About Grubbins Wood
The ancient woodland of Grubbins Wood still thrives to this day, with examples of Yew, Oak, Birch and Ash to be found. Look out for the rare Lancastrian Whitebeam along the shoreline edge of the woods with it’s white Spring flowers and red Autumn berries. Take a walk along the marked pathway through the woods and discover Bluebells and Wild Garlic in Spring and see large dome-shaped mounds of dried grass and twigs which are in fact Wood Ant nests! These 1cm long ants are active during the warmer months as they scavenge for food on the woodland floor, but beware as they bite and can spray a jet of acid to defend themselves.
If you visit this site you might see:
- Wood Ants
- Yew
- Oak
- Birch
- Ash
- Lancastrian Whitebeam
- Bluebells
- Wild Garlic
- Harts Tongue Fern
Planning A Visit
Location: Approach Grubbins Wood along New Barns Road out of Arnside and continue through the gate to New Barns Caravan Park until you come to a section of rough road near the Bob-In cafe and the caravan park. From here there is a half mile pathway marked through the woods, which includes steps and steep drops, to Arnside Sailing Club where you can access the shoreline when the tide allows. The route can be reversed from Arnside promenade car park after a short walk, subject to tidal conditions, along the shoreline to the Sailing Club where access can be gained through a nearby stile.
Grid Ref: SD 44427 77781
Postcode: LA5 0BN
what3words:
Adjacent to Arnside shoreline - ///wardrobe.commuted.waters
Entry point near Bob-In cafe and Pickles Meadow - ///removing.bookshop.gave
Wheelchair accessibility: This area is not suitable for wheelchairs due to rugged terrain.
Terrain & Incline: There are steps and steep drops along the marked pathway through the woods.
Usual Visit Length: 1-2 hours.
Benches: None
Dogs: Dogs are allowed if kept on a short lead to protect the wildlife. Care should be taken to not disturb the Wood Ant mounds.
Bikes: No
Picnicking: Picnics are welcome (although watch for the wood ant nests), but no fires or barbeques please. Remember to take rubbish away with you.
Nearest Toilets: None on site. There are serviced public toilets on the promenade at Arnside which include disabled access. A fee is required for entry which can only be paid by card. RADAR keys are also accepted for the disabled toilet. Find them at ///renewals.venturing.skate
Nearest Cafe: The Bob-In Cafe is adjacent to the car park by Pickles Meadow - ///narrating.winds.biked - and there are a number of cafes in Arnside.
Public Transport
Trains: Arnside Station (1.8 miles, 40 minute walk)
Buses: There are bus services through Arnside village, with the nearest stops being on Silverdale Road (20 min walk)
Parking: There is limited rough roadside car parking near the Bob-In cafe (althoguh beware this can flood during high tides) or the free promenade car parking at Arnside (this can get busy).
Before you visit
Make sure you’re familiar with the updated Countryside Code, so that you can stay safe and help us look after this beautiful landscape.
Who owns and manages the reserve?
Grubbins Wood has been managed by the Cumbria Wildlife Trust since 1974 by leased arrangement from the Matson Grand Estate.
Cumbria Wildlife Trust website
Working with the National Landscape Team
Cumbria Wildlife Trust manage this area in accordance with the National Landscape Management Plan. The National Landscape team support local landowners and land managers in the implementation of the Management Plan, which is designed to conserve the unique landscape of the area.