http://www.nwda.co.uk/pdf/cw%20supp by Northwest Regional Development Agency

25 walks in England’s Northwest Featuring Fred Talbot’s walks from the series ‘Wainwright Country’ on ITV Granada

Contents 4 6

Take a walk on the wild side Highlights and hidden gems FRED TALBOT ‘WAINWRIGHT COUNTRY’ WALKS Cumbria, Yewbarrow 8 Walk 1 Cumbria, Stybarrow Dodd 10 Walk 2 Cumbria, Knott Rigg 12 Walk 3 Cumbria, Great Calva 14 Walk 4 Cumbria, Pike o’Blisco 16 Walk 5 Cumbria, Eagle Crag 18 Walk 6 Cumbria, Thornthwaite 20 Walk 7

22 24 26 28 30 32 34 36 38 40 42 44 46 48 50 52 54 56 58

Walk 8 Cumbria, Loadpot Walk 9 Cumbria, Helvellyn Walk 10 Cumbria, Smardale Walk 11 Cumbria, Loughrigg Walk 12 Lancashire, Garstang Walk 13 Lancashire, Great Mitton Walk 14 Lancashire, Ribchester Walk 15 Lancashire, Pendle Walk 16 Lancashire, Withnell Fold Walk 17 Lancashire, Mere Sands Walk 18 Merseyside, Formby Walk 19 Merseyside, Newton-Le-Willows Walk 20 Merseyside, Hoylake Walk 21 Greater Manchester, Diggle Walk 22 Cheshire, Alderley Edge Walk 23 Cheshire, Macclesfield Walk 24 Cheshire, Winsford Walk 25 Cheshire, Higher Burwardsley Directory of useful contact numbers and websites

Cover photograph and all images of Fred Talbot, by Janusz Ostrowski. A big thank you to Eric Robson, Fred Talbot and to David PowellThompson for compiling the seven Wainwright walks. Guide editor Jonathan Manning Design Mark Sommer Walks 8 to 25 from Country Walking magazine, www.countrywalking.co.uk Northwest Regional Development Agency Project manager Rob Martell www.visitenglandsnorthwest.com www.naturalnorthwest.co.uk ITV Granada Project manager Vicky Matthews www.itvlocal.com/granada For more information about Alfred Wainwright, visit www.wainwright.org.uk The publishers and authors have done their best to ensure the accuracy of all the information in this guide but can claim no responsibility for any loss, injury or inconvenience sustained as a result of information or advice contained in this guide.

All walks correct at time of going to press (August 2007). SAFTEY ADVICE Before you embark on any of the walks in this guide, make sure you are appropriately dressed and equipped for the journey. If the terrain is at all challenging, wear walking boots – this will help avoid slips and stumbles. If your walk is at high level take a waterproof, an extra fleece or sweater, high energy snacks and a flask with a hot drink. Take a map and compass and make sure you know how to use them. Don’t forget your mobile phone, battery fully charged, and before you set off, tell someone where you are going and when you expect to be back. Remember that the weather can deteriorate very quickly, particularly at higher altitudes. So check the forecast before you leave. For fell top walking call the Lake District National Park weatherline on 0870 055 0575. For further walking advice see the Walkers’ Toolkit section at www.countrywalking.co.uk

2 25 WALKS IN ENGLAND’S NORTHWEST

Welcome... ... to 25 walks in England’s Northwest For the past ten years I’ve been lucky enough to go walking each summer in one of the most spectacular landscapes in Britain. Not only that, ITV has paid me to do it; to present and produce the top rating series Out Of Town. Nowhere else can compare with the sheer variety of countryside to be found in England’s Northwest. The jewel in the crown is the Lake District. I’m bound to say that because I live there but also because it was in the Lakeland mountains that the great fell walker Alfred Wainwright first introduced me to the pleasures of reading maps and exploring the countryside back in the 1980s. At the heart of this guide are seven Wainwright walks which I suggested as an introduction to Lakeland for Fred Talbot who presented Wainwright Country for Granada. And added to those adventures are another 18 suggested expeditions reflecting the huge choice of walking experiences in the Northwest. From a challenging ascent of Helvellyn in Cumbria to a moderately energetic walk through the Macclesfield Forest in Cheshire and an easy stroll through Mere Sands Wood in Lancashire there’s something to suit every level of fitness and every spirit of adventure. Full route descriptions and the promise of good fun. The only thing I can’t guarantee is the weather. But we all know the Northwest has some of the best weather in Britain, too, so you should be fine so long as your boots don’t leak and you take a waterproof. Enjoy yourselves!

When I was asked if I would like to do a series about Alfred Wainwright and his Lake District walks I jumped at the chance. Yet half way through the first day’s filming I really wondered if I had taken on too much as I struggled up a steep hillside. Then I stopped and sat down by a mountain stream and a feeling of pleasure flowed round my body. It was as if the clear water was imparting a new life into my tired muscles. I just sat there and stared out over the distant fells with the clouds drifting over my head and knew that I was somewhere very special. If I can climb the Lake District fells then you can. Go on and surprise yourself.

Fred Talbot Presenter of Wainwright Country

Eric Robson, author and broadcaster 25 WALKS IN ENGLAND’S NORTHWEST 3

Welcome

Take a walk on the

If you have the urge to take a walk on the wild side, England’s Northwest should be the number one destination on your wish list. In this outdoor wonderland, you can define what walking means to you, whether it be striding out on coastal paths, treading carefully as you make your way across moorlands rich in wildlife, or falling for fells in a very big way. Footpaths and organised trails criss-cross the country from the Solway Firth to Cheshire, giving you more freedom than ever to explore the region’s gloriously varied landscape. 4 25 WALKS IN ENGLAND’S NORTHWEST

In this guide you will find 25 fabulous walks covering the whole of the Northwest region, with step by step directions and Ordnance Survey maps. But reading about and embarking on these walks will tell you only part of the story….. From the world-famous Lake District, home to the likes of William Wordsworth, Samuel Taylor Coleridge and Beatrix Potter, to the breathtaking sandy shoreline of the Sefton Coast; from the vast Forest of Bowland to the hidden picturebook gems that nestle on remote

wild side

Gaze out over Derwent Water from Surprise View.

opportunities to explore the Northwest, it should be remembered that walking is whatever you make of it, and where you wish to do it is largely your decision. That is certainly the ethos of the Lakeland Maize Maze, at Sedgwick, south of Kendal, Cumbria and the Amaizing Maize Maze, at Stretton, near Warrington. Getting lost in these mazes is an easy way to clock up the miles on the pedometer, get fit and prepare for being let loose for wild times on walks in the wonderful Northwest. What are you waiting for? 25 WALKS IN ENGLAND’S NORTHWEST 5

BRITAINONVIEW / ROD EDWARDS

moorlands and fells, England’s Northwest is home to some of the most beautiful and diverse natural landscapes in the British Isles. Take your pick from world famous beauty spots such as Scafell Pike, Morecambe Bay, Windermere, and Ullswater, or head off the beaten track and discover your own highlights within the stunning hills, wetlands and waterways of the region, where you’ll have the pleasure of witnessing some of the rarest wildlife and birdlife in the UK. As a footnote, despite all of these wonderful

NWDA / JILL JENNINGS

For a superb autumn walk, head to the River Hodder in the Forest of Bowland.

Highlights and hidden gems ● Forest of Bowland Lancashire’s Forest of Bowland, an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB) and once a royal hunting estate, is a bird-watcher’s paradise, with every walk introducing the visitor to some form of avian delight be it ring ouzels, peregrines, pheasants, whinchats, golden plover and short-eared owls. The moorland areas of the Forest of Bowland attract over 6,000 pairs of wading birds, such as lapwings, snipe, curlews and redshanks, but the AONB’s most prized bird is the imperious hen harrier, putting on a sky-dancing, rollercoasteresque display as it hunts its prey. NWDA / JILL JENNINGS

6 25 WALKS IN ENGLAND’S NORTHWEST

A further joy of walking in the Forest of Bowland is the many pubs in the area – over 60 at the last count. ● Harrop Fold Farm In the south of the region, the deeply incised gritstone fells give way to the sweeping Cheshire plain. Here, your accommodation could allow you to ease your aching limbs by stretching out in a four-poster bed, if you opt for a stay at Harrop Fold Farm (www.harropfoldfarm.co.uk) One of the many attractive features of a stay at this historic farmhouse is that walks literally start at the doorstep and appeal to walkers with their own distinct ‘other interests’. A footpath from the farmhouse entrance reaches the Gritstone Trail and there are two lovely brooks, visited by a great variety of wildlife, to enjoy. Bird life is also present in abundance on the 20 acres owned by the farm and a

Wild Flower Circular Walk from Bollington picks up Harrop Fold half way round. Harrop Fold It is also a perfect location for guests wishing to follow the Cheshire Literary & Film Trail being minutes from the setting of Alan Garner’s ‘Thursbitch’ and a short drive from Lyme Park, where ‘Pride & Prejudice’ was filmed. ● Walks from Ratty What many will not appreciate is that Wainwright produced a very special series of 10 works for the Ravenglass and Eskdale Railway, Lakeland’s oldest, longest and most scenic steam railway. The narrow gauge line dates back to 1875 and runs for seven miles, from the tranquil, Cumbrian coastal village of Ravenglass, to the foot of England’s highest mountains, at Dalegarth, close to the picturesque hamlet of Boot. On its way, it passes through Eskdale and Miterdale, which

Welcome

● Aira Force For walkers wishing to go chasing waterfalls, Aira Force, near Dockray, on the western side of Ullswater, is a must. With a drop of 70 feet, these are the Lake District’s most famous waterfalls and are a very pleasant, short walk away from the car park. For those wishing to escape the throngs, a walk up Gowbarrow Fell provides a stunning view over Ullswater.

BRITAINONVIEW / ROD EDWARDS

Wainwright respectively described as ‘the loveliest of Lakeland’s valleys’ and a ‘hidden retreat … where woodland and copse and pasture combine with a delightful river to present a picture of undisturbed rural peace.’ In 1960, a former England rugby captain and MP, Wavell Wakefield, became actively involved in the railway, known to locals as Ratty – a corruption of the Cumbrian dialect phrase ratoun trod, or narrow way. Realising how popular Wainwright’s hand-scribed and illustrated guides to the Lakeland fells were becoming, Lord Wakefield approached Wainwright and asked him to produce 10 walks based around the railway’s route. ‘Walks from Ratty’ is a meticulous work with walks ranging from a stroll along the banks of the River Esk from Dalegarth, described by Wainwright as a ‘short ramble of sustained charm’, to Muncaster Fell, approached from Ravenglass, detailed as the ascent of the ‘mountain in miniature’. www.ravenglass-railway.co.uk

A stunning resting place at Windermere.

● Floating Island A rarer view on Ullswater is that of the Floating Island at Lodore. This will-o’-the-wisp adds to the romance and mystery surrounding a lake of several islands, one of which, St Herbert’s, was once home to a devout, 7th-century monk. The Floating Island emerges from the reeds around once every three years, when the weather has been hot. ● Smugglers Trail If breathing history is your aim, a walk along the Smuggler’s Trail, at Seatoller, known by all and sundry as Moses’ Trod, a quarryman who diversified into illicit whisky production, using local bog water. Walking the path that Moses literally trod is all about feeling the rush of adrenalin this smuggler experienced when making his escape from the excisemen travelling in his pursuit. ● Howgills Shepherdess Alison O’Neill, of Shacklabank Walking Holidays (www.shacklabank.co.uk),

Sedbergh, who calls herself a free-range child, has managed to bottle and encase her unbounded enthusiasm for life, The Howgills and her role as shepherdess. All of this has been packaged in a Pandora’s box of delights for those seeking an entirely different type of walking experience. A Shacklabank walk through the Howgills encompasses the sounds of curlews, lapwings, swifts and buzzards, the gurgle of running water as a beck trips over the rocks in its path, insights into the life of stoat, weasel and otters and glimpses of iridescent damsonflies and dragonflies reflecting light from their wings. It is a window of opportunity for anyone wishing to experience the life of a Cumbrian farmer, whilst enjoying views and routes only Alison and her guests can walk, due to her longstanding relationships in the local community. It is a must for anyone wishing to feel on top of the world as they stand at the top of Calders taking in the stunning, beautiful, 360 degree vista, as swifts fly overhead. 25 WALKS IN ENGLAND’S NORTHWEST 7

CUMBRIA YEWBARROW steadily uphill following the stone wall. 3 Once past a rocky outcrop the path bears left, away from Bell Rib, still climbing although not at the same rate. At a junction (not very obvious) bear right and climb up beside Dropping Crag.

