Today’s Walks
Strenuous Leader: Rowland Nock Distance: 12 miles
From Hurst Green we take the small lane west to the Punch Bowl public house. From here we head off to Stewart’s Wood picking up the Ribble Way to Ribchester Bridge via the River Ribble. From here we cross the bridge taking the Ribchester Road to Salesbury Hall. We then follow the southern banks of the Ribble through the delightful Marles Wood to the pedestrian suspension bridge, which takes us to the north bank of the river. The rest of the walk is mainly river walking via Stoneyhurst College back to Hurst Green. This walk, particularly the latter part, was inspirational for J R R Tolkien’s ‘Lord of the Rings’ as he spent much of his time writing in the College.
Please bear in mind that in view of the extreme weather conditions lately, this walk may be subject to change/alterations.
Moderate Leader: Sue Daniels Distance: 7 miles
Today’s moderate walk reaches no great heights but reaches great depths!! The day we did the pre-walk it had rained very heavily the night before and consequently the ground was extremely wet with very boggy and deep mud areas along practically the whole of the route – so you have been warned!! We make a gradual climb from Hurst Green up through Longridge Fell through pretty valleys and forests with a couple of stunning views across the surrounding area. After a gentle descent to the hamlet of Walker Fold the walk traverses round the end of the fell over Kemple End and finishes with a short walk through the grounds of Stonyhurst College, one of the most impressive buildings in Lancashire.
Leisurely Leader: Joan McGlinchey & Margaret Black Distance : 7.5 miles
We start by walking down past the Shireburn Arms and across the fields towards the River Ribble. However, after passing through a small wood (slippy in places) we walk gently uphill across farmland. We then bypass Stonyhurst College and follow footpaths mainly through open ground out to the River Hodder. After lunch there is a short period along the road before turning off across the fields to rejoin the river footpath which leads back to the Shireburn Arms. A fairly flat walk with lovely views on a clear day, and interesting river features along the way.
Easy Leader: Cynthia Prescott & Hazel Anderton Distance: 5 miles
Note: We intend to give some time for coffee or tea at the Bayley Arms near the community car park. The landlord assures us that coffee is served from 8 am. There is no café in the village.
The walk starts with a pleasant walk through woods, near a stream and along good paths and tracks up to the viewpoint and disused quarry. (It is well worth the not too strenuous effort for the extensive views in many directions) We then head down through fields to see different views towards Crowshaw Lodge Reservoir and head down to Longridge Road along the bridleway. After a short section of road we head down to Bailey Hall, through a farmyard. We see the remains of a moat and walk down through a little glade with a footbridge and head up to the church and back to the village.