Low Wood To Ambleside Walk: Part 1 of 2

This is an easy going walk, virtually all on the level, along the shore of Windermere and into the town of Ambleside. It started by getting the bus to the Low Wood Hotel, as seen above

Looking the other way, the Low Wood Hotel has fantastic views across Windermere. Needless to say, it isn't cheap to stay there! 

The unmistakeable shape of the Langdales can be seen in the distance. 

Walking along the shore, there are countless views across Windermere. 

A lone canoe. 

Through a delightful, but short, wooded section, with the lake on the left. 

Looking south towards Bowness and beyind that, Lakeside. The Low Wood hotel, where the walk commenced, can just be seen in the top left of the photo. 

Over a stile into Jenkins Field.

The first objective of the walk is to reach Helm Crag, which is tree lined. 

Unusual tree with Helm Crag in the background. 

All you could hear here was the gentle sound of the water lapping onto the shore. I had the place to myself. 

Windermere residents going for a swim.

Time to sit down for a rest. Under this tree. 

Helm Crag, I  sat on a tree trunk, admiring the view and enjoying the peace and quiet. It was also a good place to eat my lunch! Low Wood Hotel can again be seen in the distance on the left. 

Same spot as the previous image, but looking to the right.

It was time to move on and head for Waterhead. As can be seen, a dog suddenly appeared. It's owner was a little way behind out of the picture. 

Helm Crag is actually the tree lined point directly ahead. 

Heading for Waterhead is 'Swan,' one of the three large ships that cruise the length of Windermere.

Having turned the 'corner' at Helm Crag, we'll continue the walk into Ambleside with a further set of photo's tomorrow. 

Arnside Railway Station

Arnside has a busy railway station situated on the Furness Line between Lancaster and Barrow-in-Furness, with some trains running through from Manchester Airport, Manchester Piccadilly and Preston. This view is taken from the footbridge looking towards the viaduct over the River Kent.  

It is a neatly kept station, with a frequent service of trains.

The former station buildings on the Lancaster bound side are no longer used by the railway, and are in private use, as the headquarters of the A.N.O.B.

Looking north along the Kent estuary from the western end of the Lancaster bound platform. The small village of Sandside can be seen in the distance, once served by a branch railway from Arnside to Hincaster Junction on the main West  Coast railway line. Part of the trackbed is now a public footpath. 

A train arrives at Arnside for Barrow-in-Furness, operated by Northern Rail.

It then heads out of Arnside station and almost immediately crosses the spectacular viaduct across the River Kent, with Grange-Over-Sands the next stop.

Good to note that the signal box is still manned, instead of being replaced by a central signalling centre, the nearest being in Preston. 

The Manchester Airport train arrives, operated by Transpennine Express.

Waiting to set off for Silverdale, Carnforth and Lancaster, then onwards to Preston and Manchester. 

O.K., I may be old fashioned, but what a joy it is to see semaphore signalling instead of colour lights!

(My thanks to our Roving Lakeland Correspondent for some of the above images).

Arnside

The village of Arnside overlooks the estuary of the River Kent on the north eastern corner of Morecambe Bay. Up to the 19th century, the village was a port, but with the building of the railway viaduct (see below), this caused the estuary to silt up.

The railway viaduct across the Kent estuary links Arnside (to the right) with Grange-Over-Sands. It is part of the railway line from Lancaster to Barrow-in-Furness. 

Despite these clear warning signs, people still stupidly ignore them, and there are a number of rescues undertaken each year, from the ever changing quicksands, and those caught out by the tide that races in within minutes. 

Arnside clock tower. The inscription next to the clock reads:- 'To the glory of God. This memorial is erected in thanksgiving for the life and work of the Revd. Reid, J.M. and Mrs. Bamford and their daughters. Oakfield 1895-1935.'

One normally associates piers with seaside resorts, but this one at Arnside, although quite short, juts out into the River Kent. The pier was built by the railway company in 1860. 

The main shopping area of Arnside. 

Arnside Chip Shop - Recommended!

Ye Olde Fighting Cocks is one of two pubs in Arnside, the other being The Albion. 

Heading out of Arnside toward Silverdale. Arnside Tower can be seen on the left.

A closer look at Arnside Tower. Built in the 14th and 15th century, the tower acted as a refuge against raids from the Scots and the Border Reivers.  It is an English Heritage Grade 11 listed building, although in a poor state of repair. (Pic - Our Roving Lakeland Correspondent).

Keswick: Hope Park

Just a few images today featuring Hope Park in Keswick, which is on the edge of the town and visited by many who make their way to Derwentwater. 

Cafe Hope and the Jubilee Clock.

The Park is very well looked after and maintained by the Town Council. 

Archway leading to a small garden area within Hope Park.

Colourful flower bed.

Looking back towards the town. 

Theatre by the Lake is just outside Hope Park. The lake - Dewentwater - being off to the right in this view.