hotel. Alvina , your local guide, will brief you each evening on the next days walks. Expect to  start the hikes around 9.30 -10am.

Day 2 –  Arnside to Leighton Moss – Approx 10.5 miles.
We walk through woodlands, along a cliff top path and via rolling pastures. The end point is Silverdale. There are chances for cuppa stops including at the RSPB reserve at Leighton Moss. For those who want a shorter walk it is possible to catch the train back to Arnside from Silverdale.

Day 3 – Arnside to Beetham – Approx 8 to 10 miles.
This is mainly a woodland walk over limestone. We have an interesting route on an old coffin trail called ‘fairy steps’. We can have a half way cuppa stop at Beetham Nurseries and café. Again we have an option for a bus back for those requiring a shorter walk. For the longer walk we will return through a deer park and on a low coastal route.

Day 4 – Grange and Cartmel – 9 miles with the option to shorten to 5 miles.
We will catch the train to Grange over Sands over the bay. From here the walk takes us up a limestone ridge to Hempsfell with fabulous views over Morecambe Bay and to the Lake District. We will then drop down into Cartmel, home of sticky toffee pudding with a chance to taste some ! There are many tea rooms and opportunities to linger and enjoy. Those who would rather stay and take tea and visit the Priory can do so, others can choose to extend the walk through some beautiful ancient woodlands.

Day 5 – Short morning walk up Arnside Knott. Check out is at 10.30am. Luggage can be left at the hotel. For those who would like to we will do a 5 mile walk.
The walk takes us up the hill behind Arnside with fabulous views over Morecambe Bay and to the Lake District.