The climb was worth it, as Fred looks down to Wastwater from Yewbarrow.

If you expect me to be even handed when it comes to judging the quality of the landscape in Wasdale, hard luck. Wasdale, where I’ve lived for more than 20 years is, quite simply, the finest valley in Lakeland. And the grandest. And sometimes the most frightening. It can be hemmed in under the weather for weeks. The brooding wall of shattered rock which is the Wastwater Screes constantly moving and shifting in the low cloud. But when the cloud lifts and the sun shines into the valley head, chasing shadows across the face of Great Gable and the Scafells, we find ourselves in a primeval paradise. And that’s what we’ll be looking down on from the summit 8 25 WALKS IN ENGLAND’S NORTHWEST

of Yewbarrow. I’d warned Fred Talbot it was going to be the toughest ascent of the series. I’d warned him that, as far as his knees were concerned, it would be the toughest descent, too. And I was right on both counts. But the pain was worth it for the views he got in shifting light of one of the great European landscapes. Eric Robson 1

START

The walk starts at Overbeck Bridge carpark (free) and follows the stream for a short while then turns to go through a kissing gate before climbing to a stile over a fence. Continue to climb to a further stile 2

Turn right and climb

4 The path enters a steep gully but after a short distance the route steps out to the left and climbs up over rocks. At the top the path moves further left still climbing steeply over some loose ground. The top of this section is Great Door and a wonderful view down to Wastwater. 5 Turn left, at this point, and again climb, this time over rock. The path continues on to the summit but now over easy ground. The first cairn reached not being the true summit. 6 Turn right and climb. Continue to the third cairn which marks the start of the descent down Stirrup Crag. Here there is one awkward move to negotiate and care must be taken. Then the way is over loose stone down to Dore Head. 7 The descent from Dore Head down into Mosedale looks, at first, glance impossible but there is a path to the left of the scree.

● Distance 5km/3 miles ● Time 3hrs ● Grade Challenging This zig-zags down the steep ground.

DID YOU KNOW? The Wasdale Head Inn was the home of the original ‘World’s Biggest Liar’! Sample one of the ales from their very own micro-brewery, The Great Gable Brewery. www.wasdaleheadinn.co.uk

8 Once at the bottom turn right along the path past Ritson’s Force and into Wasdale Head. By this time the Inn will be open.

PLAN YOUR WALK n

Cockermouth Keswick

CUMBRIA Egremont Ambleside Wind

Coniston

Kenda

Millom Ulverston

ORDNANCE SURVEY MAPPING ©CROWN COPYRIGHT IN ASSOCIATION WITH MEMORY-MAP/GD 021102

8 7

5 4

INFORMATION CENTRE Terrain This is a tough climb, 1900 feet in 1½ miles, and a hard descent but it is a gem of a mountain with spectacular views. If the descent from Dore Head is out of the question then there is an easy path that runs back under Yewbarrow to the start. START/PARKING Overbeck Bridge, grid reference NY168069 Finish: Wasdale Head NY186087 Nearest town Ravenglass MAPS Ordnance Survey Explorer OL6 The English Lakes South western area, Landranger 89

3 2 1

START

WALK FACT An area of dramatic extremes, Wast Water is England’s deepest lake at 258ft and Scafell Pike is England’s highest mountain at 3,210ft. www.golakes.co.uk

25 WALKS IN ENGLAND’S NORTHWEST 9

CUMBRIA STYBARROW DODD

Alfred Wainwright was anthropomorphic about mountains as he was about animals. He would have described Stybarrow Dodd as a shy, retiring mountain that hides itself away behind the rather dreary approach over Sticks Pass. So why, with so many summits to choose from, bother going there at all? Well, precisely because it is hidden away, actually. The aim of our Wainwright Country series was to introduce Fred Talbot to some of the less well known but still notable mountains of Lakeland. And

Stybarrow Dodd is notable because it offers one of the best viewing platforms in the Eastern Fells – Blencathra, Robinson, Pillar, Bowfell, Fairfield and High Street all spread out around you. And a gentle stroll to get to the top. Although, being his first ascent of the series, I’m not entirely sure Fred would agree with that last remark. Eric Robson 1

START

From the small car park in Stannah, the path goes straight up the lane towards the fell and over a ladder stile.

After a short climb it passes through a gate and turns left. 2 Cross the channel of the leat that carries water from the northern streams into Thirlmere. Then after a second short climb a wicket gate leads to the bridge that crosses Stannah Gill. 3 Bear left up the hill to a finger post. Continue up the zig–zag path that follows the line of Stannah Gill on the left. At the top of the steep climb the path bears right away from Stannah Gill, passing a broken sheep fold.

START

1 3 4

10 25 WALKS IN ENGLAND’S NORTHWEST

ORDNANCE SURVEY MAPPING ©CROWN COPYRIGHT IN ASSOCIATION WITH MEMORY-MAP/GD 021102

● Distance 8km/5 miles ● Time 3hrs ● Grade Moderate PLAN YOUR WALK ort Pen

Cockermouth Keswick

CUMBRIA Egremont Ambleside Winde

Coniston

Kendal

INFORMATION CENTRE Terrain The walk is steep both in ascent and descent and while it is possible to do it in 3 hours it is better to allow the whole day and enjoy the views.

Fred disputes the idea that this is a ‘gentle stroll’! 4 The climb eases and the top of Sticks Pass is reached, having passed the source of Sticks Gill, at a very distinct cross-road.

The route turns left and climbs up Stybarrow Dodd. 5

6 The cairn on the path marks the best view-point but the true summit is further on and slightly off to the right. 7 The summit is marked by a distinct slab of slate arranged vertically. Lower and off to the left is the summit of Watson’s Dodd the next goal, soon reached after an easy walk along a distinct path.

8 The descent is straight off the top down towards the valley. Although Wainwright describes this as his route up Watson’s Dodd from Legburthwaite there is no actual path. As the descent progresses the distinct dome top of Castle Rock is seen. 9 Pass to the right of Castle Rock, but avoids Mill Gill, down to a fence in the corner of a wall. Climb over the fence and pass through a small band of trees to a footbridge over the leat and then bear left down towards the fence and steps that lead down to the road. 10 It is but a short walk to the left along the road to the start.

START/PARKING Stannah NY317189 Nearest town Keswick Public transport There is a bus service along the main A591 road from Keswick in the north and Windermere south. REFRESHMENT Enjoy open fires and home cooked food in nearby Threlkeld at the Horse and Farrier and Salutations Inns www.horseandfarrier.com www.thesalutation.co.uk MAPS Ordnance Survey Explorer OL5, Landranger 90 WALK FACT Keswick is home to the Cumberland Pencil Museum and the world’s largest pencil. www.pencilmuseum.co.uk www.golakes.co.uk 25 WALKS IN ENGLAND’S NORTHWEST 11

CUMBRIA KNOTT RIGG AND ARD CRAGS

Wainwright reckoned that this was the sort of place where you could find a personal heaven in a busy world. He said it was somewhere you could come on a hot and sunny August weekend and “envy not the crowds heading for Great Gable”. But a word of warning which he includes in his Pictorial Guide to the North Western Fells. Make sure that you’ve sorted out a “certain function” before you set out on the long but gentle traverse of the ridge to Knott Rigg because walkers here are silhouetted against the

sky and in full view from two valleys. Wainwright wouldn’t have recognised the rather twee phrase “comfort stop” but this is definitely not the place to have one. When you get to Ard Crags you find yourself standing at the centre of a mountain universe. Big mountains like Eel Crag crowd in on you and yet far below you is the gentle pattern of fields in the Newlands Valley. Just perfect (so long as you’re not taking in the scene with your legs crossed). Eric Robson

2 Follow the ridge over the summit of Knott Rigg, then a descent of about 130 feet and a climb of 200 feet to reach Ard Crags.

4 5

START 1

12 25 WALKS IN ENGLAND’S NORTHWEST

ORDNANCE SURVEY MAPPING ©CROWN COPYRIGHT IN ASSOCIATION WITH MEMORY-MAP/GD 021102

START

This walk starts at Newlands Hause at the top of Newlands Pass; the road from Braithwaite to Buttermere. From the road strike almost due north up a grassy path. As the climb progresses it gets steeper. The first rocky outcrop marks the start of the ridge.

● Distance 6km/3½ miles ● Time 2hrs ● Grade Moderate PLAN YOUR WALK Wigton yport on

Cockermouth Keswick

CUMBRIA Egremont Ambleside Coniston

Win

INFORMATION CENTRE Terrain This is a gentle ridge walk with an easy start. The descent to Rigg Beck is the sting in the tail. No public transport is available on this walk, and access to two cars (one parked at the end) make it much easier.

The weather gives Fred a traditional Lake District welcome to the fells. 3 The ridge continues easily for a while before starting the descent over Aikin Knott. 4 At this point the descent is over steep ground but this soon gives way to a flat grassy plateau. 5 The path bears left, at a junction (ignore the track straight ahead, which is just used by a farmer), down through bracken to a crossing point over Rigg Beck beside a wall.

6 Cross the beck, but beware there is no footbridge, so feet may get wet. From the stream climb up a small bank to a major path, this is the Sail Beck route to Buttermere, turn right and walk down to the road at Rigg Beck. 7 Here there is an abandoned quarry where a second car can be parked otherwise it is a long walk up the road back to the start.

START/PARKING Newlands Hause NY194176. Finish: Rigg Beck NY2292029 Nearest town Keswick Public toilets none - and no hiding places either! MAPS Ordnance Survey Exlorer OL4, Landranger 90 WALK FACTS ● The name Knott Rigg is descended from Old English and means “Hill on a knobbly ridge”! ● The Fish Hotel at Buttermere was the home of Mary Robinson, ”The Maid of Buttermere,” the subject of Melvin Bragg’s novel of that name. www.golakes.co.uk 25 WALKS IN ENGLAND’S NORTHWEST 13

CUMBRIA GREAT CALVA

Great what? Great where? Never heard of it. In truth, Great Calva is one of the least well known mountains in Lakeland, tucked away as it is behind Skiddaw in the Northern Fells. But if great views are what you’re after, Great Calva offers more of them than many much bigger mountains. The approach is a delight. A long walk in to the mountains during which you’re beckoned on by the sparkling waters of the falls at Whitewater Dash. Then you’re up into the wastes of the Skiddaw Forest – hunting forest, not plantation – and

picking your way through deep heather to a stony summit. And it’s a Tardis of a mountain. You step out of the heather into another world. A viewpoint perfectly placed to look the length of the great Lakeland rift, over the Vale of St. Johns and Thirlmere towards the Vale of Grasmere and the Windermere Fells. Don’t plan to be home early for tea. Eric Robson 1

contributions go to the Lake District Tourism Partnership which then funds projects such as footpath renewal. Go through the gate and follow the farm road to a point where a track leads off, to the right, over a stream and up to a wicket gate. 2 Go through the gate, (the main gate being locked). This is the access track to Skiddaw House. Follow the track as it climbs up beside Dash Falls.

START

Parking is to found on the verge at Peter House Farm. There is an honesty box and

3 At the top is a point, just off the track, where it is possible to look down the

1 2

3 5

14 25 WALKS IN ENGLAND’S NORTHWEST

ORDNANCE SURVEY MAPPING ©CROWN COPYRIGHT IN ASSOCIATION WITH MEMORY-MAP/GD 021102

START

● Distance 11.3km/7 miles ● Time 4hrs ● Grade Moderate PLAN YOUR WALK Wigton ort Cockermouth

Pen

Keswick CUMBRIA Egremont Ambleside C

i t

Winder

INFORMATION CENTRE Terrain This is a gentle ridge walk with an easy start. The descent to Rigg Beck is the sting in the tail. No public transport is available on this walk.

