B Walk at Slaidburn 2012

A Lordly Route Through the Centre of England

 Walk Leader: Beverley Kelly
Total Distance: 8+ miles
Total Ascent/Descent: 750ft
Time: approx 4.5 hrs

B Walk Route - click to open

Autumn colours by a tranquil Hodder

We have done three reccies to get a walk which  provides views, interest and reasonably good walking conditions. We are pleased with the result. This walk is probably the best of the three and will get you back to Slaidburn tired but satisfied and ready for your refreshment.

We start our walk from Newton, a village recorded in the Domesday book but grew due to local industry centered upon the River Hodder. Unfortunately the toilets at Newton have been closed although there are some later in the walk.

Les with his 'catch' !!!!

 Leaving Newton we walk along the banks of the Hodder and then on to 'Giddy Bridge' and the Tudor Style Knowlmere Manor, built in 1849 for Jonathon Peel. Whether this is still part of Lord Bowlands estate I do not know, but it still looks as if it is under one ownership.

Our next destination is over rough and wet but passable land towards Dunsop Bridge, passing Thorneyholme Hall another part of the Bowland Estate and across the Hodder again and down a magnificant driveway to reach Dunsop Bridge and the centre of England. Here there are toilets, a cafe and probably our lunch stop by the river courted by the ducks.

 We now head for Beatrix Fell, passing a lovely children's playground, past some cottages, then out to open fields again heading for Beatrix Farm. Do take in the magnificant views all around and enjoy the rolling countryside and the changing colours of the trees.

It is now downhill to cross the clear waters of Rough Syke, then a steady climb up again to reach Bull Lane an old but very neat drovers lane. We are now 2/3rds of the way round and at 750 ft the highest point of the walk and not really tired. It is now a steady drop down towards Slaidburn on open grassland and varied scenery with plenty of interest, hopefully avoiding the mud and wetlands. [Just follow the leader and keep an eye on the ground]

We pass through Slaidburn church grounds to reach the river bank and a short way to the coach  and cafe. (Hark to Bounty just round the corner).

Looking forward to your company and a great walk together. Beverley and Les