100 Walks in Lancashire E-Book

Bob Clare

• Herausgeber: Crowood
• Kategorie: Lebensstil
• Sprache: Englisch

Veröffentlichungsjahr: 2015

Beschreibung

Lancashire is a walker's paradise with many unexpected delights such as Silverdale and the Forest of Bowland. This collection of 100 great walks will help you explore the diverse and beautiful landscapes of this fascinating yet under-rated county. The Crowood Walking Guides give detailed and accurate route descriptions of the 100 walks which are up to 12 miles in length. Full-colour mapping is included which is sourced from the Ordnance Survey. Details of where to park and where to eat and drink are included and also places of interest to see en route.

Leseprobe

100 WALKS IN LANCASHIRE

BOB CLARE

THE CROWOOD PRESS

First published in 2015 by

The Crowood Press Ltd

Ramsbury, Marlborough

Wiltshire SN8 2HR

www.crowood.com

This e-book first published in 2015

© The Crowood Press 2015

All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopy, recording, or any information storage and retrieval system, without permission in writing from the publishers.

British Library Cataloguing-in-Publication Data

A catalogue record for this book is available from the British Library.

ISBN 978 1 84797 900 1

Mapping in this book is sourced from the following products: OS Explorer 285, 286, 287, 296, OL2, OL7, OL21 and OL41

© Crown copyright 2015 Ordnance Survey. Licence number 100038003

Every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of this book. However, changes can occur during the lifetime of an edition. The Publishers cannot be held responsible for any errors or omissions or for the consequences of any reliance on the information given in this book, but should be very grateful if walkers could let us know of any inaccuracies by writing to us at the address above or via the website.

As with any outdoor activity, accidents and injury can occur. We strongly advise readers to check the local weather forecast before setting out and to take an OS map. The Publishers accept no responsibility for any injuries which may occur in relation to following the walk descriptions contained within this book.

Contents

How to Use this Book

Walks Locator

WALK 1

Blackpool’s Golden Mile

1½ miles (2.4km)

WALK 2

Longton Brickcroft

1 mile (1.6km)

WALK 3

The Gisburn Forest Tramper Trail

1½ miles (2.4km)

WALK 4

Worden Park

1½ miles (2.4km)

WALK 5

The Dunsop Bridge Tramper Trail

1½ miles (2.4km)

WALKS 6/7

Rufford & Mere Sands Wood

1½/6 miles (2.4/10km)

WALK 8

Caton Moor Tramper Trail

1½ miles (2.4km)

WALKS 9/10

Calder Vale

2/3 miles (3.2/4.8km)

WALK 11

Cobble Hey Tramper Trail

2 miles (3.2km)

WALK 12

The Wyre Estuary Country Park

2 miles (3.2km)

WALK 13

Buckshaw Village

2 miles (3.2km)

WALK 14

Great Eccleston

2½miles (4km)

WALKS 15/16

Entwistle & Wayoh Reservoir

2½/5 miles (4/8km)

WALK 17

Preston

2½ miles (4km)

WALK 18

Aitken Wood

3 miles (4.8km)

WALK 19

Halton

3 miles (4.8km)

WALK 20

Hornby

3 miles (4.8km)

WALK 21

Yarrow Valley Country Park

3 miles (4.8km)

WALK 22

Downham

3½ miles (5.6km)

WALK 23

Ormskirk

3½ miles (5.6km)

WALK 24

Clougha Pike

4 miles (6.4km)

WALK 25

Dean Clough

4 miles (6.4km)

WALK 26

Hurst Green

4 miles (6.4km)

WALK 27

Longridge Fell

4 miles (6.4km)

WALK 28

Nether Burrow

4 miles (6.4km)

WALK 29

Skippool

4 miles (6.4km)

WALK 30

Croston

4½ miles (7.2km)

WALK 31

Foulridge

4½ miles (7.2km)

WALK 32

Great Mitton

4½ miles (7.2km)

WALK 33

The Guild Wheel & Brockholes

4½ miles (7.2km)

WALK 34

Hurstwood

4½ miles (7.2km)

WALK 35

Pleasington

4½ miles (7.2km)

WALK 36

Royal Lytham & St Annes

4½ miles (7.2km)

WALK 37

Sunderland Point

4½ miles (7.2km)

WALK 38

Wrea Green

4½ miles (7.2km)

WALKS 39/40

White Coppice

4½/6½ miles (7.2/10.5km)

WALK 41

Ashurst’s Beacon

5 miles (8km)