Time for a breather and to enjoy the view, by Whitewater Dash.

upper section of the falls. Once above the falls the track levels out. Go through a second gate and over the bridge. There is then a zigzag in the track which can be avoided by a short cut. Stay with the track and, as it begins to descend, look out for a stream, it is marked by a solitary hawthorn bush. 4 The stream is Dead Beck and marks the point where the route turns left and begins to climb up through the heather. This section can be wet underfoot. As you gain more height, you leave behind the heather, and the path joins one which comes up from Skiddaw House. Turn left and continue to the summit.

5 The first high point is not the true summit, which is a little further on and a few feet higher. Across the summit is a fence, which if crossed, gives access to a small shelter. Your descent is to return the way you came.

START/PARKING Peter House Farm NY249324. Nearest town Bassenthwaite Public toilets None REFRESHMENTS Drop in at the Pheasant Inn, Bassenthwaite, for a Cumbrian afternoon tea... homemade scones with rum butter, cakes and sandwiches... www.the-pheasant.co.uk MAPS Ordnance Survey Explorer OL4, Landranger 90 WALK FACT Bassenthwaite Lake is home to the vendace, a rare and endangered fish species found only here and in Derwentwater, and to wild ospreys, www.ospreywatch.co.uk www.golakes.co.uk 25 WALKS IN ENGLAND’S NORTHWEST 15

CUMBRIA PIKE o’ BLISCO

“Character, shapeliness and sturdy strength”... and that’s just the mountain!

Wainwright said that, as a mountain, Pike O’ Blisco had character, shapeliness and sturdy strength. Most people tackle it from near the Old Dungeon Ghyll Hotel in Great Langdale and, as a result, get their character and sturdiness tested in spades (and if they do it often enough work wonders on their shapeliness, too). Because Fred Talbot was already characterful and sturdily shapely we decided to cheat and go up from the car park on Wrynose Pass which saves a good 800 feet 16 25 WALKS IN ENGLAND’S NORTHWEST

of climb and allows you to appreciate the great views from the top without gasping for breath. It also means you’ll have time to make a little detour to Black Crag on the way down to visit the free standing needle of stone which Wainwright reckoned was 35 feet to its point and which he was convinced he’d discovered during his early explorations of the Southern Fells. Very few people visit it today even though it’s only half a mile from the picnickers camped out on the Wrynose Pass. Eric Robson

START

Start at the top of Wrynose Pass at the Three Shires Stone and take the path on the north side up to Red Tarn. There are stiles over the electric fence, now no longer activated, which was erected when the fells were re-stocked after Foot and Mouth disease. 2 Once past the tarn there is a distinct T-junction. 3 Turn right at the T-junction and climb, on a stony path to the summit.

● Distance 4km/2½ miles ● Time 2hrs ● Grade Easy 4 From the summit, your descent is via Black Crag.

7 From the boulder, Black Crag is above the plateau and to the left. Facing the crag, The Needle is at the right-hand side. Continue the descent passing to the left of a rocky knoll and then past a wire enclosure to regain the main path.

5 Pass to the left of the subsidiary summit and pick up the vague path. Follow this until a plateau is reached above Long Scar.

PLAN YOUR WALK n

Cockermouth Keswick

CUMBRIA Egremont Ambleside Coniston

Wind Kenda

Millom Ulverston

Look out for obvious perched boulder on the edge of Long Scar. 6

When you reach this path, turn left back to the start. 8

ORDNANCE SURVEY MAPPING ©CROWN COPYRIGHT IN ASSOCIATION WITH MEMORY-MAP/GD 021102

INFORMATION CENTRE Terrain This is a fairly gentle walk and can easily be achieved in half a day. START/PARKING Parking Start Wrynose Pass NY277027 Nearest town Ambleside Public transport At busy times parking can be a problem and there is no public transport over Wrynose Pass, but there are buses from Ambleside to Great Langdale. From there Pike o’ Blisco can then be climbed.

5 3

REFRESHMENTS Try a pint at Three Shires Inn Little Langdale, www.threeshiresinn.co.uk

MAPS Ordnance Survey Explorer OL6, Landranger 90 START

WALK FACT A visit to Hardknott Roman Fort at the top of Hardknott pass is a ‘must do’. www.lake-district.gov.uk www.golakes.co.uk

25 WALKS IN ENGLAND’S NORTHWEST 17

CUMBRIA EAGLE CRAG All smiles at the start of the day, with the prospect of Eagle Crag to come.

Eagle Crag is as impressive a chunk of rock as any mountain needs to be even though it’s only 1,650 feet tall and therefore well short of the 2,000 feet that normally merits mountain status in Wainwright’s books. But stand under the crag by the Stonethwaite Beck and I defy you to describe it as anything less than a mountain. The ascent looks steep to begin with and impossible near the top with a towering wall of shattered crags to negotiate. But there is a way through on zig-zag paths above Heron Crag. And when you’ve picked your way to the summit I bet you’ll be saying to yourself that it’s one of the best days out in the 18 25 WALKS IN ENGLAND’S NORTHWEST

mountains that you’ve ever had. Eric Robson 1

START

The walk starts in the centre of Stonethwaite. At present there is a telephone box as a reference point. Follow the path to the left over Stonethwaite Beck. 2 Cross the beck turn right heading for Grasmere, until you reach a footbridge. 3 At the footbridge turn right and cross what is now Greenup Gill. Turn left and follow the stream on the left through two walls. (There are man-made gaps in the walls so none need to be climbed).

4 Immediately after the second wall turn right and follow it, steeply, up the fell. There is a path, although it is not always obvious. As the top of the wall is reached the path bears off to the left, still climbing steeply. 5 You meet the wall again with a stile at the left end against a crag. Shortly after a gully leads up to the next terrace. A path to the left leads round to a point where the main face of Eagle Crag can be viewed, but the way to the summit is off to the right. A series of climbs and terraces lead up to the rocky summit and the small cairn. 6

From the cairn, the descent

● Distance 6.5km/4 miles ● Time 3hrs ● Grade Moderate is off to the col between Eagle Crag and Sergeant’s Crag.

you meet the path from Borrowdale to Grasmere again.

7 Climb the ladder stile start your descent towards Greenup Gill. The easiest ground is to be found by taking a wide horseshoe circuit of the head of the valley. There is no path, but easy ground can be found. Once across Greenup Gill

8 Turn left (north) along the path to descend to Stonethwaite. Stay with the path until you find the second footbridge (Point 2) and retrace your steps into the centre of the village.

PLAN YOUR WALK Maryport gton

Cockermouth Keswick

ven

CUMBR Egremont Ambleside Coniston

W Ken

ORDNANCE SURVEY MAPPING ©CROWN COPYRIGHT IN ASSOCIATION WITH MEMORY-MAP/GD 021102

INFORMATION CENTRE Terrain A tough climb with some exposure to steep drops but a wonderful walk with stunning views. . START/PARKING Parking Start and Finish: Stonethwaite NY264138 Nearest town Keswick Public transport There is a bus service from Keswick to Seatoller which stops at the junction of the road to Stonethwaite. On the full walk it adds 1 mile. At busy times parking close to the village can be a problem. Please never block field gates when choosing a place to park.

2 1

START

4 5

6 7 8

REFRESHMENTS Revive over a cup of tea and homemade cake at Knotts View Tea Shop in beautiful Stonethwaite www.keswick.org MAPS Ordnance Survey Explorer OL4 Landranger 90 www.golakes.co.uk

25 WALKS IN ENGLAND’S NORTHWEST 19

CUMBRIA THORNTHWAITE CRAG above Thornthwaite Crag was during the filming of the route in Wainwright’s memory 60-odd years later. We were hoping it would be third time lucky for Fred Talbot; that he would get the great views to Ullswater and Windermere and the spectacular panorama from the summit without rain down his neck! It did rain on Fred that day – but then the sun came out and he did get the fabulous views. Eric Robson 1

START

This walk starts from the carpark in Hartsop (once called Low Hartsop). This car park is not advertised but is to be found at the end of the road that runs through the hamlet and at present is free of charge. Once through the wicket gate turn right and follow the path over the bridge signposted to Pasture Beck. The track follows a wall for the first part.

It’s a challenging climb up to Thornthwaite Mouth, as Fred discovers.

Wainwright and I both got soaked the first time we went to Thornthwaite Crag. He came here during the Whitsun holiday in 1931 on his first long distance exploration of the Lakeland Fells. Hard to credit now, 20 25 WALKS IN ENGLAND’S NORTHWEST

but AW was a novice in the mountains then. He’d worked out his route from Bartholomew maps spread out on the floor of the back bedroom at his house in Blackburn. My sodden trudge to the beacon

2 It then turns, beside Pasture Beck, into Threshthwaite Glen, which is followed to its head. The climbs to both Threshthwaite Mouth and to Thornthwaite Crag are fairly hard. 3 The low point of the col is Threshthwaite Mouth, which is where your route turns left to climb to the summit of

● Distance 10km/6½ miles ● Time 4hrs ● Grade Challenging Thornthwaite Crag, marked by Thornthwaite Beacon.

5 While the descent from Gray Crag looks steep, the path does ziz-zag finding the easiest ground.

4 From the beacon, turn north (left) and follow the wall out onto the broad ridge to Gray Crag. This is a gentle walk but should be avoided in mist as there are step drops to left and right.

PLAN YOUR WALK Wigton t Cockermouth

6 When you meet the Hayeswater path, turn left back to the start at Hartsop.

Penrit

Keswick CUMBRIA Egremont Ambleside Coniston

Winderm

ORDNANCE SURVEY MAPPING ©CROWN COPYRIGHT IN ASSOCIATION WITH MEMORY-MAP/GD 021102

INFORMATION CENTRE Terrain A strenuous walk with some steep and rough ground, but a very good day out. START/PARKING Start and Finish: Hartsop NY408132 Nearest town Windermere

START 1 6

REFRESHMENTS The Brothers Water Inn is perfect for refreshments and very close to Hartsop. www.sykeside.co.uk 5

MAPS Ordnance Survey Explorer OL5, Landranger 90

WALK FACTS ● Enjoy magnificent views from Ullswater ‘Steamers’ newly refurbished vessel “The Lady Wakefield.” www.ullswater-steamers. co.uk 3 4

● Visit Aira Force, a truly impressive waterfall and beauty spot, only a short distance from Glenridding. www.nationaltrust.org www.golakes.co.uk 25 WALKS IN ENGLAND’S NORTHWEST 21

CUMBRIA LOADPOT

Take a steam boat the length of Ullswater from Glenridding to Pooley Bridge, from where you start this glorious linear walk along High Street. Descend from the tops to walk through lonely, remote Fusedale and join the ferry at Howtown to return to the start at Pooley Bridge. Mary Welsh 1

16th-century Pooley Bridge, under which flows River Eamont. Walk into village to pass through busy square. Continue on past St Paul’s Church and village hall. Take right turn, signposted Howtown and Martindale, and walk on to go ahead over crossroads and continue on in direction of Roehead, along a tree-lined lane.

START

Alight from ferry at Pooley Bridge jetty and walk on, using pavement. Cross narrow

2 Pass Roehead farm, left, and go through gate ahead, which gives access to Barton

Fell Common. Stride wide track and stroll on uphill until you reach four-armed signpost. Here bear right to follow route of Roman road, in the direction of Howtown. Watch out for stone circle, left, then step across stream and wind right for a few steps to come to a small cairn. 3 Turn left to stride grassy trod, which soon becomes a distinct way rising steadily. After 2km you reach a boundary stone. Ignore acute

22 25 WALKS IN ENGLAND’S NORTHWEST

ORDNANCE SURVEY MAPPING ©CROWN COPYRIGHT IN ASSOCIATION WITH MEMORY-MAP/GD 021102

● Distance 14km/8¾ miles ● Time 4hrs ● Grade Moderate BEN BARDEN / CTB

PLAN YOUR WALK gton

Alston

Penrith Appleby Westmo CUMBRIA

ckermouth wick t

Ambleside oniston

Explore these hills on this cracking walk above Ullswater.

