Walk stats
- Distance3.6 km · 2.3 mi
- Elevation+175 m
- Duration1 hr
- DifficultyModerate
- Route typeCircular
- TerrainWoodland paths, limestone outcrops and steep crag tracks
- Best seasonLate spring to early autumn for clear summit views
- DogsDog friendly, but keep on lead near livestock and crag edges
About this walk
This 3.6 km circular walk above the village of Warton packs a satisfying amount of variety into a short hour on the hill. From the lower slopes the route passes the Warton Lime Kiln, a reminder of the limestone industry that once shaped this corner of Lancashire, before climbing steadily through woodland and open crag onto the heights above.
Higher up you reach the Warton Crag Rocking Stones, then push on to the summit of Warton Crag itself, where the wide views take in Morecambe Bay, the Lakeland fells and the Forest of Bowland on a clear day. The path continues over Warton Upper Crag before looping back down to the village.
With 175 m of ascent compressed into 2.3 miles, the going feels brisker than the distance suggests, but the gradients are manageable and the rewards come quickly. Back in the village it is worth a short detour to see the Old Rectory at Warton, an atmospheric ruin tucked beside the parish church.
Route map
Route line drawn from OpenStreetMap footpath data. Numbered markers are waypoints on the route; amber star markers are points of interest a short detour away.
Waypoints along the route
4 waypoints along the way
- 1
Warton (start and finish)
- Start / finish
Start and finish of this circular route.
- 2
Warton Lime Kiln
- 3
Warton Crag Rocking stones
- 4
Warton Upper Crag
Worth a short detour
Points of interest just off the route, look for the amber markers on the map.
Old Rectory
~298 m off the route
George Washington
~195 m off the route
St Oswald's Church
~221 m off the route
Malt Shovel
~326 m off the route
Sparrow Park
~360 m off the route
Route & waypoint data © OpenStreetMap contributors (ODbL).