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WALK 1A

Low-tide Adventure Scramble

Start/Finish	as for main walk
Distance	2 miles (3.2km)
Time	1hr
Note	It is imperative to consult the tide tables and the Morecambe Bay Advice Leaflet available locally. The tide comes in very rapidly so it is best to start when the tide is receding. The channel comes up to the cliffs and quicksands may occur even close to the shore. It is best to scramble over the rough stones, even though these are slippery in places. Be prepared to get muddy footwear. Confidence and a head for heights are needed. Don’t bring your dog or very young children.

Erosion of the salt-marsh turf has changed the shoreline into a very rough walk. Where it was once a simple stroll along grass it is now an adventurous outing which needs careful planning for it can only be accomplished at low tide. Despite the difficulties the reward is the most spectacular coastal scenery in the area, a succession of craggy headlands and inspiring views over the bay. If you do not like the exposed path, you can always turn back.

The cliff-top path is rough and airy

Start the scramble at the car park at the end of Shore Road. Walk south along the remnant of turf at the foot of a low line of gorse-topped crags. When the grass ends scramble along the stony shore past Know End Point topped by wind-blown trees. Continue round the point on the bedrock to a pebbly cove where the easier angled rocks at its back provide a zigzag scramble onto a cliff-top path. The cliff-top path is narrow, exposed and rocky in places. Do not trespass into the farmer’s fields. The path undulates along the top of crags and needs care. Turn a corner and cross over a headland into the deeper inlet of Cow’s Mouth. There is no public access up the dell at its head as this leads into the Gibraltar Farm campsite.

An impressive crag lines the east side of the cove, one of the north–south faults so prevalent in the area. It is a popular place for rock climbing although the base of the crag is covered at high tide and the rock is rather shattered. Note the red triangular scar above a small cave in the centre of the crag, where a large rock detached itself in 1983. The cave is on a mineral vein and is an old mine trial. In the 1970s turf as smooth as a bowling green abutted the crags; now it is a genuine sea cliff.

The scramble continues along the slippery stones below the crag. It is best to endure these as the muddy bed of the cove is an unpleasant walk. At the far end climb a short rock spur to reach easier, less slippery rock on a broader base. Soon a stile is seen above. This gives access to the National Trust heathland of Jack Scout. This an idyllic area of little paths and clearings amidst clusters of gorse and small trees.

Either join Walk 1 here, or to return to Silverdale go left along the fence side, below the Giant’s Seat up on the right, and continue to the restored limekiln near the lane. Turn left along the lane and left again on Lindeth Road. A shortcut signed path on the left joins Shore Road to return to the car park.