WALK 42

Bolton-by-Bowland

5 miles (8km)

WALK 43

Brindle

5 miles (8km)

WALK 44

Clayton-le-Moors

5 miles (8km)

WALK 45

Colne

5 miles (8km)

WALKS 46/47

Garstang

5/6 miles (8/9.7km)

WALK 48

Hoghton Tower

5 miles (8km)

WALK 49

Blackpool & Marton Mere

5 miles (8km)

WALK 50

Pendle Hill from Barley

5 miles (8km)

WALK 51

Rawtenstall to Ramsbottom

5 miles (8km)

WALK 52

Ribchester

5 miles (8km)

WALKS 53/54

Scorton

5/4½ miles (8/7.2km)

WALK 55

Thieveley Pike

5 miles (8km)

WALK 56

Warton Crag

5 miles (8km)

WALK 57

Weets Hill

5 miles (8km)

WALK 58

The Brock Valley & Beacon Fell

5½ miles (9km)

WALK 59

Burscough

5½ miles (9km)

WALK 60

Haslingden Grane

5½ miles (9km)

WALK 61

Marles Wood

5½ miles (9km)

WALKS 62/63

Rivington & Winter Hill

5½/2 miles (9/3.2km)

WALK 64

Witton Country Park

5½ miles (9km)

WALK 65

Chipping

6 miles (9.7km)

WALK 66

Churchtown

6 miles (9.7km)

WALK 67

Darwen Tower

6 miles (9.7km)

WALK 68

Gressingham

6 miles (9.7km)

WALK 69

Parlick & Fair Snape

6 miles (9.7km)

WALK 70

Sawley

6 miles (9.7km)

WALK 71

Whalley

6 miles (9.7km)

WALK 72

Accrington

6½ miles (10.5km)

WALK 73

Bleasdale

6½ miles (10.5km)

WALK 74

Freckleton

6½ miles (10.5km)

WALK 75

Hesketh Bank

6½ miles (10.5km)

WALK 76

Langden Intake

6½ miles (10.5km)

WALK 77

Crown Point

7 miles (11.3km)

WALK 78

Earby

7 miles (11.3km)

WALK 79

Glasson Dock

7 miles (11.3km)

WALK 80

Parbold

7 miles (11.3km)

WALK 81

Bolton-le-Sands

7½ miles (12km)

WALK 82

Dunsop Bridge

7½ miles (12km)

WALK 83

Goodshaw Chapel

7½ miles (12km)

WALK 84

Mawdesley Jubilee Trail

7½ miles (12km)

WALK 85

Silverdale

7½ miles (12km)

WALK 86

Slaidburn

7½ miles (12km)

WALK 87

Brierfield

8 miles (13km)

WALK 88

Pilling

8 miles (13km)

WALK 89

Stocks Reservoir

8 miles (13km)

WALK 90

Towneley Park

8 miles (13km)

WALK 91

Winmarleigh Moss

8 miles (13km)

WALK 92

Great Hill & Belmont

8½ miles (13.7km)

WALK 93

Waddington

8½ miles (13.7km)

WALK 94

Wycoller

8½ miles (13.7km)

WALKS 95/96

Lancaster

9/11 miles (14.5/17.7km)

WALK 97

Leck

9/7½ miles (14.5/12km)

WALK 98

Downholland

9½ miles (15.3km)

WALK 99

Wolfhole Crag

10 miles (16km)

WALK 100

Abbeystead

12 miles (19.3km)

How to Use this Book

The walks in the book are ordered by distance, starting with the shortest at 1.6 miles and ending with the longest at 12 miles. An information panel for each walk shows the distance, start point (see below), a summary of route terrain and level of difficulty (Easy/Moderate/Difficult), OS map(s) required, and suggested pubs/cafés at the start/end of walk or en route.

Readers should be aware that starting point postcodes have been supplied for satnav purposes and are not indicative of exact locations. Some start points are so remote that there is no postcode.

MAPS

There are 92 maps covering the 100 walks. Some of the walks are extensions of existing routes and the information panel for these walks will tell you the distance of the short and long versions of the walk. For those not wishing to undertake the longer versions of these walks, the ‘short-cuts’ are shown on the map in red.

The routes marked on the maps are punctuated by a series of numbered waypoints. These relate to the same numbers shown in the walk description.

Start Points

The start of each walk is given as a postcode and also a six-figure grid reference number prefixed by two letters (which indicates the relevant square on the National Grid). More information on grid references is found on Ordnance Survey maps.

