Strenuous Leader : Martin Distance : 12 miles
Leaving Clitheroe the walk takes to grassed footpaths which route with purpose towards Pendle Hill and on to Little Mearly Hall. More sheep fields follow as we enjoy our walk through the Ribble Valley taking in wider views of Pendle and Worston Moor and back at Clitheroe. An amble down “a quiet lane” brings us to the beautiful village of Downham nested under the bulk of Pendle Hill. Here a babbling brook runs through the quaint and unspoiled village, it has featured in several TV programmes. Leaving the village muddy boots are to be expected as we make our way to the remains of Sawley Abbey. Picturesque views are on offer to those who brave the narrow and steep stone footbridge which precedes the Abbey (see WhatsApp image). The walk then culminates by crossing the River Ribble as we follow the meandering course of the river keeping an eye out for Waddow Hall which welcomes us back into Clitheroe.
A 12 mile walk showing the sheer beauty the Ribble Valley has to offer. We cross the busy A59 twice. There’s one, short, muddy descent midway, several styles – no two the same, plus a 4 mile ‘slog’ along the river to the finish.
Leisurely Leader: David Distance : 8 miles
We leave Clitheroe and walk approximately 1.5 mile to Edisford Bridge there are toilets here. We then follow the path along River Ribble for about 2.5 miles to Great Mitton and All Hallows Church built around 1270 we will probably have lunch here as few benches in church grounds.
We leave Great Mitton by joining a path heading northwest through woodland and open fields, gradually making our way back toward Clitheroe. The landscape alternates between dense woods and pastoral scenery it was a bit muddy in parts going through the fields so if it is raining it should be fun. This walk is flat but a few styles and one particularly challenging (big step up).
Easy Leaders: Evelyn Distance: 5 miles
From the coach we’ll thread our way through urban streets until we reach a bridge crossing the train line to pick up a footpath leading to Brungerley Park where we’ll take one of the well used woodland paths along the Sculpture Trail. Leaving Brungerley Park through iron gates we drop down to the river at Bradford Bridge to take a very pleasant walk along the river. Re-entering Brungerley Park there is a short stretch uphill and then along paths until we reach a series of benches ideal to have our lunch whilst admiring the views.
After lunch we’ll leave Brungerley Park and head uphill to Waddow Hall along a narrow and busy road with no pavement so please take care! Crossing the road we walk along the driveway until we reach the house. Skirting the Hall we walk along footpaths until we reach a quiet lane which will take us down to a footbridge back over the river bringing us to Low Moor. We then follow a series of paths and tracks back to Clitheroe.
Mostly good going underfoot on a sunny day when we did the recce however the river path and some of the fields were muddy in places. Can be cut shorter if need be. Depends really on how much rain falls this week !
NOTES ON THE AREA
Clitheroe is a town and civil parish in the Borough of Ribble Valley, it is located near the Forest of Bowland and is often used as a base for tourists visiting the area. The town and area were listed in the 2017, 2018 & 2024 The Sunday Times report on the best places to live in Northern England.
The town’s most notable building is Clitheroe Castle, which is said to be one of the smallest Norman keeps in Great Britain. Several manufacturing companies have sites here, including Dugdale Nutrition, Hanson Cement, Johnson Matthey and Tarmac.
The name Clitheroe is thought to come from the Anglo-Saxon for “Rocky Hill” and was also spelled Clyderhow and Cletherwoode, amongst others. The Battle of Clitheroe was fought in 1138 during the Anarchy. These lands were held by Roger the Poitevin, who passed them to the de Lacy family, from whom they passed by marriage in 1310 or 1311 to Thomas, Earl of Lancaster. It subsequently became part of the Duchy of Lancaster until Charles II at the Restoration bestowed it, on George Monck, 1st Duke of Albemarle, from whose family it descended through the house of Montague to that of Buccleuch. At one point, the town of Clitheroe was given to Richard, 1st Duke of Gloucester. Up until 1835, the Lord of the Honor was also by right Lord of Bowland, the so-called Lord of the Fells. The town’s earliest existing charter is from 1283, granted by Henry de Lacy, Earl of Lincoln, confirming rights granted by one of his forebears between 1147 and 1177.
According to local legend, stepping stones across the River Ribble near the town are the abode of an evil spirit, who drowns one traveller every seven years.
During World War II, the Rover Company developed the jet engine, Rover and Rolls-Royce met engineers from the different companies at Clitheroe’s Swan & Royal Hotel. The residential area ‘Whittle Close’ in the town is named after Frank Whittle, being built over the site of the former jet engine test beds.
Clitheroe has hosted the Ribble Valley Jazz and Blues Fest since making a return in 2010 after more than 40 years. It is held annually, usually during Early May Bank Holiday weekend. The annual Clitheroe Food Festival takes place in early August where 80 or more Lancashire food and drink producers are selected to participate by the festival organisers. Lancashire’s top professional chefs, the town’s retailers, groups and volunteer organisations also take part.