Many thanks to Ian Wardle for taking over as walk leader at the last minute and for taking photos, and many thanks also to Sue Lomax for the walk report:

On a typical British Summers day - grey cloud, windy and rain forecast, a group of 10 of us and 1 dog met in the car park at Hornby to walk an 18.5 mile circular route following parts of the Lunesdale Walk.

We began by crossing the road bridge over the River Wenning where there were good views of the imposing Hornby Castle. Once over the bridge we left the road to follow paths along the banks of the River Wenning then the River Lune to Loyn Bridge. Loyne Bridge is a very impressive bridge which is designated as a listed building.  The present bridge is thought to have been built in the 1600’s and replaced a much older one thought to be of wooden construction.

We crossed the bridge and continued across fields paths to the village of Arkholme. Here the rain which had been threatening started so it was waterproofs on. The name Arkholme means “sheilings” or hill pastures.  The next part of our walk confirmed the appropriateness of the name as the indistinct path climbed up across fields full of long wet grass or frisky cattle. Once we reached Locka Lane we had a short coffee stop near Red Load farm before tackling more fields to take us out on the road at Gunnerthwaite.

We made good progress now following Keer Holme Lane to cross the railway at Pheasant Field before heading back into the fields. We had a lunch break here by a railway arch. Thankfully the rain had stopped but we felt the arch would give us shelter should it decide to start again.

After lunch we continued along fields by the railway line reach the Lancaster canal. Crossing over the aqueduct spanning the River Keer (which was built by the famous canal engineer John Rennie) we walked through the tiny hamlet of Capenwray.

The route now took us around the boundary of Kellet Wood with lovely views across to Grange over Sands and the coast. We soon arrived at the village of Over Kellet. There are many old houses here dating from the 17^th and 18^th century.  Paths through fields and woods lead us to Swarthdale, Sidegate (quick break here admiring the superb views across to Whernside and Ingleborough) and finally to the small hamlet of Aughton. A VERY steep descent took us down to the Lune valley and we then turned left to follow the river Lune back to Loyn Bridge. This part of the walk was not without its challenges. Parts of the path went through woodlands and this being the height of the Himalayan balsam season it was like trekking through a jungle!  The path was also very narrow in places and mixed with the balsam were the odd fallen tree, a few nettles, brambles etc.  However we like a challenge and all came through unscathed.  Although it was a relief to get out into the fields on the open flood plain (despite the barbed wire fences some thoughtful farmer had put up!).

From Loyn Bridge it was a short road walk back to the cars at Hornby.  It had been a very good walk, the weather improved as the day went on, there were lovely views, and good company. A very big thanks to Ian and John who lead the walk at short notice.