R turn to Arthur’s Pike, but pause for your first glimpse of Ullswater.

the slope. At valley bottom join clear path, turn right. 6

4 Path continues to rise steadily. At Y-junction you have a choice, either to remain on Roman road, taking right branch to wind round west side of Loadpot Hill, or go straight up the easy slope to summit. At summit trig point (672m/2,201ft) follow wide green track down slight slope to come to scanty remains of Lowther House. Close by is a boundary marker. Stroll on for 1.2km along col ahead, towards Wether Hill. 5 Turn right to begin descent to head of Fusedale, keeping parallel with Groove Gill, right, which soon becomes apparent. There is no distinct path. Look away to left, to valley below, to see a ruined hut; this helps you navigate

Path quickly divides and steepish grooved way leads to clapper bridge over Groove Beck. Continue steadily descending, with beck below you to left. Go past a ruin. Carry on down to cross a tributary by a small footbridge and then wind round left to larger footbridge over Fusedale Beck. A narrow path through bracken takes you to another clapper bridge to join track to Cote Farm. Turn left and stroll on down track to cross cattle grid. Walk on into hamlet of Howtown. Press on ahead, keeping to right of a fine grey-painted house to walk a grassy hedged track. A gate gives access to narrow lakeside road. Turn right and then left to reach pier, in good time for your return boat.

Windermere

INFORMATION CENTRE Terrain generally easy walking all the way except for the descent of the rough fell slope into Fusedale, which takes time and care. Do not attempt this walk in mist. Stiles None START/PARKING Park in the Ullswater ferry car park at Glenridding, grid ref NY390169. For times of steamers tel: 017684 82229 or visit www. ullswatersteamers.co.uk Start grid ref NY467243 Nearest town Penrith Public toilets Entrance to ferry car park or on ferry REFRESHMENTS Stop off for a pint & a bite to eat at the Inn with altitude, the Kirkstone Inn, Kirkstone Pass - 3rd highest pub in England. www.kirkstonepassinn.com MAPS Ordnance Survey Explorer OL5; Landranger 90 www.golakes.co.uk

25 WALKS IN ENGLAND’S NORTHWEST 23

CUMBRIA HELVELLYN

Climb Helvellyn and see it from all angles, walking easy paths on grassy slopes, as well as using your bare hands to grapple with rocky ridges. In clear weather, views from Helvellyn stretch from North Wales to Scotland. Paddy Dillon 1

START

Walk through kissing-gate at far end of car park. Turn

right up path on steep, forested slope. Follow stone steps across forest track and continue uphill as signposted for Helvellyn. Cross step-stile beside gate to leave forest, though path continues zigzagging up slope of bracken beside last of trees.

clumps of parsley fern sprout beneath boulders.

2 Path rises from bracken slopes on to a grassy shoulder above Comb Crags, where

START

24 25 WALKS IN ENGLAND’S NORTHWEST

Double back along edge of ORDNANCE SURVEY MAPPING ©CROWN COPYRIGHT IN ASSOCIATION WITH MEMORY-MAP/GD 021102

3 Path climbs steadily, but gradient eases as you swing left at junction to climb stony, grassy slope towards Helvellyn. Stone cross-shelter is passed before summit trig point is reached – the latter standing at 950m/3,118ft .

● Distance 14.5km/9 miles ● Time 6hrs ● Grade Challenging

PLAN YOUR WALK ort Pen

Cockermouth Keswick

CUMBRIA Egremont Ambleside Winder

Coniston

Kendal

Be prepared for a long, steady climb when you conquer Helvellyn

fell to pass Gough Memorial, then pick a way carefully down steep, broken slope of rock to reach a gap. Either scramble steeply up from gap to follow narrow, rocky Striding Edge, or pick a way along paths that skirt below edge. Either way, continue along good path overlooking Red Tarn, and at some convenient point, drop downhill and cross outflow. Follow path up to Swirral Edge to regain summit of Helvellyn, again either scrambling on rock or using an obvious, steep, rugged path to avoid any difficulties. 5 Turn sharp R on approaching trig point to find path marked by couple of cairns. Path later keeps to left of summit of Lower Man, then gradually steepens. Keep to restored stone-pitched path on steep, rugged slope. Grass gives way to bracken and

a couple of footbridges are crossed before car park is reached at The Swirls. Just before reaching main road, turn left through kissing-gate and follow forest track signposted for Wythburn. Climb gently to gate, then descend gently to another gate. Fork left to follow rugged, narrow path through mixed forest. Cross footbridge over Dry Gill. 6

Forest path climbs, then descends through kissing-gate. Cross footbridge in rugged clearing and go through another kissing-gate. A forest track continues onwards, eventually reaching a gate that was passed earlier in day. Simply cross a step-stile and turn right to drop down to car park at Wythburn. There is a bus stop at car park entrance for those who arrived by bus. 7

INFORMATION CENTRE Terrain Fellwalking on good paths, occasionally on steep slopes, with hands-on scrambling required Stiles 2 Suitable for experienced walkers only START/PARKING Parking Wythburn church, grid ref NY324135 Start grid ref NY324136 Nearest town Keswick Public toilets The Swirls MAPS Ordnance Survey Explorer OL5; Landranger 90 WALK FACT Keep an eye out for the monument to Charles Gough on Striding Edge. Gough perished on Striding Edge and his dog remained by his side for three months until his body was found. Wordsworth commemorated Gough in one of his many tributes to the mountain. www.golakes.co.uk

25 WALKS IN ENGLAND’S NORTHWEST 25

CUMBRIA SMARDALE

MARY WELSH

The pretty Cumbrian village of Crosby Garrett, the half-way point of your walk.

This delightful walk starts along the trackbed of the disused South Durham and Lancashire Union Railway, which is managed by Cumbria Wildlife Trust. Wander alongside the little beck that runs through the middle of the village of Crosby Garrett, then return through quiet pastures and beside Scandal Beck. Mary Welsh 1

START

From old station yard, climb slope on to railway track and continue through woodland. 26 25 WALKS IN ENGLANDâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S NORTHWEST

Walk on to pass under flaring Smardale viaduct, which carries Settle-Carlisle railway. Emerge from trees to cross Smardalegill viaduct. Carry on past a quarry and then two huge limekilns. 2 Beyond a gate over track, carry on to pass under bridge and just beyond, turn L to climb steps to stile. Turn L again and pass through gate to cross over bridge and through next gate. Then use diverted permissive path, R, across Crosby Garrett Fell, part of the Coast to Coast walk,

to avoid trampling across the ancient settlement of Severals, a site chosen for its natural defensive features. Climbsteadily beside limestone wall, R, until you come to a stone stepped gap stile. Go over and beyond, turn R to faint cross of grassy tracks. Here stride L to take distant gate in fell wall leading on to good track. 3 Turn R and descend to Crosby Garrett. Continue through village and bear R to climb steep path up to church. Return down to village and,

● Distance 11.4km/7 miles ● Time 3hrs ● Grade Moderate

keeping to the east (L) side of beck, take overgrown track, signposted Smardale Mill. Drop steadily downhill, between outbuildings and dwellings to gate into pasture. Walk ahead to gate in wall just before far L corner. Stroll on along a short, walled and fenced way. Go through another gate and continue on to take an easy to miss gate on R into a

hedged track. Bear L and descend towards a bridge over Scandal Beck.

PLAN YOUR WALK Westmorland DURHA Brough

4 Do not cross but take stile on R into a meadow. Remain beside stream. Take stile on L, just before hedged lane and cross footbridge beyond ford. Walk lane, with tall hedges on either side, to reach car park.

Rich

ermere Sedbergh

Hawes rkby Lonsdale

NORT

Ingleton Carnforth

ORDNANCE SURVEY MAPPING ©CROWN COPYRIGHT IN ASSOCIATION WITH MEMORY-MAP/GD 021102

INFORMATION CENTRE Terrain Trackbed and moorland; indistinct path over pastures Stiles 4 START/PARKING Walker’s car park, grid ref NY740083; start grid ref NY741082 Nearest town Kirkby Stephen Public toilets Kirkby Stephen REFRESHMENTS The Fat Lamb in neighbouring Ravonstonedale is a perfect place to enjoy bar meal. www.fatlamb.co.uk MAPS Ordnance Survey Explorer OL19; Landranger 91 WALK FACT Smardale Gill is a National Nature Reserve – watch out for red squirrels and Scotch argus butterﬂies along the old railway line. www.wildlifetrust.org www.golakes.co.uk 25 WALKS IN ENGLAND’S NORTHWEST 27

CUMBRIA LOUGHRIGG

WWW.BRITAINONVIEW.COM

choose those which naturally funnel themselves through the gap. On the way through the gap, however, it is necessary to bear to the right, passing between two small, walled woodlands. Cross over the minor road on Red Bank and walk down a broad, clear track to emerge from trees on the fellside path known as Loughrigg Terrace.

Looking out over Grasmere from Loughrigg Terrace.

It is possible to climb Loughrigg from Ambleside, Rydal, Grasmere, Skelwith Bridge or Brathay. This route starts in the village of Elterwater. Although of humble appearance, the rugged crest of Loughrigg is like a miniature mountain range. In mist it can be confusing, with a network of intersecting paths, but it is impossible to become seriously lost in such a confined area.

START

Leave the riverside car park and follow either of the minor roads towards the B5354 road on Elterwater Common. The bracken slopes of the common are riddled with paths, and you can choose any combination to climb uphill to the next minor road. The road leads through a gap at High Close, but tarmac can be avoided by cutting across a slightly higher gap just to the west. 2 Again, there are a number of paths on the fellside, so

28 25 WALKS IN ENGLANDâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S NORTHWEST

3 Donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t follow this gentle path across the fell, but turn right to follow another clear path steeply uphill. Its whole length has been reconstructed to provide a firm footing, leading to the summit cairn and trig point at 1,099ft (335m). Despite being surrounded by tall fells, Loughrigg has surprisingly distant views, stretching south along Windermere and north to the Skiddaw Fells. The Coniston, Langdale and Fairfield fells are close and feature in great detail. 4 In mist you will need a map and compass to leave the summit, but in clear weather simply choose from the extensive network of paths criss-crossing the knobbly crest of the fell. The idea is to head roughly south east towards the subsidiary hump of Ivy Crag. There is a clear path most of the way, then a short ascent to the top.

● Distance 8km/5 miles ● Time 3 hours ● Grade Easy

5 Looking down from Ivy Crag, a path is visible around the foot of the crag. Don’t go straight down, but retrace your steps a little and link with other paths to reach it. Follow the path down to Tarn Foot, near Loughrigg Tarn, where the way becomes quite stony. Turn right, then left to continue downhill towards Skelwith Bridge by road.

6 There is a pub beside the road and an ornamental slate works. Leaving the works, follow a path between the B5343 road and the River Brathay to reach the powerful Skelwith Force. The path generally stays close to the River Brathay, running through fields and alongside reedy Elter Water to return to Elterwater village.

ORDNANCE SURVEY MAPPING ©CROWN COPYRIGHT IN ASSOCIATION WITH MEMORY-MAP/GD 021102

1 5

mont Ambleside Coniston

Windermere Kendal

lom Ulverston

Sed

Kirkby Lo

INFORMATION CENTRE Terrain Clear paths and tracks, but care is needed in mist Suitable for children, dogs

REFRESHMENTS Stop for a well-deserved pint at the Drunken Duck Inn. Numerous beers are brewed on site, courtesy of Barngates Brewery. www.drunkenduckinn.co.uk

START

Penrith App Wes CUMBRIA

Cockermouth Keswick

START/PARKING Elterwater, grid ref NY327047 Nearest town Ambleside Public toilets Elterwater

PLAN YOUR WALK

MAPS Ordnance Survey Explorer OL7, Landranger 90 WALK FACT Detour into Grasmere to visit William Wordsworth’s 400-year old home, Dove Cottage and the Wordsworth Museum www.wordsworth.org www.golakes.co.uk

25 WALKS IN ENGLAND’S NORTHWEST 29

LANCASHIRE GARSTANG

LANCASHIRE TOURISM

pasture, fence left, turn left over stile, head up to climb stile. Continue over hill, then diagonally across field. Climb stile. Keep by left edge of woodland, turn right over footbridge, climb steps to lane opposite church. Cross to public footpath sign, climb steps, walk enclosed path to stile. Climb, walk left field edge. After next stile, keep on enclosed track. Turn left over stile, turn right along right edge of next field. Climb stile to lane.

