Crook o' Lune to Aughton (and back)

This was a 'virgin' walk, not because of its 'purity' but because none of us has walked it before.

Cars were parked at the Crook o' Lune picnic site and we set off to walk along the north side of the very picturesque River Lune.

After a minor detour at the start, (a theme that was to be repeated a few times later in the walk), we made good progress along almost level terrain. A short break for coffee was taken in warm sunshine and with a splendid view of the Lune valley and Ingleborough in the distance.

The walk resumed but now the terrain became more 'up and down' as we passed through Aughton Wood. We eventually returned to the course of the river.

It wasn't long before we arrived at a track/lane that took us very steeply(!) up to the tiny hamlet of Aughton and a very welcome break for lunch - park bench provided - with a magnificent view!

Our route continued to rise out of Aughton and across fields to Far Highfield farm. (Very aptly named: It was 'far' from our destination, 'high' but giving us splendid views of the Lune valley and the Lancashire coast and 'field', well there were plenty of those still to traverse.

Our route (and some re-routing!) took us through Middle Highfield farm, and Lower Highfield farm before arriving at Hawkshead! (That's another farm, not the place in Cumbria).

Here, at Hawkshead, we were met by a delightful couple, with distinctly non-Lancashire accents, who very tactfully pointed out that the footpath didn't go through their property! Apparently it goes around the farmyard and we'd missed the turning. (Nothing new there then!) The lady pointed out that, as we were already in the yard, we were welcome to continue through the yard and the gentleman jokingly pointed out that they were out-numbered 8 to 2 anyway!

From Hawkshead, it was a short journey down the aptly name 'Park Lane' arriving eventually back at the picnic site where Martin cracked open the shandy. (Total distance: 7.16 miles)

Booting-up at the picnic site

The view as it is today

Someone has sown some wildflower seeds at the picnic site

The Lune valley with Ingleborough in the distance

Looking back to the road bridge at Crook o' Lune

Coffee time

Butty time at Aughton

The view from the bench

The 'main' road through Aughton

South Western Farmhouse at Lower Highfield....a Grade II listed building. Listed for its historical and architectural interest.

Passing through the woods before arriving at Hawkshead

The village of Caton with Clougha Pike in the distance

The entrance to a large property at Halton Park - on Park Lane

Back at the foot-bridge and road-bridge at the Crook o' Lune

The Route: Starting here