Autumn Walks
Autumn is a lovely season to explore Lancashire's countryside and while we may not possess the majesty of a New England fall there are woods enough to provide a spectacle. Here we list six walks where the season can be observed in its many moods. There is something of the melancholy about this time of year as it slips towards winter and nature begins to close down. Sad but beautiful.
The following walks have been arranged north to south. We have added a few notes for each route.
Silverdale
Distance: 12k 7.5m
Time: 3-4 hours
Terrain: Mainly easy woodland walking with an optional modest climb to the Pepperpot.
In any season this is a wonderful walk, but autumn heightens its attractiveness. On a relatively short walk you will encounter a freshwater lake, a limestone knoll, a salt marsh fringed coast and of course lovely woodland, and this list cannot properly express how it is all put together.
Lancaster to Conder Green and back
Distance: 17k 11m
Time: 4 - 5 hours
Terrain: This is a long but easy walk for the most part on cycle track or canal towpath. From Conder Green to the Lancaster Canal the route crosses farmland which will be muddy after wet weather.
Readers may experience deferred gratification on this walk. It will seem a long way into the walk before the colours of autumn make an impression. However the wait is worthwhile as you return to Lancaster besides the quiet waters of the canal.
From the centre of Great Britain
Distance: 12k 7.5m
Time: 3-4 hours
Terrain: Mainly farmland with some woodland walking. A sharp descent to Hareden.
This walk demonstrates that it is not necessary to wander through woods to experience the essence of autumn. Much of this walk is in the open and the most densely wooded section is evergreen conifer. Yet in autumn this most beautiful part of the realm is seen at its very best. And this is not just our opinion but one that we share with HRH the Queen.
Beacon Fell and the Upper Brock Valley
Distance: 12k 7.5m
Time: 3-4 hours
Terrain: Conifer woods, open moorland, pastures and riverside woods. Some sections have been known to be extremely muddy after rain.
Beacon Fell Country Park is a well known and popular amenity in central Lancashire. From the trig.point there is a particularly fine view towards Fairsnape and Parlick. Many visitors will see little point straying too far away from the fell - it will easily occupy a morning or an afternoon of pleasurable exploration. But hey - you're here to do a walk, so we offer this one - October's 2008 "Walk of the Month". The Brock Valley is a magical place when leaf-turn is in full throttle.
Witton Park
Distance: 10k 6m
Time: 2-3 hours
Terrain: Mainly field and pasture with the huge expanse of Witton Park to traverse at the close.
This walk is in effect the first part of the Witton Weavers Way - the original "WWW"! Any section of the trail is worthwhile anytime of the year. However this section - the Beamers Way, possesses the advantage of Billinge Hill which in autumn is stunning in a range of colours that would grace the Habitat showroom. This arrives early in the walk, but does not make the remainder an anti-climax - indeed it simply serves as an appetiser for what is to come.
White Coppice
Distance: k m
Time: hours
Terrain: Mainly gentle walking across field and pasture, along a disused railway and through woods.
This walk allows you two aspects of the woods - a from afar view as you cross from White Coppice to Brinscall; and then, in the second half of the walk, immersion in the woods themselves.