Let the River Wyre guide you along this fabulous walk.

This stunning river walk follows the River Wyre, heading off through meadows to skirt the edge of woodland. Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s a gentle walk over rolling farmland, with pastoral views all round. The return leg crosses the Lancashire Canal and passes under the canal aqueduct. Brian Conduit 1

START

Take path from far end of car park which curves left to continue beside River Wyre. Follow Wyre Way. Go under bridge to fork, take right path. Climb steps, cross track, descend steps, continue beside river to gate. Go through to fork, take left path, bear left up steps, climb stile to lane. Turn right. At fork take left path, cross footbridge. Turn 30 25 WALKS IN ENGLANDâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S NORTHWEST

left, continue along left field edge, climb stile, go up steps, over stile, go over brow of hill. Follow fence corner to left. At yellow waymark, bear R, continue beside stream, left. Go through gate, walk across field. Veer left towards edge, then keep straight. Make for footpath post on far side. Go through gate, cross lane, cross footbridge over railway line. Path curves left and then right to cross M6. At fork, take righthand upper track, climb stile, continue along edge of Long Crossey Wood. Climb stile, go ahead to lane. 2 Turn right. At T-junction turn right. At public footpath post opposite Slack Farm, turn left through gate, along enclosed track, turn right over stile. Head across rough

3 Turn right. Where lane ends, go through kissing-gate and along track. Pass beside barrier, recross M6 and railway line. Climb ladder-stile, walk along right field edge, follow path across field to stile. Climb, descend steps, cross track, ascend steps, climb stile. Walk across field, climb stile, turn right along right edge of next field. Turn right over stile, go across to climb another. Continue on track between farm buildings and go through gate to fork. 4 Take left-hand track. Pass in front of farmhouse, cross Tarmac drive, climb stile. Take enclosed path, climb stile, go along right edge of field. Climb stile, pass in front of barns, go through gate, walk across field to stile far side. Climb, turn right through gate, walk hedge-lined track. Cross bridge over Lancaster

● Distance 11.3km/7 miles ● Time 3hrs ● Grade Moderate Canal, turn right over stile, descend steps to towpath. Keep by canal to aqueduct over Wyre. Turn left down steps to river, turn right, pass under aqueduct, walk wooded riverbank, pass under arch to road. Turn right, take first turning left (Castle Lane) and 5

immediately left again on to Tarmac path to stile. Climb, continue across meadows beside river. Climb stile, cross meadow, climb stile far side. Keep ahead by left field edge, climb stile, go up steps on to embankment. Turn left along Tarmac drive, cross bridge over Wyre, turn left to descend steps. Turn R on to riverside path to return to start.

PLAN YOUR WALK Carnforth ey Morecambe Heysham

LANCASHIRE eetwood

outhport

Ch l

ORDNANCE SURVEY MAPPING ©CROWN COPYRIGHT IN ASSOCIATION WITH MEMORY-MAP/GD 021102

INFORMATION CENTRE Terrain Mainly gentle walking beside river and canal, across ﬁelds, quiet lanes and farm tracks Stiles 28 START/PARKING Parking High Street car park beside the Garstang Discovery Centre, grid ref SD494455 Start grid ref SD493455 Nearest town Garstang Public toilets At Start

REFRESHMENTS Healeys or The Walled Garden at the Barton Grange Hotel, Guys Thatched Hamlet MAPS Ordnance Survey Explorer OL41; Landranger 102

Garstang

Clit ackpool B Kirkham Preston St Anne's Leyland Rawten

Lancaster

WALK FACT The Lancaster Canal’s 41 miles without a lock is the longest such stretch in the country.

www.visitlancashire.com

25 WALKS IN ENGLAND’S NORTHWEST 31

LANCASHIRE GREAT MITTON

LANCASHIRE TOURISM

Look out for Clitheroe Castle on this lovely walk along the River Ribble.

The main feature of this route is the attractive riverside walking by the Ribble between the village of Great Mitton and Edisford Bridge on the edge of Clitheroe. From many points there are fine views of Clitheroe Castle, Great Mitton church and the unmistakable bulk of Pendle Hill. By Brian Conduit. 1

START

Turn left out of Three Fishes car park along road and at public footpath sign turn right over stile. Walk across field and climb stile on far side onto lane. Turn right and at public footpath sign opposite a house, turn left along enclosed path to stile. Climb it and continue along path, climbing two more stiles and finally bending left to another stile. Climb that and turn right 32 25 WALKS IN ENGLANDâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S NORTHWEST

along right edge of field. Pass small pond, left, bear slightly left across field, looking out for stile in hedge in front. Climb it, cross stream, continue along right field edge alongside stream and climb stile in field corner. Walk along right edge of next field and climb stile in corner. 2 Turn right, cross track and go through gate. Route from here to Edisford Bridge is along a permissive path. Immediately turn left to climb stile, turn right and walk across field to yellow circle on far side where you climb another stile. Descend stepped path through trees to River Ribble and continue to stile. Climb it, keep ahead beside river and on far side of meadow, turn left alongside woodland on right and turn right through

gate. Continue along track through trees to gate. Go through, immediately go through another, turn right over stile and descend embankment to continue above river. Look out for where you turn right over stile, turn left towards Edisford Bridge and on reaching road, turn right over bridge. 3 Rest of walk is along Ribble Way. Turn right to continue along opposite bank of Ribble, pass through picnic and childrenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s play area, and continue along riverside path to kissing-gate. Go through, bear left across field and go through kissing-gate in corner. Turn right on to track and immediately turn left to road. Turn right and continue to Fishes and Peggy Hill Farm.

● Distance 8km/5 miles ● Time 2½hrs ● Grade Easy 4 By farm bear right through kissing-gate, walk across small field, go through kissing-gate and keep ahead along track. Go through gate and continue Ribble, passing bridge. At hut bear left across meadow footbridge. Cross, keep ahead

uphill, go through kissinggate, continue by trees, right, and climb stile. Bear right along right edge of next field and go through kissing-gate on to road. Turn right past Aspinall Arms, cross Mitton Bridge and follow road back to the Three Fishes.

ORDNANCE SURVEY MAPPING ©CROWN COPYRIGHT IN ASSOCIATION WITH MEMORY-MAP/GD 021102

PLAN YOUR WALK e

Settle

Lancaster LANCASHIRE

Skipto

ang Clitheroe Preston eyland

Ke Co Nelso

Burnley Todmorden

Rawtenstall

Hu Chorley Rochdale Standish B lt B

INFORMATION CENTRE Terrain Easy walking, mainly on ﬁeld and riverside paths Stiles 14 Suitable for children, disabled, dogs START/PARKING Parking Three Fishes car park, if using the pub, grid ref SD715390. Otherwise park carefully on roadside or use public car park at Edisford Bridge and start the walk from there Start grid ref SD715390 Nearest town Clitheroe Refreshments The Three Fishes (Taste of England’s Northwest winner 2006).

MAPS Ordnance Survey Explorer OL41, Landranger 103

WALK FACT Clitheroe is famed for specialist shops including Cowman’s which sells more than 53 types of sausage. www.visitlancashire.com. www.forestofbowland.com

25 WALKS IN ENGLAND’’S NORTHWEST 33

LANCASHIRE RIBCHESTER

The superb and all-embracing views on this walk extend across the beautiful Ribble valley to the distinctive outlines of Pendle Hill and the Bowland fells. The starting point is a delightful old riverside village, with a medieval church, a Roman museum and remains of a Roman fort and bath house. The last 2.4km is a pleasant stroll beside the Ribble. Brian Conduit 1

START

Turn right out of car park along Tarmac track. Follow it around left and right bends and track heads up to Parsonage Farm. At farm turn left and almost immediately right on to rough track to gate. Go through,

walk along left field edge and approaching corner, bear right to gate. Go through, head across middle of next field, go through gate in corner and continue along enclosed track to go through another gate. Continueacross next field, keeping to left of treeenclosed pool.

now continues along left edge of three fields, over three stiles, and in corner of third field, turn sharp left through gate. Walk along right field edge and go through gate into farmyard. Turn right along track, turn left through gate and immediately turn right to emerge on to a Tarmac track.

2 At far end of field path divides. Do not go through gate slightly to left but bear slightly right to climb stile and cross footbridge. Keep ahead across field towards farm and on far side, pick up enclosed track. Climb stile, keep ahead, cross track to right of farm, continue along track ahead but almost immediately turn left over footbridge. The way

3 Turn left – in Ribchester direction – and after 400m, look outfor footbridge and waymarked stile, right. Climb stile, walk along right edge of next two fields, climbing a stile, and descend steeply to stile on edge of woodland. Climb, cross footbridge and head steeply uphill through trees to climb stile at top. Keep along left field edge and climb

2 1

34 25 WALKS IN ENGLAND’S NORTHWEST

START

ORDNANCE SURVEY MAPPING ©CROWN COPYRIGHT IN ASSOCIATION WITH MEMORY-MAP/GD 021102

● Distance 9.7km/6 miles ● Time 3hrs ● Grade Moderate stile on to lane. Turn left and lane descends to Hothersall Lodge. Continue along Tarmac track – now on Ribble Way for rest of walk – passing Hothersall Hall. 4

Go through gate, keep ahead, go through another one, walk along enclosed track, turn right over ladderstile at blue waymark. Head

over hill and at top, turn right and descend by left edge of trees to stile. Climb and continue along right edge of field alongside Ribble. Climb stile and keep ahead to go through gate. Walk along enclosed track which leads back into Ribchester, passing church, Roman museum and remains of fort. Turn left along village street to return.

PLAN YOUR WALK m LANCASHIRE

Skip

rstang Clitheroe am

Preston

Leyland

Ne Burnley Todmorde

Rawtenstall

Chorley Rochdale rmskirk Standish Bolton Bury GREATER MANCHE

INFORMATION CENTRE Terrain Field paths, tracks, few moderate climbs Stiles 13 START/PARKING Parking Car park in Ribchester, grid ref SD650353 Nearest town Blackburn Refreshments Pubs and cafés in Ribchester Public toilets In car park

A spooky River Ribble as it sweeps past Riverside Barn, Ribchester.

MAPS Ordnance Survey Explorer 287; Landranger 102 and 103 WALK FACTS ● Estimated to have covered six acres of ground, a large portion of the remains of a Roman fort lie under the old church and churchyard. ● Visit Ribchester Roman Museum and on your way home pick up some of Huntley’s of Samlesbury’s famous ice cream, Moo2You www.visitlancashire.com www.forestofbowland.com

25 WALKS IN ENGLAND’S NORTHWEST 35

LANCASHIRE PENDLE

Revel in the wild and wonderful views along this walk.

From its 1,827 feet (557m) summit, the magnificent views from Pendle Hill extend across the Ribble valley to the Bowland Fells and the peaks of the Yorkshire Dales. The area around Pendle Hill was associated with witchcraft in the early 17th century, and a number of alleged witches were executed at Lancaster Castle in 1612. The story of the Pendle Witches has become the focal point of the local tourist industry, as you will see as you pass through the village of Newchurch. Or you could follow the award-winning Pendle Witches Trail. Make sure you visit the ‘new church’ – new in the 16th-century – and look out for the ‘Eye of God’, a carved stone and blue 36 25 WALKS IN ENGLAND’S NORTHWEST

slate eye – on the west tower, which was believed to protect local people from evil. 1

START

Turn right out of the car park. Take the first turning left, heading uphill. At a footpath sign to Newchurch, turn left along Bridge End. Continue uphill and climb a stile on the right at the top. Walk along the right field edge, climb a stile to the right of a farmhouse and turn right along a track, to rejoin the road. Turn left into Newchurch in Pendle. 2 In the village centre, turn right up steps to the left of a toilet block. Climb a stile, keep ahead and turn left over another one. Head uphill to a waymarked post to

the left of a ladder stile where you turn left, and keep beside a wall to climb a stile in the top corner of the field. Walk along the right edge of the next field, cross a broken-down wall and, at the corner of a conifer plantation, turn right over a stile and descend along the right edge of the trees. Turn left over a stile, continue along a path through the conifers, descend steps and cross a footbridge over a stream. The path curves right to a Pendle Way footpath post where you turn left, climb steps, cross another footbridge and go through a gate to a track by the end of Lower Ogden Reservoir. 3 Turn left uphill again to a left track at a fork towards Upper Ogden Reservoir. After climbing a stile, head uphill alongside the dam and continue above the reservoir. Climbing two more stiles, keep along the edge of Ogden Clough and about 100 yards (90m) after fording a stream, turn right at a Pendle Way sign and continue uphill above Boar Clough. Follow the well-waymarked route, looking out for the cairns and Pendle Way signs, uphill across moorland to the trig point at the summit. 4 Pass the trig point to a wall. Bear right, and almost

● Distance 9.7km/6 miles ● Time 3½ hours ● Grade Moderate

immediately turn right and descend to a kissing gate. Turn right to follow waymarked posts across a field, climb a stile, turn left to descend into a gully and head up again, turning right over a stile. Pass to the left of farm buildings, go through a kissing gate and continue along a partly tree-lined path, with a stream on the right. Climb a stile, walk along a path with the stream now on the left. Recross it and continue to go through a

kissing gate. Turn left along a track, right over a footbridge, left, and continue by the stream on the left again. Cross another footbridge and climb a stile. Keep alongside the stream and climb another stile on to the road in Barley. Turn right through the village and at a Pendle Way sign, continue through a children’s play area. Turn left over a footbridge and continue back to the start.

