Warton Crag Nature Reserve
Landscape In Lancaster, Lancashire
Beautiful mosaic of limestone pavement, grassland and ancient woodland.
On our recent jaunt to Lancashire, we had a great morning wandering round RSPB Leighton Moss and fancied heading to RSPB Morecambe Bay for the afternoon. However, we picked a sunny day during the Easter break and parking there was impossible, so we needed a plan B. We decided to try Warton Crag Nature Reserve, and we made an excellent decision. I wasn't really sure what to expect, but as soon as we arrived we were greeted by a huge crag with birds soaring around, and apparently Peregrine Falcons nest here during the summer months so that was a great start.
There are information boards in the car park showing two suggested routes around the reserve and we opted for the 'long route' which was about 4km. The distance wasn't too long, however, there are steep bits, rocky bits and almost a bit of rock climbing at one stage, so sturdy walking books are definitely recommended. It is worth noting that there are ticks in the area too, and a 'tick advisory' leaflet is available from the GOV website.
The routes are well marked, so we had no trouble getting around and just after we had set off we were already spotting various flowers including Wild Strawberry and Dog Violet. This is a steep start but you are soon into fields and enjoying stunning views over Morecambe Bay and the Lake District - a beautiful spot.
You'll also spot limestone cliffs and limestone pavement here which is not only very photogenic, it has a fascinating history behind it. The dramatic landscape is formed through a combination of glacial action and chemical weathering from the rain over thousands of years, eventually creating clints and grykes which are deep cracks and pavement-like slabs. You may have also seen limestone pavement at Malham Cove in North Yorkshire, but if you haven't it is well worth a visit!
You'll soon be at the highest point of the nature reserve which is 163m high, and you'll spot a beacon and a trig point - I know we have some trig fans on the website! The beacon was built in 1988 as part of a series created to re-enact a beacon chain which alerted the country to the Spanish Armada. The beacon was lit again in 2012 for the Queen's Diamond Jubilee, again in 2016 for the Queen's 90th birthday and finally in 2022 for the Platty Jubes celebrations.
We spotted a few cows in this area, but they were dozing peacefully and didn't seem like they were up for a chase which I was delighted about. The cows grazing helps to maintain the species-rich limestone grassland and as a consequence there are beautiful flowers wherever you look.
The highest point of the crag was also once thought to be an Iron Age hillfort, however, recent excavations have indicated that it may have been an even older bronze age enclosure built around 3,000 years BC.
You'll start heading down at this point and into some semi-ancient woodland where you'll discover glacial erratic boulders. These likely came from as far as the Lake District, swept along by glaciers moving southward during the last ice age, and settled in their current position when the ice melted.
They look very attractive and some were covered in thick moss and gave the woodland a magical feel. There are a few patches of these boulders as you walk further into the woodland, and you'll soon reach the end of this lovely walk.
Before you head back to the car, you can make a quick visit to Warton Crag Kiln over the road from the nature reserve. The kiln is signposted and when you arrive, you'll be on the top of the kiln. You can follow the stairs down to the right of the kiln and have a look at the inside more closely. Fans of Fabulous North know that we love a kiln, and if you've seen our posts you'll know about the process of making lime. This flare kiln was certainly well placed for material as there would have been an abundance of limestone here, however it was a small kiln which became redundant as technologies advanced.
This is a beautiful place to visit - I loved it and there were a few unusual things to see along the route. It is a haven for wildlife and butterflies are moths are often seen including Cinnabar Moths and Fritillary butterflies. Birds are also attracted to this area too and you might see Peregrines, Green Woodpeckers, Woodcock and Marsh Tit along with many others. A must visit if you're in the area.
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How To Find Warton Crag Nature Reserve
Where Is Warton Crag Nature Reserve?
Lat / Long
54.147626, -2.779765
What three words
Where To Park For Warton Crag Nature Reserve?
Lat / Long
54.144607, -2.779857
What three words
There is a dedicated car park for the reserve.
Contributed by Sandra Clemens
I love the great outdoors and have been a National Trust & English Heritage member for years. I also love going off the beaten track and finding places like Sharp's Folly or Rothley Castle which are hidden gems in Northumberland. My favourite recent hike was climbing Red Screes in the Lake District on a whim, not fully grasping how high 776m was. It was still an achievement to conquer a Wainwright walk and I hope to do more one day.
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Join Our Facebook GroupWarton Crag Nature Reserve was listed in Landscape // Lancashire // Lancaster