GPS Cycle and Walking Routes

Limestone Link - Cumbria

12 miles (20 km)

This walk crosses the Limestone Hills from Arnside to Kirkby Lonsdale in Cumbria.
You start in Arnside and head east to Holme through Underlaid Wood. You then pass over the rocky fells at Holmepark and Clawthorpe with views of Newbiggin and Hutton Roof Crags and Farleton Fell as you go.
The walk comes to an end just outside Kirkby Lonsdale.

Limestone Link - Cumbria OS Map - Mobile GPS OS Map with Location tracking

Limestone Link - Cumbria Open Street Map - Mobile GPS Map with Location tracking

Pubs/Cafes

At the end of the walk head to the Snooty Fox in Kirkby for some post walk refreshments. The classic old pub dates from the 17th century and has an excellent menu. There's also a nice beer garden to relax in on warmer days. You can find it in the attractive market town on Main Street with a postcode of LA6 2AH for your sat navs.
At the other end in Arnside the The Albion is a good choice with lovely views across the Kent Estuary from the waterfront pub. There's a nice outdoor seating area where you can sit and take in views of Lakeland hills. You may also catch the Arnside Bore if you are there at the right time. The bore occurs at high tides, especially spring tides, where the incoming tide of Morecambe Bay narrows into the river estuary. You can find the pub at 36 The Promenade with a postcode of LA5 0HA for your sat navs.

Further Information and Other Local Ideas

Near Arnside Knott you will find the atmospheric ruins of Arnside Tower. The late-medieval tower house (or Pele tower) was built in the second half of the 15th century. It's a Scheduled Monument and Grade II* listed building and makes for a striking photo.
In Arnside you will also find the delightful Ashmeadow Woodlands. There's some lovely footpaths here with lots of birdlife to enjoy. The woods can be accessed from the end of the Promenade or walk along the first bit of the coast path and access the woodland from the opening near the coastguard station.
On the route look out for the geological highlight at Beetham's Fairy Steps. Here you will find an unusual natural limestone staircase which you can climb for more excellent views. The little village of Beetham is also well worth exploring with its 14th century ruined manor house and a particularly lovely garden centre.

Photos

Start of the footpath across Hutton Roof Crags - geograph.org.uk - 49622

 Start of the footpath across Hutton Roof Crags. The Limestone Link, a 13-mile walk from Arnside to Kirkby Lonsdale, crosses the road here.

Limestone Link Bridleway - geograph.org.uk - 2866622

Limestone Link Bridleway

Pond near the Limestone Link, Hutton Roof - geograph.org.uk - 2252205

Pond near the Limestone Link, Hutton Roof

Railway footbridge near Holme - geograph.org.uk - 76328

Railway footbridge near Holme. Built in the late 1990s, this bridge carries the Limestone Link, a popular walk from Arnside to Kirkby Lonsdale, over the West Coast Main Line. Before it was built walkers had to take their chances at a level crossing.

GPS Files

GPX File

Limestone Link - Cumbria.gpx (On Desktop:Right Click>'Save As. On Ipad/Iphone:Click and hold>Share>Save to Files')

Memory Map Route

Limestone Link - Cumbria.mmo (On Desktop:Right Click>'Save As. On Ipad/Iphone:Click and hold >Share>Save to Files)