Walk 3450 - printer friendly version

Humphrey Head from Allithwaite Walk

Author - Ian Henderson

Length - 4.0 miles / 6.5 km

Ascent - 250 feet / 76 metres

Grade - easy

Start - OS grid reference SD386761
Lat 54.1769940 + Long -2.9421735
Postcode LA11 7RP (approx. location only)

This Cumbria walk starts from the village of Allithwaite which lies just to the west of Grange over Sands. The route visits the limestone outcrop of Humphrey Head which offers wide ranging views over Morecambe Bay and the surrounding hills.

Limited parking is available on the Jack Hill below the Pheasant Inn (grid ref. SD386761). (If you intend to patronise the Inn, then I am sure you will be allowed to park if you ask permission before leaving your car.) The start of the walk is poorly signed. However, take the drive signed "Blenket Farm". This leads through a small farmyard and continues as a concrete drive. Ahead you can see Humphrey Head. The drive soon becomes rougher After 300 metres at a waymark, turn right off the driveway Continue through a field with hedge on your left to a ladder stile. Maintain direction passing barns on your left. Cross a small footbridge, go through a gate and continue with a stream on your left. Go through a kissing gate, then a squeeze stile with an adjacent signpost.

Cross farm access track to a stile. Continue through some trees. Pass through gates to go under the railway line to reach Wyke Farm. Go through a small gate on the left and then follow the path (with wall on your right). Turn right at a kissing gate to join a track between a hedge and a wall. Continue ahead onto a tarmac drive (note - you will return to this point later). Continue over the spine of Humphrey Head (grid ref. SD388747). The path generally stays on the west side amongst limestone crags with leads to the OS trig point. From here you have a fine view across Morecambe Bay and many Lakeland Hills including the Coniston Fells, Langdale Pikes and Helvellyn. If you have the energy you can clamber down to Humphrey Head Point.

Retrace your steps north along the path to reach the tarmac drive. Turn left to a Holy Well Lane. Turn right along the lane, pass the entrance to Wyke Farm following the lane as it bends sharp left. Continue to a road junction. Turn right, use the level to cross the railway. On your right you can see Wraysholme Tower, which is now part of the farm. The tower dates from the 14th century and was used to protect the farm from raiders. Continue along the lane past the farm entrance on the right and continue for just 200 metres turn right onto a signed public footpath to Allithwaite. Go through kissing gate and continue to another kissing gate. Continue ahead by a stream on your left. Turn left and cross the bridge using a concrete bridge and continue through a gate to reach a tarmac drive. Turn right, and shortly after right again to follow a driveway to Beckside and the main road. Turn right back to the start.

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