After several weeks of grey and damp conditions we finally have had a few days of sunny, but cold (!) weather. I had to take advantage of it to get in at least one walk.
I decided to avoid driving so took the train over to Grange over Sands for a walk I’d planned that would take me to Cark via Cartmel, where we’d stopped earlier in the year. From the train station in Grange I set off up the hill towards Eggerslack woods.
In the past, these old decidious woodlands – with Ash, Hazel, Sycamore, Birch, Larch and Yew – were coppiced to provide bobbins for the textile mills and wood for charcoal burning.
“Eggerslack” comes from the Norse word ‘eiger’ (which means ‘bore’, or incoming tide) and ‘slack’ highest point reached by the tide – and this was the case before the railway embankment was built in 1857, when Grange became developed as a seaside resort.
I carried on through the woods and then passed through the stile onto Hampsfell
with it’s stretches of limestone pavement.
I soon approached the Hospice – a folly that the Pastor of Cartmel had built in 1846 “for the shelter and entertainment of travellers”.
On a clear day like today there were extensive views in every direction – over to the Coniston Fells
(here’s a close up)
The Eastern fells of the Lake District
Over to the howgill Fells, across Morecambe Bay (there’s Ingleborough in the distance)
I stopped for a brew and a bite to eat and then carried on along the fell. Looking back towards the Hospice
and then started to make my way down the hill to Cartmel
I walked through the pleasant, small village passing the Priory
through the main square
and across the Race Course.
Walking through the fields – the ground in the shadows was still frosty
There’s my next objective, the modest hill of Howbarrow
Reaching the summit
more magnificent views over very attractive countryside to the Lakeland Fells
and Morecambe Bay
After a rest to soak up the views I set of down the hill.
Looking back
Then I took the path through the woods
Looking over the fields to the Bay
There’s Hampsfell
I followed the path and the minor roads until I reached the small village of Cark
passing Cark Hall
I made my way through the village towards the train station. There was a little time before the train was due, so I walked a little further along the road to Flookburgh
then back to the train station. There’s a direct train from Barrow to Manchester airport every couple of hours which stops at Wigan North Western, so I didn’t need to change at Lancaster. That was handy on a cold day as there was no need to wait on a cold platform for the connection.
I grabbed a few shots from the train over Morecambe Bay as the sun started to set
A beautiful walk. The limestone reminds me of Malam Cove.
Yes. I’ve never been to Malham (miust put that right!), but this is something of a minsture version of the limestone pavement.
Yeh it looks like a miniature version. 🙂
I’ve lived here twenty years, and I’ve never done that walk. I’ve done all the little bits of it but never as a loop like that. I must put that right. Thank you for the inspiration!
Never thought I’d give you an idea for a route. Normallythe other way round!
This walk was a variation of a walk we followed back in April when we were staying in Cartmel. The location of the two stations (Grange and Cark) helped make it manageable with the short hours of daylight we’re having at the moment.
Nice walk. I remember Cartmel Priory from family holidays when young, but hiking wouldn’t have been on the agenda. I thought it a very odd activity when I met people who hiked as a student!
Well looks like your younger self would think we were both odd today!
She definitely would! I remember looking at my flat mate’s walking boots with revulsion. Such ugly things. As I tottered along on my platform boots.
I’m trying to imagine you in those platforms 😂
They were HUGE!
🙂
Very nice. Another place to visit for me.
Despite having friends nearby I’ve never been to Grange or walked over Hampsfell although local guide tells me it’s an excellent walk. Glorious day and The recent sunshine has been very welcome. Something about the green grass of limestone hills under a blue sky that is just enchanting
Grange is ver close to Siverdale, as the crow flies. But as you’re not a crow you either have to get the train over the estuary or take a lengthy diversion by road – unless you fancy a walk across the sands!
But it is a lovely area. Very quiet, nice scenery and, on a good day, fabulous views
Okay, beautiful photographs. It’s settled…instead of another country in addition to visiting the family in London, we’ll explore the northern area of England/Wales..Snowdonia or Yorkshire Dales or Lake District…or…. We will need your help! Any possibility of discourse away from the blog publicity? You know, it’s because of you and your adventures and pictures that we want to see more. Okay, we always have, but you’ve pushed the inspiration buttons. ~Kathy
Must have missed this post earlier.
It is a great walk, having recently done the same myself, and your photos do it justice.
That train line gives access to so many good walks in the ‘Lakeland Penninsulars’
The line is very handy – providing the #Northernfail trains run! I intend to make more use of itthis year now there are direct trains from my local station. It’s lovely, quiet and peaceful country around there. 😊