The last time we featured a walk from Mill Side it entailed climbing the steep Whitbarrow Scar that dominates the northern aspect of the village. The southern aspect of the village is very different and is an area of flat fields leading down to the salt marshes that form the northerly bank of the river Kent.

It is a truly beautiful area offering lovely views of the distant Yorkshire Dales and the Howgill Fells. Arnside Viaduct in particular looks more impressive from this direction as it is framed by the high hill of Arnside Knott and the village of Arnside.

The river Kent is one of the fastest flowing in the UK and descends more than 2000 feet in just 20 miles from its source in Kentmere, through Kendal to the sea near Levens Hall. Along its length, it was the source of power for many diverse industries including cotton mills, paper mills, and even a gunpowder factory. It is famous for its tidal bore which surges spectacularly upstream at hightides.

1. Leave the car and walk along the road towards Kendal then, as the road bends right to join the A590, keep left and cross a footbridge. Keep on the path that runs parallel with the A590 until a crossing point then turn right and cross the A590.

The wide flat salt marsh.   (Image: John Lenehan) 2. Enter the road opposite signposted to Foulshaw and then keep on the narrow road to reach and pass High Foulshaw Farm. Keep on the road to a gate on the left with a ‘Cumbria Coastal Way’ sign. Go through the gate and keep straight on to reach another gate and once through it, turn right and follow the path with a wire fence and a banking on the left.

Reach a gate and go through this and keep straight on, do not follow the wire fence and banking that turns left. Follow the path between a row of trees and a hedgerow to reach and cross a stile, then go left onto the embankment and turn right and follow the path along the top with the river Kent and salt marsh on the left.

On a hilltop on the opposite side of the river there is a prominent round tower. This is St Anthony’s Tower. It was built as a folly around 1832 by Henry Smithies.

Keep on the path on the embankment to reach and go through a wooden gate, then follow the path as it eventually bends right and drops down to the riverbank.

The river Kent, one of the fastest flowing rivers in the UK.   (Image: John Lenehan) There is a fine view of the Kent Viaduct and Arnside with Arnside Knott behind it. The viaduct carries the railway line linking Lancaster to Barrow in Furness and is 522 yards long and has 50 piers. There are rumours that a walkway and cycling path may be constructed to run alongside the railway across the viaduct which I think would be a fantastic boost to tourism in the area.

Follow the path as it bears left and heads for the buildings of Crag Cottage, then go through a metal gate.

3. It then seems obvious to follow the track as it turns right but this is private and not a public right of way. Keep straight on, passing Crag Cottage on the left, then go through another metal gate with a footpath arrow next to it. After a few metres, leave the track and bear diagonally right to a gate stile, cross this and keep right to reach and cross a footbridge and then a stile. Bear diagonally left and cross another stile, then carry on straight ahead, crossing a series of stiles with a stream over to the left to join a road and turn right.

Keep on the road all the way up to the A590 but just before it go right and go through the tunnel under the road then keep left going slightly uphill.

4. Pass the Derby Arms on the left then keep right then immediate right and follow the road back to the car.

The distant Howgills Fells.  (Image: John Lenehan) COMPASS POINTS

START AND FINISH: Layby near Mill Side, LA11 6SQ.

DISTANCE: 8 miles/12.87km. TIME: 4 hours.

MAP: OS Map OL7 The English Lakes South-eastern Area.

TERRAIN: Almost totally flat, making for easy walking on roads, tracks, and footpaths. Boots in wet weather when a very short section can be muddy but in dry weather walking shoes will be fine.

FACILITIES: There are no public toilets on route.