Cumbria Coastal Way to Humphrey Head
9 people attending
11 places left
Join us for a walk along the Cumbria Coastal Way, following the shoreline for most of the first half of the walk, before heading slightly inland to find our way towards Humphrey Head. After a beautiful walk out along the Head and back, we'll then move inland again to make our way back to the start point and a welcome spot of refreshment in a local establishment, before heading home after a walk well done.
Perfect walk to finish off the BIG North Christmas Hostel weekend in Langdale, only an hour away.
Humphrey Head is a great mound of limestone thrusting boldly into the north side of Morecambe Bay. As the shores of the bay are generally flat, its prominence is very marked, seemingly higher than its modest 53m. (174ft). There are near vertical cliffs on the west side, woodland on the east and excellent views and walking along the top. Not surprisingly, The Head has acquired its share of history/legend over the years...
A cave at the foot of the west cliffs is said to have been the home of a hermit; close by is a well of which the water has been claimed to have therapeutic properties, good for rheumatism, gout and bilious complaints. It was formerly sold to holidaymakers in Morecambe!
England's last wolf was reputedly killed by the son of the lord of nearby Wrayholme on Humphrey Head in about 1390. Folklore has it that the wolf descended the fells from near Coniston where it had caused havoc among the sheep flocks. After it attacked a child in Cark the country-folk chased it to the end of Humphrey Head where it was killed with pikes while hiding among the rocks.
On one of the rock faces lies a memorial to William Pedder who died in August 1857, it reads: "Beware how you on these rocks ascend Here William pedder met his end August 22nd 1857 Aged 10 years by permission".
Humphrey Head is the subject of a chapter of Wainwright's book The Outlying Fells of Lakeland, although he says "Not by any exercise of the imagination can Humphrey Head be classed as an outlying fell of Lakeland" as although it is certainly "outlying", the summit is a mere 172 feet (52 m) and "a fell it is certainly not".
Since 1906 it has been the home of Humphrey Head Outdoor Centre, currently operated by Mere Mountains. Most of the Head is a nature reserve, managed by Cumbria Wildlife Trust since 1992 although still owned by the Holker Estate.
There are some unique flora and fawna sights and sounds to behold along the Head. With a variety of environments to enjoy from grazing fields for cattle, to dense woodland, rock pools along the shoreline and marshlands going on for miles.
All along the walk we will get some fantastic views out over the bay and marshlands and atop the trig point on Humphrey Head we get panoramic near 360' views of the Lakeland hills, out towards the Irish Sea, of Morecambe Bay, Arnside and Silverdale AONB, Carnforth, Lancaster, Heysham power plant and more... It truly is a stunning viewpoint.
What to bring
Water: bring at least two litres
Medicines: if you have hay fever, diabetes, minor ailments etc.
Day rucksack: typically 20-30 litres, they are comfortable to wear and allow you to use your arms freely
Boots: waterproof, breathable and designed for hiking
Gaiters: recommended for wet weather or boggy conditions
Socks: proper walking socks will keep your feet dry and help prevent blisters
Layered clothing: lets you quickly adapt to changes in the weather and body temperature. Go for a base layer (vest or t-shirt) and a mid layer (a micro fleece or shirt) and in cooler weather add an outer layer (a windproof jacket or thick fleece)
Trousers: ideally no jeans as they become heavy and cold in the rain, breathable fabrics are more comfortable and dry
Waterproof jacket: essential when hiking in all but the calmest of weather, breathable fabrics are more comfortable and dry
Gloves: Windproof, or better still, waterproof gloves are the best choice, bring a spare pair if expecting rain
Hat or cap: stay warm in winter and shaded in summer
Sunglasses: for any sunny day, even in winter
Snacks: bring biscuits, energy bars, gels, bananas, chocolate or dried fruit for example and put them somewhere easy to get hold of
Lunch: bring a packed lunch. Though we will be passing a bakery and a local shop, just after starting the walk, which should both be open according to their opening hours on Google. We will be ending the walk near a pub if you want to get a drink and/or food before heading home also.
Food & drink
Bring some water, a packed lunch and any snacks you may want along the way.
We will be passing a bakery and a local shop near the start point to purchase items on the day, subject to their opening times on Google being up to date...
You may well want to bring a flask with a warm drink in too. It's likely going to be cold, possibly wet and probably windy.
We will be stopping for a drink in a local pub at the end of the walk. (Food is also available).