Parking

Many of the car parks suggested are public, but for some walks you will have to park on the roadside or in a lay-by. Please be considerate when leaving your car and do not block access roads or gates. Also, if parking in a pub car park for the duration of the walk, please try to avoid busy times.

COUNTRYSIDE CODE

•

Consider the local community and other people enjoying the outdoors

•

Leave gates and property as you find them and follow paths

•

Leave no trace of your visit and take litter home

•

Keep dogs under effective control

•

Plan ahead and be prepared

•

Follow advice and local signs

Walks Locator

WALK

1

Blackpool’s Golden Mile

START South Pier, Blackpool, FY1 5AA, SD304377

FINISH North Pier

DISTANCE 1½miles (2.4km)

SUMMARY An easy stroll along the promenade

MAP Unnecessary, but, if you insist on checking, the route OS Explorer 286 Blackpool & Preston

In the not too distant past Blackpool’s Golden Mile could claim to be the most walked stretch of road not just in Lancashire but in the country. Of course it’s not that golden – an array of amusement arcades, souvenir stalls, restaurants, hotels and attractions dominated by the looming presence of Blackpool Tower. And of course it’s not a mile – it stretches between South Pier and North Pier, a distance of 1.6 miles. But it is in Lancashire and it is a good place to start.

1 With the Irish Sea on your left, walk along the promenade, passing Central Pier after a mile (a real one!) and continuing until you arrive at North Pier. That’s it.

2 There is one more thing you might consider – a ride to the top of Blackpool Tower. Best pick a clear day for this experience. At first your eyes may be drawn seawards to the gas fields, the offshore wind turbines of Morecambe Bay and the big hump to the north-west that is Black Combe on the edge of the Lake District.

3 But turn the other way and there spread out before you is the canvas of this guide. To the north Warton Crag, and then after sweeping down to the Lune Valley comes the upland mass of the Bowland Fells. Pass over the Ribble Valley to the West Pennine Moors. A good number of walks described in the following pages are in this panorama. Over the hills there is a Lancashire beyond: Blackburn and Burnley, Pendle, Haslingden, Pendle and Rossendale. These too are represented here.

4 Afterwards, return to the ground and the Ballroom and the Promenade, buy your kiss-me-quick hat, and enjoy a fish and chip supper on the way back to South Pier, not forgetting your little stick of Blackpool Rock. And then put on your walking boots; it is time to go and explore Lancashire.

WALK

2

Longton Brickcroft

START Longton Brickcroft visitors’ centre and car park, PR4 5YY, SD479250

DISTANCE 1 mile (1.6km)

SUMMARY An easy stroll on well-made paths

WHERE TO EAT AND DRINK There are no facilities on site but there are a number of pubs and tea shops in Longton village

USEFUL WEBSITESwww.southribble.gov.uk; www.ribblecoastandwetlands.com; www.lancswt.org.uk (Lancashire Wildlife Trust)

A figure-of-eight exploration of a local nature reserve on the site of a former brickworks.

1 Starting at the visitors’ centre, cross the car park to its far side, entering the south pond area with water on your right. At a brisk pace it will take about 15mins to complete a circuit, though a brisk pace misses the point. The ponds are a magnet for all kinds of waterfowl so take time to stop and stare. The path follows an undulating course, which at its highest point provides a pleasing view over the pond.

2 Back at the visitors’ centre cross the car park once again but, instead of turning right into the reserve, exit onto Drumacre Lane. Turn right and after 50yds turn left onto a wooded track. After passing a small pond on the left (obscured by foliage in the summer months), the way opens out at the north pond. Keep on the track, with water on the right. At the far end the track arrives at the edge of a housing estate. Keep ahead to reach Briar Grove. Turn left and left again on School Lane. Cross the road and turn right into a wedge of parkland called the Grove. Cross this to Liverpool Rd. Turn left for the Brickcroft.

Points of interest

Longton Brickcroft is one of a number of sites around the county where industry has been supplanted by nature. Until the early 1970s clay was extracted from the area on the edge of the village of Longton. When the site was worked out it was left and within a relatively short time was colonized by plants, insects and birds. Pits became ponds – ponds that could be stocked with fish. In 1998 the Brickcroft was made into a local nature reserve managed by South Ribble Borough Council. It is recognized as an important wetland site, particularly valued for its swamp habitats. To check for the opening times of the visitors’ centre, contact 01772-611497.

