December 8th Moderate

Sunday, 8th December 2013

Walk:	Elmslack, Arnside Tower, Arnside Knott summit, Arnside Park, Far Arnside, Arnside Tower, Middlebarrow Wood.
Start Point:	Eaves Wood, Silverdale	Grid Reference:	SD 471 759
Distance:	7.5 miles	Ascent:	1,050 feet
Time:	4.5 hours
Weather:	Overcast AM, Rain PM. Warm for time of year.
Comments:	Seventeen people took part in this figure of eight walk. The route started at Eaves Wood, where woodland management was in progress, and skirted Elmslack before heading for Middlebarrow Plain. There is a large caravan park on the plain but there are many paths passing through it. The next port of call was Arnside Tower. Then, from the Tower there was a steady gain in height to reach the top of Arnside Knott. Unfortunately, due to poor visibility, the Lake District and other scenic areas could not be seen from this vantage point. On descending Arnside Knott the rain made an appearance and did not cease for the rest of the day. The route was then through Arnside Park, Far Arnside and with a return to Arnside Tower. Leaving the Tower for a second time the route was then by the way of Middlebarrow Wood and two railway crossings at Waterslack before returning to Eaves Wood. Although the group returned to their cars looking like drowned rats, they appeared to have enjoyed the walk.

Scroll down to see photos of the walk

Woodland Management in Eaves Wood

Heading in the right direction for Arnside Tower

Off to do a bit of puffing and panting in Arnside Knott Wood . . .

but with a visit to Arnside Tower on the way

Arnside Knott where the puffing and panting took place

A backward glance whilst ascending Arnside Knott

The rain begins on the descent of Arnside Knott

Tip toeing through the leaves at Arnside Park