Discover
This extraordinary place is famous for its amazing wildlife, stunning scenery, and superb walks. From the seasonal abundance of stunning butterflies to the shining sands of Morecambe Bay, the area is simply awe-inspiring - full of natural spectacles and a surprise around every corner.
Arnside Knott
About Arnside Knott
Arnside Knott, owned and managed by the National Trust, is one of the best sites in Britain to see butterflies, especially in June and July. Rare species such as the High Brown Fritillary and Scotch Argus can be found here.
The views north across the Kent Estuary to the Lake District fells and out into Morecambe Bay are unsurpassed. Visit Heathwaite for spectacular displays of wildflowers, in particular Cowslips and Early Purple Orchids in spring.
Arnside Knott is covered with limestone grassland and mixed woodland, which attracts a variety of insects. The area is made up of species-rich limestone grassland, woodland, wet meadow, scree and scrub. Coppicing helps maintain the diversity of wildflowers and associated butterflies, best seen in June and July.
The 260 acre site is adjacent to Redhills Wood and Heathwaite two other National Trust reserves. There are many footpaths in the wooded parts of the hill and across the pasture at the hill’s foot. Take care which footpaths you follow as it can be easy to get lost. The Knott is a limestone hill of 522 feet (159 metres) that dominates Arnside village. The Knott became a Marilyn in 2005 and remains the smallest Marilyn in England (as of February 2017).
If you visit you might see:
- High Brown Fritillary
- Scotch Argus
- Southern Wood Ant (summer)
- Common Buzzard
- Green Woodpecker
- Willow Warbler
- Roe Deer
- Lancastrian Whitebeam
- Juniper
- Yew
- Early Purple Orchid (spring)
- Cowslip (spring)
Walking routes on Arnside Knott:
https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/arnside-and-silverdale/trails/arnside-knott-circular-walk
http://www.hill-bagging.co.uk/mountaindetails.php?rf=3321
Birds of Arnside Knott: https://www.birdguides.com/sites/europe/britain-ireland/britain/england/cumbria/arnside-knott/
Image: Left, Adam Donaldson, Right, Jon Sparks
Planning A Visit
Location: Arnside Knott Car Park, Sauls Drive / Knott Lane (via Redhills Road), Arnside
Grid Ref: SD 450 774
Postcode: LA5 0BP (Knott Lane), LA5 0AL (Redhills Road), LA5 0BN (Bob In, New Barns Road)
what3words: jobs.shoelaces.reinvest (Saul’s Drive – rough and uneven road to car park)
Wheelchair accessibility: Saul’s Drive is often a quiet bridleway.
Terrain & Incline: Small number of level and easy footpaths, access to summit is a strenuous walk on good paths. The National Trust circular walk of 1.7 miles takes 2 hours and is “Moderate”.
Usual Visit Length: Half a day or more
Benches: At view point, and on the path to the summit
Dogs: Yes, to be kept under control at all times. Watch out for cattle and check for ticks on your dog in summer months.
Bikes: Saul’s Drive bridleway access only.
Picnicking: Picnics are welcome, but no fires or barbeques please. Remember to take rubbish away with you.
Nearest Toilets: There are public toilets on the Promenade, Arnside village, (25 minute walk, downhill). There are also toilets available for customer use at the Bob In Cafe.
Nearest Cafe: Arnside Beach Hut, The Promenade, 20 minute walk downhill along access road and narrow footpath), Bob In Café, New Barns Road (5 min walk from northern boundary public access point)
Public Transport:
Trains: Arnside Railway Station (35 minutes walk, uphill)
Buses: Silverdale Road, Arnside (village playing field, 15 minute walk), limited service
Parking: National Trust carpark (15 to 20 cars) and close to various public access points including at the Bob In Café. No overnight camping in campervans or tents.
Before you visit: Make sure you’re familiar with the updated Countryside Code, so that you can stay safe and help us look after this beautiful landscape.
Image: High Brown Fritillary, Ann Kitchen, Wood Ant, AONB
Who owns Arnside Knott?
Arnside Knott and the adjacent Redhills Wood and Heathwaite reserves are owned by the National Trust. Arnside Knott was acquired by the National Trust in 1929.
- Telephone:01524 701178
- Website:http://www.nationaltrust.org.uk
- National Trust Page on Arnside Knott: https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/arnside-and-silverdale/features/arnside-knott
- National Trust Access Statement for Arnside Knott: https://nt.global.ssl.fastly.net/documents/access-guide/1431730022378-arnside-and-silverdale.pdf
Working with the AONB Team
The National Trust manage this area in accordance with the AONB Management Plan. The AONB team support local landowners and land managers in the implementation of the Management Plan, which is designed to conserve the unique landscape of the area.