PLAN YOUR WALK aster CASHIRE

Skipton

Ilk

Keighley Bi Colne Clitheroe Nelson Shiple Bradfo Burnley WE ton Todmorden Halifax Brighous Rawtenstall Huddersfiel y Rochdale dish Bolton Bury

ORDNANCE SURVEY MAPPING ©CROWN COPYRIGHT IN ASSOCIATION WITH MEMORY-MAP/GD 021102

INFORMATION CENTRE Terrain Several steep climbs and descents, much of the walk is across open moorland but most of the paths are clear and well-deﬁned Stiles 14 Suitable for children START/PARKING Parking Barley, car park Start grid ref SD822403 Nearest town Colne

REFRESHMENTS ‘Pendle Inn, Barley or the multi-award winning Fence Gate Inn (Best Sunday Lunch 2007, The Observer)’ Public toilets At start START

MAPS Ordnance Survey Explorer 41, Landranger 103

WALK FACT In 1612 a total of 10 people, the ‘Pendle Witches’, were found guilty of murder by witchcraft and hanged at Lancaster Gaol’. www.visitlancashire.com

25 WALKS IN ENGLAND’S NORTHWEST 37

LANCASHIRE WITHNELL FOLD

LANCASHIRE TOURISM

right over stile to cross M65. 2 Climb stile, turn right on right field edge. Climb stile, keep on fence-lined path. At footpath sign, go left over stile, cross field. Over stile in right-hand corner, continue, turn right to road. Turn left, at footpath sign after Boatyard Inn, turn right through gate and go along towpath. After 90m bear left at waymarked post, on enclosed path which curves left to road, turn left.

Look out for historic Hoghton Tower between points 3 and 4.

A pleasant walk across fields then more dramatic surroundings of Hoghton Gorge, where the River Darwen squeezes through a gap below the wooded hill on which stands historic Hoghton Tower. The final stroll accompanies the Leeds and Liverpool Canal to the mill around which Withnell Fold was built. Brian Conduit 1

START

Face village stocks, turn right on cobbled lane. As it curves right, turn left on concrete track. Climb stile, go to end. Bear left over stile, go diagonally across field. At waymarked post, descend, climb stile, go up then left edge of field. At fence corner 38 25 WALKS IN ENGLAND’S NORTHWEST

climb stile. Keep to left edge of next field, through gate, keep on fence-lined track. Go through gate, climb stile opposite, go over stile. Pass left of converted farm buildings. At yellow waymark, turn left to gate, go through, continue. At waymarked post, turn right on right field edge, bear left climb two stiles. Keep on right edge of field, climb stile in corner, descend steps to cross footbridge. Climb steps, stile and bear right towards farm buildings. Turn left in front, on track, climb stile, continue on left field edge. At waymarked post in corner, bear left through gap, continue on right of next field to stile. Climb, keep to right of field, turn left in corner, turn

3 At footpath sign, turn right. Go through kissing-gate, follow path to River Darwen, turn left on bank to climb stile. Keep by river through Hoghton Gorge, go under viaduct at narrowest point. Enter Hoghton Bottoms, take uphill track left, ‘Long Barn Brow’. When parallel to railway, check where you turn left through gate to cross track. Go through another gate and keep ahead to woodland. Continue by boundary wall of Hoghton Tower, left, climb two stiles, wall curves left to climb another stile. Keep on enclosed track, cross drive to Hoghton Tower. 4 Continue. Go through kissing-gate, head uphill to ladder-stile. Go through trees, climb ladder-stile, cross field to climb ladder-stile on far side. Over next field to far left corner, climb ladder-stile to track. Keep on Tarmac to road at Riley Green by Royal Oak.

● Distance 11.7km/7¼miles ● Time 3½hrs ● Grade Moderate Turn right. At right bend, take road left (Sandy Lane). At footpath sign, go left over stone stile. Continue, climb stile, go on right edge of field. Continue right edge of series of fields, climb 5

succession of stiles. Eventually turn right over stile on to canal towpath. Turn right, follow towpath back to Withnell Fold. At bridge 88, pass beside gate, turn left over bridge, follow lane right and left back to start.

PLAN YOUR WALK arstang Clitheroe am

Preston

Leyland

N Burnley Todmord

Rawtenstall

Chorley Rochdale rmskirk Standish Bolton Bury GREATER MANCH Wigan Salford M MERSEYSIDE St Helens Sale Sto

ORDNANCE SURVEY MAPPING ©CROWN COPYRIGHT IN ASSOCIATION WITH MEMORY-MAP/GD 021102

INFORMATION CENTRE Terrain Tracks, ﬁelds, woodland paths, canal towpath, riverside path, some overgrown Stiles 30 Suitable for children, dogs

START/PARKING Parking Withnell Fold, grid ref SD613231 Start grid ref SD612231 Nearest town Chorley Refreshments The Boatyard Inn by the canal and the Royal Oak at Riley Green are both excellent pubs. Hoghton Tower has tea rooms. Public toilets None MAPS Ordnance Survey Landranger 102; Explorer 287 WALK FACTS ● Sirloin beef is said to get its name after a visit by James I to Hoghton Tower when the king knighted a piece of beef. ● Hoghton Tower featured in the dramas Moll Flanders and Casanova. www.visitlancashire.com 25 WALKS IN ENGLAND’S NORTHWEST 39

LANCASHIRE MERE SANDS WOOD

LANCASHIRE TOURISM

Enjoy the peaceful pace of the Leeds & Liverpool Canal on this walk.

Throughout the walk the views are immense, looking across the flat and open expanses of the West Lancashire plain towards the western fringes of the Pennines. You start at a wooded nature reserve, owned and managed by the Wildlife Trust of Lancashire, Manchester and North Merseyside and created from land formerly used for sand quarrying. From there the route heads across to the Rufford Branch of the Leeds and Liverpool Canal for an attractive walk along the towpath. You pass the colourful marina at Rufford and shortly afterwards Rufford Old Hall, a fascinating late medieval, black and white manor 40 25 WALKS IN ENGLAND’S NORTHWEST

house, now owned by the National Trust and well worth a visit. 1

START

From the car park, take the woodland path signed ‘Blue Route’. The first part of the walk is a partial circuit of the wooded nature reserve, following the main path through the trees and curving left all the time. Some public hides are just a brief detour from the path. At a sign ‘White Route’, turn right over a footbridge and continue along the right edge of the woodland, by a drainage channel (Rufford Boundary Sluice) on the right. Go through a kissing gate at the corner of the nature reserve and keep ahead, first across a

field and then along the right edge of a cricket ground, to a road. Cross over and continue beside the drain, changing to the opposite side of it on the two further occasions that you cross a road. Finally curve right in front of a bridge and climb steps onto the busy A59. 2 Turn right, take the first track on the left and cross a swing bridge over the Leeds and Liverpool Canal. Turn left on to the towpath and follow it to the marina and bridge at Rufford. Continue beside the canal and through the trees on the opposite bank, the attractive grounds of Rufford Old Hall can be seen, as well as glimpses of the house. After passing under a road

● Distance 8.9km/5½ ● Time 3 hours ● Grade Easy bridge, turn sharp right up steps to the road and turn R to cross the bridge. Immediately turn left along Spark Lane which curves right to the A59 by the Rufford Arms. Cross over and take the Tarmac track ahead. In 3

front of gates, bear right off it to keep beside a fence on the left, later curving left to rejoin the track. Turn right to continue along it and at a fingerpost, turn left – still on the Tarmac track – to a road. Turn right and take the first turning on the left to return to the start.

PLAN YOUR WALK lackpool Kirkham Preston m St Anne's Leyland Rawte Southport Formby

Chorley Ormskirk Standish Bo GREAT

Crosby MERSEYSIDE Bootle St Helens Wallasey Liverpool Warrington kenhead Altrin Widnes W

ORDNANCE SURVEY MAPPING ©CROWN COPYRIGHT IN ASSOCIATION WITH MEMORY-MAP/GD 021102

INFORMATION CENTRE Terrain Flat and easy walking along woodland and field paths, plus a stretch along a canal towpath Stiles 0 Suitable for children, disabled 3

START

START/PARKING Parking Mere Sands Wood Nature Reserve, off the B5246 1.6km (1 mile) west of Rufford, grid ref SD447159 Nearest town Ormskirk Refreshments Rufford Arms at point 3, tea room at Rufford Old Hall and Homestead Farm Shop and Tea Room in Ormskirk Public toilets At nature reserve visitor centre MAPS Ordnance Survey Explorer 285, Landranger 108 WALK FACT A young Shakespeare is said to have performed in the Great Hall at Rufford Old Hall. www.visitlancashire.com www.visitwestlancs.org.uk

25 WALKS IN ENGLAND’S NORTHWEST 41

MERSEYSIDE FORMBY

MARK HILLSDON

pond. Cross the wooden causeway across the middle of the pond and go straight ahead to a junction of paths in 75yds (70m). Here bear half-right, tracing the well-surfaced path through the dunes and heading for the large triangular marker in the sandhills ahead.

path marked Squirrel Walk. Bear left along this to the board offering a choice of routes, where you go straight ahead towards Blundell Avenue. You should spot many red squirrels in this hummocky, pinewood-covered landscape. Blundell Avenue is about 1⁄4 mile (0.4km) along the wide, winding track.

3 Cross the first and second car parks to a set of information boards. Beside these is a path signposted for The Beach. Wind with this fenced path up across the Raven Meols Hills to gain the beach near the scant ruins of Formby Lifeboat Station. Founded in 1776, it was the first one in the country, closing in 1918. Turn left along the beach and remain with it for over ½ mile (0.8km) to find the beach marker-post showing the path to Albert Road.

2 Cross straight over the tarred road and walk ahead to pick up the wide, sandy path within the woods – pines to your right, birch and sycamore to your left. Cresting a rise in 400yds (365m), aim for the right hand end of a line of tall pines on the ridge ahead, from here dropping to the small length of wood-rail fencing visible ahead-right beyond the wide grassy vale. Immediately through this, turn right along the boardwalk beside the reedy

4 Walk up the dune path and past the isolated houses. In 100yds (91m) look on the right for two low wooden stakes. Take the path here, aiming across the grassy rabbit warrens towards where the great sand dune meets the pinewoods in the distance. Just before reaching this boundary, angle half left along the wide green swathe, through this neck of pinewoods. Trace the narrow path beyond, through the birch and sycamore to reach

Don’t miss the extraordinary Gormley sculptures to the South of Hightown.

