Lancaster & Morecambe 01524 843322
Posted on Monday, April 20, 2020
This walk is perfect for those who like to really admire the historic quayside and spot Lancaster’s landmarks in the distance. The walk is variable in length, meaning you can make it longer or shorter if you wish. You can even break it up and stop off for a drink and some food if you like!
Start on Lancaster Cycle Track which can be accessed through Scale Hall Farm estate or by the traffic lights on Morecambe Road at the head of Scale Hall Lane. Head South-East along the cycle track towards Lancaster City Centre.
The cycle track runs parallel to both Morecambe Road and the River Lune and is surrounded by greenery with a mature tree line shielding the track. You will reach The Carlisle Bridge which is the main railway bridge which crosses the River Lune. From here take the stairs up onto the bridge, not only are you getting your steps in, but you will be rewarded with a great panoramic view of Lancaster; The Ashton Memorial; Lancaster Castle; The Priory and St George’s Quay.
After making your way across the bridge and down the stairs, head along the quayside towards the City Centre. Why not stop off at one of the pubs for some lunch or a drink? Once you have made your way along St George’s Quay you will reach The Millennium Bridge, an iconic and unique bridge. Cross here and you have two options... A) Take a left and follow the cycle track back to where you started or B) Take the passage ahead under greyhound bridge and onto Lune Street.
Continue down Lune Street until you reach the end where the road meets Owen Road, take a left and cross the road into Ryelands Park. Make your way through Ryelands Park which is a beautiful area with lush greenery and a small adventure playground for the children. Heading North West through the park to the corner edge bordering Torrisholme Road. Follow Torrisholme Road, under the railway bridge, along past St Chads Church, Ryelands Primary School and you will reach Scale Hall Spar. This is the endpoint for your loop walk.
This walk is ideal for those who want to feel like they’ve escaped to the countryside and enjoy a long walk on a summers day. The walk is variable in length and, meaning you can make it longer or shorter if you wish. This walk offers plenty of opportunities to spot wildlife too.
Start at the end of Watery Lane where you will find Barley Cop Woods. Make your way through the kissing gate and down through the woods, the recently laid woodchip path makes it easy to know which direction to go. The woodland is gorgeous and green with an abundance of wildlife. Maybe you’ll spot a deer, or a fox and you’ll definitely hear lots of birds singing.
After making your way through the woodland, exit via the kissing gate and on to Barley Cop Lane, take a right here and pass under the railway bridge. Immediately after passing under the railway bridge take the left onto Folly Lane where you will notice a pathway on the right-hand side which leads up onto the Bay Gateway, take this pathway to the Bay Gateway Viewpoint. From here you have a stunning view out across to the Lake District and along the rolling hills, definitely, a pit stop to take a beautiful photo. Follow the clear pathway down to the canal and follow the canal to the left.
A vast amount of this walk is along the canal, allowing you to pass through numerous areas of North Lancaster and still admire lush greenery. You’re likely to see plenty of ducks and swans, keep your eyes peeled for the occasional heron too. Passing through Skerton and Beaumont, eventually reaching the Lune Aqueduct, a stunning historic stone-arch aqueduct built-in 1797 offering panoramic views down the River Lune. Cross the aqueduct bridge and you will reach a set of steps on the other side, take the steps down onto the cycle track and head to the right towards Lancaster City Centre.
The cycle track runs parallel and in between both the River Lune and Caton Road. The track is surrounded by mature trees, offering a picturesque walk. Follow the mature tree-lined track until Skerton Bridge, where the track becomes more exposed. Take the steps up onto Skerton Bridge and cross the bridge across the River Lune, continue along Owen Road until you reach Ryelands Park. Make your way through Ryelands Park which is a beautiful area with lush greenery and a small adventure playground for the children. Heading North West through the park to the corner edge bordering Torrisholme Road. Follow Torrisholme Road, under the railway bridge, along past St Chads Church, Ryelands Primary School and you will reach Scale Hall Spar. This is the endpoint for your loop walk.
This walk is ideal for those who like to have a long walk on the weekend and fancy a couple of pit stops along the way. This walk allows for you to pass through the countryside but also involves some roadside walking too.
Start this walk where Barley Cop Lane meets Folly Lane, follow Folly Lane along and under the Bay Gateway Bridge, you will pass a stable on the right-hand side and two farmhouses on the left, carry on up the lane until you reach a gate on the right at the top of the hill. Turn right here and follow the slope down onto the canal, walk left along the canal.
A large amount of this walk is along the canal, enjoying views out of open green fields and spotting the occasional Lakeland hill in the distance. You’re likely to spot lots of ducks, swans and perhaps even a heron too. Be sure to wave at the passing Barge boats, this route is very popular and scenic. Follow the canal all the way to the neighbouring village of Hest Bank, here you will find lots of boats docked up and a couple of picnic benches too. Hop off the canal and onto The Crescent, from here you could cross the canal bridge and pop into the Hest Bank Hotel for a drink or a bite to eat and sit in the beer garden which overlooks the canal.
Whether you pop into the Hest Bank Hotel or not, you will need to follow The Crescent away from Hest Bank village centre and towards Marine Drive. Turn left onto Marine Drive and follow the road uphill and down until you reach the promenade and Coastal Road. Take a second to admire the beauty of Morecambe Bay and across to the Lake District. Continue down the promenade until you reach Happy Mount Park. The ideal pit-stop if you have kids or fancy grabbing an ice cream.
Happy Mount Park offers a café, splash park, trampolines, mini-golf and a whole host of other activities. There is even a live brass band on sometimes too! After you have enjoyed all the park has to offer then take the rear exit out of the park onto Happy Mount Drive, turn right and follow the road up Elms Road and onto Bare Lane. You will pass a popular micropub called Owls Nest. Follow Bare Lane down past The Dog & Partridge and across the railway track. After crossing the railway track turn left onto Fairhope Avenue, then take the first right onto Low Lane. Walk the length of Low Lane until you have passed Torrisholme Primary School and reach the end where the road meets Slyne Road, turn right and follow the road down until you reach a small roundabout, take a left and walk along Lancaster Road.
This is the final stretch, follow Lancaster Road which will turn into Torrisholme Road, go up and over Cross Hill. Once you have walked up and over Cross Hill you are back in the Scale Hall Area, you can follow this road right down to Scale Hall Spar.
This is a small walk which offers a countryside feel, ideal If you just want to escape out of the house for a quick walk or maybe even a jog. This one is easy to squeeze into your day.
This walk begins at Barley Cop Woods which can be accessed at the head of Watery Lane. Follow the woodchip path through the woods and admire the greenery and loud bird song which floods through the woods. After passing through the woods you exit onto Barley Cop Lane. Cross the lane and follow the lane straight ahead with a turn off almost immediately to the left.
The track continues straight down with fields either side, running parallel to the Bay Gateway. The track is clear and easy to follow, a popular one with dog walkers. Continue along the track, past the picturesque wildlife pond, the track leads out onto Torrisholme Road. Turn left onto Torrisholme Road and follow the road back to Scale Hall Spar.
I hope you have enjoyed some of our favourite local walks. And a small insight into life, living in Scale Hall.