WALK

3

The Gisburn Forest Tramper Trail

START School Lane car park, Gisburn Forest, BB7 4TS, SD732562

DISTANCE 1½ miles (2.4km)

SUMMARY Tramper Category 1

MAP OS Explorer OL41 Forest of Bowland

WHERE TO EAT AND DRINK Forest Den Café at the Hub, Stephen Park

In recent years Lancashire County Council, working in partnership with the countryside services of its boroughs – the Forest of Bowland, United Utilities, the Forestry Commission and others – has opened up a number of ‘Tramper’ trails over the county. A tramper is a robust, motorized buggy especially designed to travel on off-road tracks. Across the county, but particularly in the Forest of Bowland, there are a number of sites where trampers can be hired (often at a nominal fee), allowing those that use them access to Lancashire’s wonderful countryside.

1 Facing Stocks Reservoir, take the footpath in the right corner, which is the start of the circular walk. This passes first the picnic area and then a tramper-friendly track to a birdwatching hide.

2 Almost 800yds from the start at a marker post turn right onto a much narrower track entering woods. In a little over 200yds this arrives at a junction in more open ground. Turn right. Now on a broader track keep ahead through tall trees.

3 Keep on the track as it swings right, crossing a culvert, and descends through broadleaf woodland to bring you back on the footpath close to the car park. Turn left.

Points of interest

The location at the start of the walk lies close to Lancashire’s lost village of Stocks. Indeed, the ruins of the old church can be seen to the rear of the car park. In the 1920s, as Blackpool was becoming more and more popular and attracting millions of visitors, it faced a problem with water supply. To resolve this situation the Fylde Waterboard constructed a dam and flooded the head of the Hodder Valley to create the reservoir. The project required an army of over 500 men at its height. Although outside the area of flooding, the church, vicarage, school and a number of farms were demolished to protect water quality. Now this whole area – forest and reservoir – is an outdoor playground cared for by United Utilities and the Forestry Commission. Apart from the place’s obvious attraction to walkers, there is a fishery on the reservoir and the Forest of Gisburn is a magnet to mountain bikers. As will be seen on the trail, this is one of the best places in Lancashire for birdwatching, with wildfowl and waders out on the water and an impressive range of species attracted to woodland habitats. For more information about this and other trails, visit www.forestofbowland.com.

WALK

4

Worden Park

START Main car park, Worden Lane, PR25 3DH, SD542210

DISTANCE 1½ miles (2.4km)

SUMMARY An easy walk on surfaced paths

MAP OS Explorer 285 Southport & Chorley

WHERE TO EAT AND DRINK The Coffee Shop in the courtyard

USEFUL WEBSITESwww.southribble.gov.uk; www.brothersofcharity.org.uk

Situated on the southern edge of Leyland, Worden Park acts as a natural buffer between town and countryside.

1 The first part of the walk is not in the park at all but requires you to return to Worden Lane and turn right, walking alongside the old stone walls of the estate. Pass a second entrance and turn right onto a footpath close by Swiss Lodge. You are now on the Shaw Brook Italian Walk created for the Farington family, who once lived in the Hall. In about 300yds you will reach the folly, which was built in the late eighteenth century to adorn the small waterfall. It takes the form of an arched ruin. Keep to the main path as it enters a more densely wooded area and then crosses a wooden bridge. After a second footbridge there is a stone shelter on a brow – at one time a summer house. The third footbridge will bring you past a pond and onto a tarmac drive. Turn right. A short distance ahead, turn right again onto a stoned path.

2 When the path forks, bear right to reach the entrance to the maze – a lime tree marks its centre. If you want to extend the walk by 5 miles, enter the maze. If not, turn right and walk along the outside of the maze to reach the formal gardens. From here, there is easy access into the courtyard and the Arts and Crafts centre and coffee shop. Follow signs to return to the car park but, if you wish to extend your walk, cross the playing fields to reach a wooded footpath beyond the children’s playground. Turn right to reach Worden Lane.

Points of interest

Once the home of the Farington family, Worden Park was taken over by the local authority in 1951. Since local government reorganization in 1974 it has been managed by South Ribble Borough Council. Covering over 60ha, it caters for a wide range of community activities. Since the inception of the Green Flag Award in 1996, Worden Park is the only open space north of London to be awarded it every year – a remarkable achievement.

WALK

5

The Dunsop Bridge Tramper Trail

START Dunsop Bridge village car park, BB7 3BB, SD661501

DISTANCE Short route 1½ miles (2.4km); long route 3 miles (4.8km)

SUMMARY Tramper Category 1. Easy walking. There is one gate to open so tramper users may find it best to be accompanied

MAP OS Explorer OL41 Forest of Bowland

WHERE TO EAT AND DRINK Puddleducks Café and Village Store, www.puddleduckstearooms.co.uk, T01200-448241

An accessible route in the heart of the Bowland Forest.

