The circuit in the map screenshot above looks innocent enough – a nice coastal route with an RSPB reserve thrown in for good measure. What’s the worry? In short: cows, and sinking sand. And some pretty fast cars.

The Morecambe Bay estuary is known for its sinking sands. There are hazard signs up everywhere saying not to venture on to the beach. It looks amazing from Arnside, my starting point, and even better as I hiked up to the top of Arnside Knott.

A bit of Wild Thyme, anyone?

As soon as I saw the dead tree in the picture above, it reminded me of a school trip I had been on, probably aged around 6 or so, to ‘The H Tree’. This is it – totally unexpected but recalled instantly. It’s only taken me 30 years to visit again!

Part of the route on my Lowland Day used the Lancashire Coastal Path. I didn’t realise until I got to the start that it actually has no way marker at all – it just takes the sands of the Morecambe estuary, keeping very close to the rocks on the left hand side, until 500 meters later you take up a tarmac road again. I saw lots of people using the sands and even a group of runners, so I followed their tracks as quickly as possible, managing to get a picture of what I think is Sea Mayweed. I could be wrong though!

I am using signboards on my trails to learn local history as it is easier than putting time aside to go into local libraries etc. The above tower was used as a smelting furnace for the production of iron, according to the information provided nearby. I’m also aware that the local mining industry was centred around limestone, and I found some similar rocks to those found on top of Malham Cove which was really interesting. See below.

I was not actually intending to visit Leighton Moss, but after deciding to cut the last bit of the walk (it would involve paying a fee to enter an estate) I thought I would go and check it out. The man at the entrance said I could get cheaper admission because I had walked there (!) and so I wandered in and spent some time in a couple of the hides (see picture below). Just sitting down and watching the wildlife instead of constantly moving and navigating was actually really needed. I would like to go back for more.