Crook O' Lune Circular Walk
This circular walk visits a popular beauty spot on the Lune River in Lancaster. The route runs for about 3 miles on flat paths so is suitable for most abilities. It's a lovely area with views of the river, the old bridges and the surrounding countryside.
The walk starts from the car park at the site where there's good facilities including toilets, picnic area and a cafe. From here you can pick up the Lune Valley Ramble and follow the waymarked trail north east along the river. After about a mile you'll come to a bridge which you can use to cross to the south side of the water. You can then follow footpaths south east back to the start point, passing through some small areas of woodland on the way.
Aughton Woods is located close to the Crook at the north eastern end of the walk. There's lots of pretty bluebells and primroses to see here. You can also look out for wildlife including chiffchaffs, chaffinches and five species of tit.
Postcode
LA2 6PA - Please note: Postcode may be approximate for some rural locationsCrook of Lune Ordnance Survey Map 
- view and print off detailed OS map
Crook of Lune Open Street Map 
- view and print off detailed map
Crook of Lune OS Map 
- Mobile GPS OS Map with Location tracking
Crook of Lune Open Street Map 
- Mobile GPS Map with Location tracking
Pubs/Cafes
There's a nice picnic area by the car park which is a lovely place to enjoy a rest and something to eat. You can bring something yourself or there's Woodys cafe on site selling tea, coffee and a great bacon butty.
The site is also located just to the west of the village of Caton where there's some more good options for post walk refreshments. The Station Hotel is an 18th century coaching inn located in the centre of the village. It has a good menu and some outdoor seating for warmer days. You can find it on Hornby Road at postcode LA2 9QS for your sat navs.
Dog Walking
The area is a popular with dog walkers so you'll probably bump into other owners on your visit. As well as the riverside trails there's some pleasant pockets of woodland. The Station Hotel mentioned above is also dog friendly.
Further Information and Other Local Ideas
To extend the walk you could head west along the river into Lancaster. Here you can enjoy more waterside trails along the Lancaster Canal or try the Lancaster Circular Walk. Heading east along the river path will take you to Gressingham.
The spot sits close to the edge of the Forest of Bowland AONB. For more walks in this lovely area see the Forest of Bowland Walks page.
Cycle Routes and Walking Routes Nearby
Photos
The Lune Bridge at sunset, Crook o' Lune, Caton. This road bridge was opened on 6 Aug 1883. Seen here from the railway bridge.
Inscribed stone on the Lune Bridge, Crook o' Lune, Caton. This is interesting as it suggests that the hundreds levied a rate, like the rural district councils that were formed only a few years later.
Crook-of-Lune West Viaduct. There are two former Midland Railway viaducts at the Crook-of-Lune. An image of the East Viaduct appears in SD5264. Both are now part of the Lancaster - Caton Cycleway
River Lune view
Riverside Path by Lower Cliff Wood
The River Lune above Crook o'Lune. There are fine views to Hornby Castle, Ingleborough and other Pennine fells.
The area was painted by J. M. W. Turner in 1820. The colour study sees Turner loosely note the main contours of the distinctive landscape, with its twisting river and rolling hills, in a watercolour palette dominated by blue and yellow.
Weir to the north east of the Crook. The Aughton Woods Nature Reserve can be found near here.