1 From the car park turn right on the road, walking towards the eponymous bridge. Before you reach it, turn right onto a farm road just after Puddleducks tea room and post office.

2 The road crosses a large pasture. After a children’s playground on the right, cross a cattle grid into the next field. Keep ahead towards a terrace of cottages. Beyond the buildings enter woodland at a gate. Now, close to the River Dunsop, keep ahead to a wooden bridge.

3 Now comes the moment of decision. After crossing the bridge, turn left and a service road will take you back to Dunsop Bridge. After a slight uphill climb the road descends to the main road opposite the war memorial. However, if time allows, turn right at the bridge and venture up the valley to reach in a mile and a half an impressive array of utility buildings used to collect water.

4 This is a wonderful place to experience the heart of Bowland and the country. Reaching the centre of Great Britain (see box) necessitates a hike up to the top of Brennandale, the valley on the left. Given the terrain, this expedition should not be undertaken in a tramper. From here, retrace the outward route back to the footbridge and keep ahead from there.

Points of interest

Some years ago the wizards at the Ordnance Survey decided upon the spot that represented the centre of the United Kingdom. Their answer turned out to be SD6418856541. This grid reference will put you on Whitendale Hanging Stones above Brennand Farm. The nearest settlement to this central location is Dunsop Bridge. BT sited its 100,000th public phone box especially in Dunsop Bridge to mark this special distinction. The phone box is opposite the car park.

The area has another distinction. HM The Queen once disclosed that if she were ever to retire she would choose this area of Lancashire to live. As Duke of Lancaster she would be very much on her estates, in the heart of her realm, in an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.

WALKS

6

Rufford & Mere Sands Wood

7

START Mere Sands Wood visitors’ centre car park, L40 1TG, SD447160

DISTANCE Short route 1½ miles (2.4km), accessible for wheelchairs; long route 6 miles (9.7km)

SUMMARY Easy walking

MAP OS Explorer 285 Southport & Chorley

WHERE TO EAT AND DRINK Fettler’s Wharf, http://fettlerswharfmarina.co.uk, T01704-822888; The Rufford Arms Hotel, www.ruffordarms.com, T01704-822040; The Hesketh Arms, nearby on the A59, T01704-821009

Mere Sands Wood, once a sand quarry, is now a local nature reserve managed by Lancashire Wildlife Trust. This short walk involves a circuit of this splendid amenity, while the longer route extends into the countryside nearby.

1 From the visitors’ centre turn right and enter the woods on this north-facing flank of the reserve. A broad path leads round to bring you to a kissing gate at its south-east corner. Turn left through the gate and exit the reserve. (For readers following the shorter walk, continue on the main path as it turns westwards. The path is well signed and will lead you back to the centre.)

2 The path soon passes the village cricket ground. Walking through the residential area, you’ll find the footpath will swap either side of the sluice at each lane. At the first, Cousin’s Lane, turn right across the sluice and then left behind houses and continue with the water on your left. This brings you to Brick Kiln Lane. Here, take a footpath to the right of a chapel. On reaching Sluice Lane, cross to a footpath that passes a large workshop and then bends round to the A59.

3 Turn right and then almost immediately left to cross a swing bridge over the canal. Bear left to reach the towpath. With water on your left, pass by a large marina and then the rear of Rufford Old Hall.

4 About 1½ miles after joining the canal, leave it at Spark Bridge and the A581. Turn left and then left onto Spark Lane. Follow this round to the A59 close to the Rufford Arms Hotel. Cross the road to Croston Dr, a private road but a public right of way. Until you reach Holmeswood the direction is west. At Woodbank join a track that skirts the property to its right. Beyond it, continue along a tarmac lane. After passing through a neck of woodland the lane bends to the left. Here, keep ahead on a footpath leading alongside large arable fields. Keep on the path for a little over 1,000yds until you reach the scattered community of Holmeswood.

5 On reaching Holmeswood Rd, turn left. Passing Mossend Farm, turn right onto Sandy Way. Continue along Sandy Way for over 600yds. Just before a low bridge crossing Rufford Boundary Sluice, turn left onto a footpath. This sluice will guide you back to Mere Sands Wood. After edging along arable fields, it joins a farm track and soon after enters the reserve. Follow signs back to the car park.