Silverdale is in a lowland limestone area with a rich habitat and woodland landscape through which numerous waymarked paths wander in all directions. The cottage is located centrally within the AONB giving doorstep access to the whole area. Silverdale is something of a hidden gem with some of the best walks and scenery in the whole of the UK. Gait Barrows nature reserve - nationally renowned for its limestone pavements and rare dragonflies, moths and butterflies - starts literally at the front door. The RSPB nature reserve at Leighton Moss with its many trails and hides is a short stroll through the woods giving a chance to see the elusive bittern, otters and wild deer.
Only 13 miles south of Kendal, the walks and attractions of the Lake District are but a short drive away. Ingleton is 15 miles giving access to the Yorkshire Dales, and it’s just 8 miles to Hornby - gateway to the Forest of Bowland AONB. These areas provide a great variety of walking, cycling and outdoor pursuits with numerous villages, gardens and stately homes all within a 45 minute drive.
On the coast, Morecambe’s glitzier attractions are within 10 miles, with good sea fishing from our local shores or by boat from Fleetwood.
There is public access to the Holgates leisure complex at Silverdale with gym and indoor swimming pool, several stables nearby for trekking and horse riding, fly fishing for trout nearbly at Milnthorpe, coarse fishing at Borwick Lakes a few miles away, public launch for sailing and windsurfing on Windermere at Fell Foot 20 miles away, whilst sailing boats, motor boats and canoes can be hired at various locations. We are just 3 miles from the watersports centre at Pine Lake, where canoes, wakeboards, water skiing can be hired, Carnforth where Visitors are made welcome (and fees very reasonable) at Silverdale golf club, just 1/2 mile away, which must be one of the most picturesque courses in the country. There is good cycling in the area, both off off-road as well as cycleways, whilst Trowbarrow reserve at the end of our lane offers safe off-road fun for youngsters. Bikes can be hired at Kendal. The old quarry at Trowbarrow is also renowned for its climbing, with 139 named and graded routes!
Within just a few miles is the Lakeland Wildlife Oasis, with monkeys, leopards, butterflies and bats whilst nearby Leighton Hall has interesting gardens and the renowned falconry displays. Levens Hall is an Elizabethan manor, approx 5 miles away, with outstanding topiary and gardens. Holker Hall near Grange - gardens and hall open to public.