The Sefton coast hosts a necklace of local and national nature reserves. The best known is the National Trust’s red squirrel reserve at Formby Point; mature pinewoods amid the coastal dunes where this rare mammal is easily seen. Between here and the spectacular beaches of Liverpool Bay lie the great sandhill ridges of the Raven Meols Hills, a seemingly endless complex of grassy dunes and scrubby oak and birch woods. From the beaches, on clear days, the eye is taken by the crisp profile of the Great Orme, the Carnedds and other peaks of North Wales. 1 START Turn right from Freshfield station and walk along Victoria Road to its end, continuing past the National Trust entrance lodge. In 100yds (91m) turn left off the road along the

42 25 WALKS IN ENGLAND’S NORTHWEST

● Distance 9.7km/6 miles ● Time 3 hours ● Grade Easy a gravelly road. Turn right along this, school playing fields to your left. Go ahead past a white bungalow along a narrower path to reach some Sefton Coast Path waymark posts and a board for the Cabin Hill Reserve. From here the walk follows the Sefton Coast Path. Continue ahead to walk beside flower-rich woodland to the Military Reserve signboard. Turn left and walk the straight ½ mile fenced path across the low-lying fields. Turn right 5

with the footpath signed for Hightown, following this to, and then alongside, the railway. In about a mile go straight over the tarred access road to the camp at the security lodge, then continue along the narrow path behind bungalow gardens. At the end turn left along the road above the River Alt. Beyond the boatyard, bear left with Lower Alt Road, and continue to the roundabout. Go straight over the roundabout and ahead to Hightown station, by the Hightown pub.

ORDNANCE SURVEY MAPPING ©CROWN COPYRIGHT IN ASSOCIATION WITH MEMORY-MAP/GD 021102

START 2

PLAN YOUR WALK Pre

Lytham St Anne's

Leyland Southport Formby

Chorle Ormskirk Sta

Wigan Crosby MERSEYSIDE Bootle S Wallasey Liverpool Wa atyn Birkenhead Widnes yl

Runco Fli t

INFORMATION CENTRE Terrain Easy going; some suburban roads, but mostly woodland paths, sand dunes and beach Stiles 1 Suitable for children, dogs START/PARKING Parking Freshfield Merseyrail Station / Hightown Merseyrail Station Start grid ref SD291082 Nearest town Formby Refreshments Café and pub in Freshfield, pub in Hightown Public toilets None MAPS Ordnance Survey Explorer 285, Landranger 108

4 5

WALK FACT 5,000 year old red deer footprints are still visible on the beach at Formby. www.visitliverpool.com www.visitsouthport.com

25 WALKS IN ENGLANDS NORTHWEST 43

INSTITUTION OF CIVIL ENGINEERS

MERSEYSIDE NEWTON-LE-WILLOWS

The Sankey Viaduct, ﬁnished in 1830, and painted by TT Bury.

Opened in 1757, the St Helens Canal was engineered by Henry Berry, an unsung pioneer who planned this, England’s first canal. It eased the transport of coal from the South Lancashire coalfield to the burgeoning salt mining industry of mid-Cheshire and was used until 1931. Much of it now forms the spine of the Sankey Valley Country Park. Bradlegh Old Hall (private property) dates back to the 14th-century and retains vestiges of a moat and its ivy-clad gatehouse. Sankey Viaduct strides across the Sankey Brook some way 44 25 WALKS IN ENGLAND’S NORTHWEST

above Bradlegh Lock. It’s the largest single structure on England’s first major railway, the Liverpool and Manchester line, opened in 1830. With a breeze from the west, your walk will be perfumed by enticing aromas from nearby Burtonwood Brewery. 1

START

From the car park, cross the swingbridge and go left along the towpath. Remain with it for the next mile or so, passing the old lock (and information board) at Hey Lock. Before reaching the line of highpower electricity pylons,

bear right off the towpath along the well-used field path, following this over a long footbridge to a lane. Turn left to reach the junction beside the Fiddle i’th Bag pub. 2 Cross the busy road outside the pub and walk along Old Alder Lane. In 300yds (275m), bear right along the signposted footpath as the lane bends left. Trace this winding field road for the next mile, aiming for Tan House Farm, with its tall, white farmhouse. On reaching it, walk ahead right along the lane to reach a junction. Turn right

● Distance 6.4km/4 miles ● Time 2 hours ● Grade Easy

3 Follow Fir Tree Lane beside playing fields and past the Old Vicarage (on your right) to a blind bend at Boarded Barn Farm. Cross carefully and take Hall Lane for a quarter of a mile. As it bends right, go left along the tarred driveway for Bradlegh Old Hall. As this forks, go ahead through the gate and

along a rougher track. After a quarter of a mile, turn right at the junction, following the waymark direction. To your left is Sankey Viaduct. This path, which can be muddy, winds down to a footbridge across Sankey Brook to the canal.

PLAN YOUR WALK nne s

Preston Leyland

ort y

Tod

Rawtenstall

Chorley Roc Ormskirk Standish Bolton GREATER MA

by MERSEYSIDE Salfor tle St Helens Sale ey Liverpool Warrington ad Altrincham Widnes Wilmslo Runcorn Kn

INFORMATION CENTRE Terrain Easy walking on lanes and towpath Stiles None Suitable for children, disabled, dogs START

START/PARKING Parking Red Bank car park, signposted off Bradlegh Road, Earlestown Start grid ref SJ575943 Nearest town Newton-Le-Willows Refreshments Fiddle i’th Bag pub. Public toilets None

MAPS Ordnance Survey, Explorer 276, Landranger 108

WALK FACTS ● Nearby Haydock Park Racecourse hosts 30 days of racing a year so why not tie in your walk with a trip to the races (www.haydock-park.co.uk)? ● Carr Mill Damn is worth a visit whether you’re a birdwatcher or a water sports enthusiast. www.visitliverpool.com www.visitsthelens.com

25 WALKS IN ENGLAND’S NORTHWEST 45

MERSEYSIDE HOYLAKE

Glorious views over the River Dee.

The panorama from the modest height of Thurstaston Common is inspiring, the silvery channels of the Dee Estuary drawing the eye to the hills of Clwyd and the distinct peak of Moel Fammau to the south west. On a clear day you can see the mountains of Snowdonia. Much nearer are the Hilbre Islands, sandstone bluffs rising from the extensive sandbanks marking the end of the Dee estuary. 1

START

From Hoylake station walk along Station Road, with the golf club initially on your right. Wind through the industrial estate to the end of the road, joining the waymarked footpath beside Yeoman Cottages. At the T-junction of paths turn left along the field road; in 250yds (230m) climb the waymarked stile right, and trace the field-edge path to another field road. Walk ahead to the distant farm and the minor road beyond.

46 25 WALKS IN ENGLAND’S NORTHWEST

2 Walk along China Farm Lane, opposite, for 300yds (275m) to the footpath on the left, immediately past China Plate Farm, and signed to Frankby. Climb two stiles and bear slightly right across the field to the far-right corner beside the copse. Cross the waymarked stile and skirt the outside edge of the wood to a further stile. Cross the slab-bridge beyond and turn left for 30yds (27m) beside the brook, then right along the dirt road, passing by chalets then along the tarred drive from stables to the main road. Cross over and take the path for Thurstaston, rising to another road. Turn right, then left in 100yds (91m) along a wide, straight woodland edge track to the near end of a car park here at Royden Country Park. 3 Bear right along the path through rhododendrons, cross straight over the estate road and pick up the footpath marked with walk discs 2 & 3 to Thurstaston Common. At the wall go right for a few paces then left, still on walks 2 & 3. The wide path leads to a gate and kissing gate. Beyond this, stay with the track for 150yds (135m), then bear right along the path down between gorse bushes. Take the unusual lift-stile through the wall, then go ahead to pass to the right of the sandstone outcrop of

Thor’s Stone. Continue to the lip of the sandstone ridge on Thurstaston Common. 4 Your target is the narrow, near end of the playing fields below. Choose your own route down, through the heather, gorse and scrubby woods to the wooden rail-fenced path beside the playing field wall and, in a few paces, the busy main road. Cross this and turn left, then in about 50yds (45m) go right, through the kissing gate and along the field edge to another kissing gate. Go through, walk to the stile, then ahead along the field road between paddocks to the estate road. 5 Go up Long Hey Road, opposite, to the bend, 150yds (135m) on. Take the path beyond the rail barrier on the right signed for Stapledon Wood. Go straight over the next road and pick up the path skirting the woods. Go through the wall and continue along the foot of the woods for about 150yds (135m), looking up left for a bench seat. Take the path up beside this, climbing within the woods beside a wooden fence to the end of a road. Don’t turn along this but go straight ahead (not along the bridleway), bearing left at the fork in 50yds (45m). Keep left of the mound, follow the main path for 30 paces then bear left along a narrower path

● Distance 9.7km/6 miles ● Time 3 hours ● Grade Easy through hollybushes, passing the ends of long gardens to a gap in a stone wall. Turn right along the path, then left in 50yds (45m) through another gap, soon joining a green chicken-wire fence. A path joins from the left. Continue ahead and, as the wall heads away to your left, walk out onto the open heath for 100yds (91m). Look right to locate two transmitter masts and walk towards them, the path marked by low wooden rails (right) and a picket fence (left). Just below the masts, look for a stone column further along

the ridge and walk to this. 6

Descend the steep flight of steps, cross the road and take the fenced path, soon reaching a minor road. Turn right to the junction, entering the park through the green wrought-iron gates. In 30yds (27m) turn sharp left across the park to the old railway line, turning right along this (The Wirral Way) to the end. Turn left to find West Kirby station about 150yds (135m) distant, for trains back to Hoylake, Birkenhead and Liverpool.

PLAN YOUR WALK Formby

Ormskirk Sta

Wigan Crosby MERSEYSIDE Bootle S Wallasey Liverpool Wa Birkenhead atyn Widnes yl e

Runco Flint

enbigh R thi

Frodsham Chester FLINTSHIRE Wins Mold

INFORMATION CENTRE Terrain Easy walking, mostly off-road. Early stages may be muddy Stiles Few. Kissing gates / narrow railed entrances Suitable for children, dogs

START/PARKING Parking Hoylake Station Start grid ref SJ216887 Nearest town Birkenhead Refreshments Pubs and cafés in West Kirby Public toilets Royden Park and West Kirby

START 1

MAPS Ordnance Survey Explorer 266, Landranger 108

6 3

WALK FACT In 2006 a Tiger ruled Hoylake......when Tiger Woods won the Open at the Town’s ‘Royal Liverpool Golf Club’. www.visitliverpool.com www.visitwirral.com

25 WALKS IN ENGLAND’S NORTHWEST 47

GREATER MANCHESTER DIGGLE

The spectacular wilderness of Saddleworth, yet so close to Manchester.

The Huddersfield Narrow Canal was reopened in the summer of 2001. Its high point in every sense is Standedge Tunnel. At just over 5km in length, it is the highest, longest and deepest on the canal system. After tracing the towpath, this walk rises to the parish church of Saddleworth, a marvellous Victorian edifice. In the graveyard opposite is a tombstone recalling the foul murder of a father and son at their isolated moorland pub in 1832. And next door is the Church Inn – the perfect place to drink in the views! Neil Coates 1

START

Join the towpath at the rear of the car park. Immediately on your left is the southern portal of Standedge Tunnel. Remain with the towpath to the first of a long series of locks that takes the canal 48 25 WALKS IN ENGLANDS NORTHWEST

down from this summit level – the highest canal in England at 648ft – down to the Tame Valley. Cross to the left bank at any of the next five locks. Passing by old mills, the canal eventually flows beneath the A670, just beyond a lock-keeper’s cottage. Beyond is the Wool Road Transhipment Wharf, where goods were transferred from narrowboat to packhorse before Standedge Tunnel opened in 1811. A narrow section of canal brings you to the Brownhill visitor centre on your left. 2 2km/1 ½ miles From the visitor centre cross into steep Brownhill Lane, and rise beneath the viaduct to a sharp left bend by an odd stone barn. Go right then immediately left, taking the lane virtually ahead and past a white gatepost. At a further

left bend, go ahead along the enclosed path to a lane. Go ahead to cross an old railway bridge, beyond which you go through a walker’s gate beside the field gate. A wide path hugs the edge of fields, passing through two stiles to reach a boggy corner and a further stile. Ahead, on the hillside, is St Chad’s church.To reach it, go through the stile and slightly right to another, then drop to and cross a footbridge. The path is now pronounced and hedge-lined, passing above the pond of a vanished scribbling mill to join the graveyard wall. At the top, go right along the lane to reach the Church Inn.The Bill o’Jack’s tomb is in the back-left corner of the graveyard. 3 4km/2½ miles From the front of the pub look half-left to a wide path up beside the churchyard wall (not the path to The Cross Keys). Go through the handgate at the top and continue up through the renovated farmyard. At the top, go left through the gate with an Oldham Way waymark. The path is well waymarked to and across a bridge over a brook. Walk ahead to pass just below Wickens Farm, then keep slightly right to find a green waymark painted on a stone post, showing the way to and over stepping stones. Again, keep ahead and slightly right,

● Distance 6.4km/4 miles ● Time 2-2½ hours ● Grade Easy aiming right of the deep gully to a high ladder stile into a lane at Running Hill Head. 4 4.8km/3 miles Cross almost straight over into a narrow hedged path, emerging into moorland foot pastures. Waymarks and fingerposts take the walk along one side or another of a series of stone walls to reach the upper end of a walled moorland road. Turn down this, which can be very

muddy, and pass in front of the cottage. Cross the cattle grid and continue to the minor road. Turn right to walk through to The Diggle Hotel in Diglea. Turn left in front of this to cross a railway bridge. To the right are a series of portals of current and past Standedge railway tunnels. The line of the canal tunnel is immediately right of the active railway tunnel. At the far end of the bridge, go left to return to the car park.

