Sunday 4 March 2018
Leaders: Kath Kirkman & John Jones
Photos: John Jones

Leaders Kath Kirkman & John Jones. On an unpromising day 11 walkers set out on a circuit of Silverdale starting at the village centre. Accompanied by patchy rain, The Lots were crossed to reach The Cove, where an unusually high tide was discovered, raising fears that the section along the shore later in the walk might be impassable.

At The Cove the site of Cove Well was seen and John explained the origins of the Wells in the Silverdale area that had been in use until mains water arrived in 1938. By now the rain had stopped and the weather was improving.

Cove road and then the ancient track of Wallings Lane were followed to Elmslack, where Elmslack Well (behind the litter bin!) was viewed. Following the track along the bottom of Eaves Wood, the water tanks above Woodlands and the high “Spite Wall” were pointed out.

The party continued along the pleasant track through Eaves Wood now in welcome sunshine. The route crossed the car park and entered The Row. Some distance along The Row an unmarked footpath to the left was taken, revealing a large area of magnificent Snowdrops. The slightly challenging path was followed in to the little limestone valley that led to Dogslack Well. This is the only true well in Silverdale - the others being springs emanating from perched water tables – and has a hand pump housing mounted above it.

Continuing along the track the pond at Bank Well was reached and then the path down to Lamberts meadow followed. The crossing of this normally boggy meadow was made easier because the ground under the surface was still frozen after the intense cold of the previous week. At the far end of the meadow a stop was made for tea at Burton Well were a variety of bird songs were enjoyed.

After tea the party followed the track up the rock valley to Bottoms Lane and then on to Silverdale Green were the path to Woodwell Cliffs was taken. Where the path turned down right to reach Woodwell our walk continued straight on to meet Stankelt Road where we turned left.

Passing the imposing Hazelwood Hall (previously the St. John of God Hospice and garden by Mawson) and admiring the newly created Rock Garden at Hazelwood Farm, the path down to the shore at the eastern end of Heal Brow was followed. The path descends gently through pleasant woodland until the shore level is reached where some muddy conditions and rock scrambling are encountered. To our relief the tide had retreated making the shore line accessible.

A very pleasant walk along the salt marsh shore margin, with views across the bay, brought the party to the old copper smelting chimney, the first land mark of Jenny Browns Point. Another short section of rock scrambling took us to Browns Houses and the start of the hard track back to the village. A short distance after Browns Houses, the true Jenny Browns Point is reached and the remains of an attempted barrage (to Hest Bank?) can be seen.

Continuing up the road past Jack Scout (the Giants Seat was not visited this time) Lindeth Tower and Wolf House were reached.

The afternoon was drawing in and becoming more overcast again so the Tea Room at Wolf House Gallery was ignored and a direct return to the centre of the village was made via Lindeth Road.

A varied walk of 6 miles in pleasant conditions, after an exceptionally wintry week, was enjoyed by all – well, there were almost no complaints!

John Jones 5 March 2018