This walk takes in two bridges and numerous views of the Lune as you head upstream. You’ll spot herons, maybe otters, old mill buildings and modern hydroelectric power stations as well as the old train station and several sculptures. A short but very varied walk!

This walk is part of a series of ‘Walks with Stories’ created by Lancaster City Museum.  Visit their Facebook page to discover a wealth of treasures that tell the story of our city.

Distance: 3 miles (1-2 hours walk)

Accessibility: Mainly flat or undulating, some areas on hard track, some muddy and a few narrow stiles to cross.

Toilets: Accessible ones available at the half way point at Crook o’ Lune picnic site.

Parking and Start:  At the old Halton Station (LA2 9HQ), accessed from Station Road in Denny Beck (best) or via the very narrow one way bridge across the river from Halton.

*At this time, please only do these walks if National Restrictions allow and they are your local area too*

1. Start – Halton Old Railway Station

Park at the old station car park and immediately head over the one way bridge, very narrow indeed for drivers but okay for pedestrians. Immediately turn right following the public footpath signs, heading upstream along Mill Lane and the new housing estate. Bear right, following the river and soon the estate comes out at Halton Mill. Have a look at their website and don’t forget to read about the fascinating mechanical elephants produced here in the 1940s and 50s by the Polish ex servicemen who worked here.

2) Pass Forgebank eco-houses

Shortly after you’ll pass by Forgebank eco-houses and shortly after those, the hydroelectric power station on the river bank. Soon after, the path becomes muddier as it goes through trees and gorse and effects of previous flooding episodes can be seen where the banks have collapsed. Head over the duck boards and small wooden bridges that cross the streams and continue through woodland until the path rises and comes out to meet Low Road through a small gate.

3) Arriving at Crook o Lune

Carefully cross the road and follow the concessionary footpath alongside the road all the way until you get to Crook o Lune car park and picnic site. Here take the narrow footpath down the bank towards the river again and immediately turn right, going back underneath the road bridge, before finding yourself on the main old railway cycle path that goes between Caton and Lancaster. Once again you cross the river with beautiful views either way.

4) Return via the other side of the Riverbank

Now on the opposite side of the riverbank, follow this easy, flat tarmacked path all the way back to where you began, don’t forget to look out for the heron sculpture before you’ll pass under a very small tunnel. At the walk’s end you pass by the old Halton station building and platform. The station building is now used by Lancaster University boat club.