Walk 5: Hornby to Arkholme
The Lune Valley was at one time a major route through to Scotland and the North East. It retained a strong coaching trade throughout the 18th Century, and the Castle Hotel was one of the principal stabling points. Across the road is the parish church of St. Margaret, dating from medieval times, but much restored in the 19th Century and with gargoyles prominent on the unusual octagonal tower.
From the bridge over the Wenning there’s a fine view of Hornby Castle, an imposing crenellated dwelling dating mainly from the 19th Century although the peel tower dates partly from the 13th and 16th Centuries. It is not open to the public. North of the village, above Loyn Bridge, is the site of an earlier motte and bailey castle known as Castle Stede, of which substantial earthworks remain.
Refreshments: The Castle Hotel and The Royal Oak public houses. There are also a post office, village store, butchers and craft shop.
Buses: Hornby is a key place for starting or finishing walks in the area. There is a daily (including evenings and Sundays) bus service to Ingleton, Kirkby Lonsdale, and Lancaster. The bus stop on the main street in Hornby for Kirkby Lonsdale via Melling or Arkholme is outside The Wenning Stores. The stop for Lancaster is opposite by The Institute. Buses to Ingleton stop nearby opposite Lambs Garage and return buses from Ingleton and Wray to Lancaster stop at the corner by the garage.
Distance: 4 miles (6.5km)

The next stage of the walk begins at the bridge over the River Wenning in the village of Hornby. At the church end of the bridge, go left before a dwelling along a path, which soon bends right to run along the riverside. It leads to a stone step stile; climb this, and enter a large riverside pasture. Keep near to the River Wenning, lined with alders, as it approaches its confluence with the River Lune. This is a prime location to watch oystercatcher, shellduck and Canada geese.
Waypoints

Now follow the Lune upstream by willow fringed banks, passing to the left of a bluff where Priory Farm stands gauntly on the site of the medieval Priory of St. Wilfred. The path rises up the next bluff, and from here is the best view you will get of the ancient Loyn Bridge. The path dips again to a stile.
Waypoints

The notice here is important. If the water is high, you should not cross this stile, but instead climb up the bank on your right to the fencing to the right of a dwelling. Cross a stile here, and proceed ahead to the road. Turn left, and walk down to and cross Loyn Bridge. If the waters are low, proceed over the stile, and walk through the wood to pass beneath the arch of the bridge into the next meadow. Rise up right to the medieval Loyn Bridge, and cross it.
Waypoints

Go through a gateway on the right sign-posted to
Arkholme. You have now rejoined the Lune Valley Ramble. Proceed through a gate, and from here to Arkholme the path runs near to the riverside, and is clear on the ground. Do not attempt this section if the river is high. As you approach the village, you will first see a white house to your left. Cross a stile, and keep ahead to a track where you bear left to join a road. Here you leave the Lune Valley Ramble. The road leads up to the main road, passing by a curious mixture of sublime 17th and 18th Century dwellings and modern buildings.

At the crossroads go left, and cross the road by the garage. Keep ahead along a pavement, and, at the corner, go right on a footpath signposted to Locka Lane.