Silverdale combines nature and culture experiences with a range of distinct highlights: reed beds, limestone, ancient woodland and traces of industrial history. Leighton Moss is home to the largest reed bed area in north-west England. Otters, bearded tits, bitterns, marsh harriers, herons and red deer all live there. Other destinations have their own focus—from trails through woodland and across coastal cliffs to historic buildings.
Reeds, Woodland and Limestone
At Leighton Moss, the landscape and its wildlife take centre stage. The flat, well-maintained paths are fully accessible, except for the path to Lower Hide; all the bird hides are wheelchair accessible. Check for any temporary restrictions before your visit. This will help you take the paths and bird hides into account when planning, without overlooking the exception at Lower Hide.
Trowbarrow also combines nature with a former use: once a limestone quarry, the site is now managed as a nature reserve for quiet recreation. A tramper route runs throughout the site. Trowbarrow is also designated a Geological Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI). The designation reflects the geological character of the area; its former use as a quarry is also part of its history.
At Eaves Wood, paths lead through ancient woodland and clearings, past limestone pavements and old yew trees. On the summit stands the Queen Victoria Jubilee monument, also known as the Pepperpot, with views over Silverdale. A tramper route leads from the car park into parts of the woodland; the gate at the car park is wheelchair accessible. Check the current conditions before travelling here too.
Coastal Paths and History
Jack Scout offers a different side of the landscape: coastal limestone grassland, low cliffs and views across Morecambe Bay. Walking paths cross the cliffs and pass through scrub and grassland; secluded paths lead down to small coves. Silverdale also has walks along limestone paths and through woodland, leading to panoramic views across the bay to the Lakeland Fells. The landscape feels different along the open coast and on the woodland paths.
A historic landmark is the chimney at Jenny Brown's Point. It dates from around 1800 and is made of dressed limestone laid in courses. The chimney is thought to represent the remains of a copper smelting works that operated from approximately 1780 to 1820. This remains a possible interpretation. Silverdale also has a literary history: Elizabeth Gaskell regularly holidayed there and wrote some of her works at Lindeth Tower.
Getting There and Cycling
Silverdale railway station is 250 metres from the RSPB Leighton Moss Nature Reserve. It is served by the rail line from Manchester Airport or Preston to Barrow. Bus routes 49, 51 and 550 serve Leighton Moss; a bus stop is right beside the visitor centre, next to the main car park. Check timetables before travelling so you can plan your journey by train or bus.
For cyclists, Leighton Moss is right on National Cycle Route 6 and Regional Route 90, the Lancashire Cycleway. The Causeway is a public bridleway that can also be used by cyclists. Cycling is restricted on other footpaths in the nature reserve. Consider both the designated routes and this restriction when choosing how to get around.
Discover more destinations: Great Harwood, Ribchester, Lea, Whitworth, Samlesbury, Rufford, Scorton, Bolton by Bowland.
For the main travel overview: Lancashire.
