B5282

This article is about the current B5282 in Westmorland.
For the original B5282 in Lancashire, see B5282 (Lancashire).

Storth

The B5282 is a short road in south Westmorland. It was originally unclassified but gained its number in the mid-1920s, making it an early example of a recycled number. The road is in a very narrow section of the 5-zone, almost crossing the entire zone in its short length. Indeed, it is the only road for a surprising distance to begin with 5: it could not meet any other roads in the same zone even if it wanted to.

The road starts at traffic lights in the centre of Milnthorpe, where it meets the A6 and B6384, and heads west out of town. It runs alongside the River Bela for a short distance before crossing it. A few fields later we reach the settlement of Sandside and run along the main street, with the Kent Estuary to our right. At low tide it is obvious how Sandside got its name, with the River Kent only running on the far side of the large expanse of sand which becomes visible. However, we still run adjacent to water as the River Bela now flows into the Kent further downstream.

The road continues along the side of the estuary and goes round a headland to skirt the northern edge of the village of Storth. Road and water shortly separate and the road becomes tree-lined before emerging onto the coastal marshes, although there are still some buildings in Storth before the route becomes wholly rural. The river to our right is occasionally visible but our best view is of Arnside Knott (a hill), which we caught an occasional glimpse of back near Sandside. The road soon reaches the outskirts of the village of Arnside. After going under a low bridge carrying the Furness Line we turn right at a T-junction to follow Station Road alongside the railway line and past Arnside station.

We soon return to the Kent Estuary. The railway line continues ahead across a viaduct but we must bear left to run along the Promenade. There's a good view over the estuary and of the viaduct. We pass the (short) pier and a few shops after which the main road swings round to the left. The B5282, however, and for no very obvious reason, TOTSOs right here to continue along the Promenade, which is now narrower and lined on its south side with houses and guesthouses. The B5282 (and with it the public road) comes to an abrupt end at the entrance to a private drive. The right-of-way that continues along the estuary is now a public footpath only.