START 1

PLAN YOUR WALK urnley Todmorden

WEST YORK Halifax B Brighouse Wakefi Huddersfield Rochdale He on Bury R MANCHESTER Barn Oldham Penistone alford MANCHESTER Stocksb Sale Stockport Glossop stall

Cheadle ham Whaley mslow Knutsford Bridge

Dronf

INFORMATION CENTRE Terrain Towpath, lanes and field paths. Some short marshy areas, but generally easy going Stiles 15 stiles and gates, including one very high ladder stile START/PARKING Parking Car park off Sam Road in Diggle, opposite the old co-op, grid ref SE007080 Start grid ref SE006080 Nearest town Oldham Refreshments Church Inn at Saddleworth Fold,The Diggle Hotel in Diggle. Public toilets Brownhill Visitor Centre (closed Mondays and Tuesdays) Public toilets None Public transport Regular daily buses to Diggle and Brownhill from Oldham, Ashton and Manchester

3 2

MAPS Ordnance Survey Explorer OL 1, Landranger 109, 110 www.manchesters countryside.com

25 WALKS IN ENGLANDS NORTHWEST 49

CHESHIRE ALDERLEY EDGE

Alderley Edge is renowned for being the home of the rich Cheshire set, and is crammed full of impressive houses and exclusive restaurants. This walk goes past some of the famous villas perched on the side of the hill. You progress into the depths of a wood on secluded and unspoilt paths and return via cobbled country lanes. Roger Cope 1

START

At car park by municipal park, grid ref SJ842785. Turn right out of car park, right on to main road, and immediately left after station bridge. Then

go immediately right and proceed until crossroads at Mottram Road, when you will turn left. After short while, ascend cobbled Swiss Hill on your right, and turn left at T-junction, observing all the while the sumptuous villas. Just before road take concealed footpath up some steps into wood. Follow main path straight on, past the Wizard’s Well, up some steps on your right, then left along lane to Castle Rock and a classic view of Cheshire framed by trees. Carry on, past the armada beacon (fringed by wooden palings) and on to

Stormy Point, another classic viewpoint on red sandstone rocks. 2 Turn right along broad track until a gate, before which go left, down the hill. Follow purple arrows marked ‘Hare Hill’ on wooden posts, turning right at base of hill, past ramshackle farm buildings, left. Follow large carving on wooden post for Hare Hill, bearing slightly left, down stone steps and through gate, carrying straight on through stile to encounter National Trust sign for Hare Hill. Follow signposts again, out on to a

50 25 WALKS IN ENGLAND’S NORTHWEST

● Distance 12km/7½ miles ● Time 3hrs ● Grade Moderate ROGER COPE

PLAN YOUR WALK Salford MANCHESTE E St Helens Sale Stockport Gl Warrington Cheadle Altrincham Wha Wilmslow orn Knutsford Brid B Northwich Ba Middlewich sford Congleton CHESHIRE Biddulph Crewe Leek Kidsgrove Nantwich Stoke on Tre

INFORMATION CENTRE Terrain Hilly. Boots recommended unless very dry Stiles 13

A wonderful tree-framed Cheshire view from Alderley Edge.

field and into woods again, then again into open fields, turning left as indicated. Go past large lake and head left at metal gate, following more wooden posts to car park at Hare Hill. Detour here if tempted to view magnificent gardens as indicated on kiosk map. Go past kiosk down a long, straight lane to the road. 3 Turn right along road and then take next right towards Alderley Edge. Carry on bearing right at next junction, along main road (B5087). After 500m turn left down lane (note, though, that a few hundred metres further along the main road is the Wizard pub, serving great food and drink and a worthy detour) and then right along Bradford

Lane, over ancient cobbles. After 1.5km turn right along path bordered by hedge and wooden railings. At Artists’ Lane, turn left, then right along footpath just before main road. Carry on walking with large houses on your left until you reach another broad road. Turn left to reach main road and go right along it to return to car park.

START/PARKING Parking Car park, grid ref SJ842785 Nearest town Manchester Refreshments Wizard pub Public toilets Next to Wizard MAPS Ordnance Survey Explorer 268; Landranger 118 WALK FACTS ● King Arthur and his men are said to have slept beneath the sandstone cliffs and there is a carving of a bearded face above a well next to which are carved the words ‘Drink of this and take thy ﬁll, for the water falls by the wizard’s will’! ● Alan Gardner’s book The Weirdstone of Brasingaen is set at Alderley Edge and inspired by local legend. www.visitcheshire. com/walking 25 WALKS IN ENGLAND’S NORTHWEST 51

CHESHIRE MACCLESFIELD FOREST

Remember that dream about walking though deep forest, on clear tracks cushioned with sweet-smelling pine needles, dotted with perfectly-sited benches whenever you need them, the silence broken only by a soft lullaby of birdsong? Now you can live that dream, for this walk is to die for! And there are other attractions, like superb views over the Cheshire plain near Shutlingsloe, and the Langley reservoirs, a favourite haunt of the bird painter Charles Tunnicliffe. The forest is so

huge you always have ample breathing space and a very powerful sense of untouched natural beauty. Roger Cope 1

START

At the back of Tegg’s Nose car park, descend a cobbled track signposted ‘Sadlers Way’. When you reach a lane, continue straight on. At crossroads, go right along a track marked ‘Tegg’s Nose Trail’ and Langley’. Go though stile, straight on through gate, down some steps and over stepping stones. After passing reservoirs on your right and

left, a legacy of Langley Mill, formerly the largest silk works in the world, turn left opposite a car park signposted ‘Gritstone Trail’. Proceed along edge of reservoir to road, opposite some terraced cottages. 2 Turn left along road, and then shortly after right down a lane immediately after United Utilities‘ sign. Go over cattle grid and bear left at fork. Just before house, turn down to stile leading into wood, then left again, over footbridge and through another stile.

52 25 WALKS IN ENGLAND’S NORTHWEST

● Distance 12km/7½ miles ● Time 4hrs ● Grade Moderate PLAN YOUR WALK t Helens

Sale Stockport Glo arrington Cheadle Altrincham Wha Wilmslow rn Knutsford Brid Bu Northwich Bak Middlewich ford Congleton CHESHIRE Biddulph Crewe Leek W Nantwich Kidsgrove Stoke-on-Tre NewcastleA under-Lyme

INFORMATION CENTRE Terrain Hilly. Boots recommended unless very dry Stiles 12

Plan time to enjoy the spectacular views from Tegg’s Nose.

Turn right at signpost marked ‘Shutlingsloe 3’, along edge of reservoir, until the road. Go straight on/left along and soon after take path right marked ‘Shutlingsloe’ again. Pass large carved owl, and follow same signpost markings to start main ascent. At T-junction, carry on uphill along track marked ‘Shutlingsloe’. After stiff ascent through magnificent coniferous woodland, and a large latched gate, follow main track signposted ‘Shutlingsloe Standing Stone’, curving round to Soon see a bench commanding a stunning of forest, with glimpse of Trentabank Reservoir. Proceed past two ruined buildings, out of trees and down to road. 3 Go straight across road towards Forest Chapel,

presently turning left again encounter delightful 17thcentury church and hamlet. There, at sharp left-hand turn in road, go straight on instead, across road, to track signposted ‘Forest Bridleways’. On reaching trees, left, take footpath into forest. On intersecting a broad trail, right, up hill, signposted ‘Walker Barn’. Soon a lane is reached, where Tegg’s and reservoirs can again seen. Turn right up lane, turning left at small junction to gain main road, taking note Ridge of Kerridge and White Nancy monument in middle distance straight ahead. Left along road, taking care since this stretch is busy, and take second left, passing tiny Wesleyan chapel of Walker Barn on way and shortly regaining car park.

START/PARKING Parking Tegg’s Nose car park, near Macclesﬁeld, grid ref SJ950732 Nearest town Macclesﬁeld Public toilets At the start REFRESHMENTS Enjoy refreshments in the nearby Leather Smith pub, with spectacular views overlooking the reservoir. MAPS Ordnance Survey Explorer 268, Landranger 118 WALK FACTS ● Look out for the herons nesting on the banks of the Trentabank reservoir. ● Climb to the top of Shutlingsloe and enjoy the Peak District views, see down to South Cheshire and north to Manchester. www.visitcheshire. com/walking 25 WALKS IN ENGLAND’S NORTHWEST 53

CHESHIRE WINSFORD

NEIL COATES

two fields. Turn right beneath the cables; within 30m go left at a waymarked post by a wooden pylon and walk down this field towards Whitegate. A stile hidden in the bottomright corner leads on to a streamside path which then rises to a road corner. Turn left to the main road at the school and right to reach the village green, with an interpretive board in the old mews block below St Mary’s church. Summer in all its glory, looking down the River Weaver.

Vale Royal was the largest Cistercian abbey in Britain, founded by Edward I in 1277 as thanks for deliverance from the Crusades and from a storm that nearly sank his ship whilst returning from the campaign. Dissolved in 1538, its stones were recycled as a huge mansion, parts of which remain in the Victorian complex passed on this wildflower-rich walk. The Whitegate Way is the trackbed of a mineral railway built to transport rock salt used in the chemical industry. It closed in 1966. Neil Coates 1

through the copse and up the left edge of the pasture beyond to a stile into a rough drive. Turn right and walk through to a lane. Turn left into Foxwist Green (The Plough Inn is 200m along this lane). In 50m take the wide entry on the right between houses. Use the kissing-gate at the rear and keep along the left field edge. Further kissing gates lead down to a gated footbridge; cross this and trace the right edge of the field to find a stile just beyond water trough. Swap sides of the hedgerow here, walk up to the lane and turn right.

START

From the car park follow the Whitegate Way east, away from the old station and past the toilet block. In about 700m a footpath for Martonsands forks off left, take this and walk to the road. Look slightly right for a stile opposite; walk 54 25 WALKS IN ENGLAND’S NORTHWEST

2 Walk the lane for 200m to a fingerposted path, left, immediately past the drive for “Swallows Nest”. Go through the long thin pasture to a stile at the far-left corner, turn right to another stile and then trace the line of hedge, left, beside

3 Opposite the church, an old lodge house guards a driveway. Walk along this surfaced lane to, and through, a gateway across it. Beyond here the abandoned drive is lined by enormous beech trees. New housing encroaches from the left. Join the estate road and keep ahead to the huge old house at the heart of the Vale Royal Estate. This is now apartments and the clubhouse for a golf course. Follow the drive past the car park and on through a gate into a wooded stretch. At the junction, turn right, shortly crossing an iron bridge over a meander of the River Weaver, continuing to cross Vale Royal Locks and the Weaver Navigation. Turn right, upstream, with the water on your right, remaining alongside the tranquil waterway for about 2km. This area is renowned for wild birds – look at the list on the notice board at the lock hut for

● Distance 11.3km/7miles ● Time 3 hours ● Grade Easy the latest sightings of birds in the area. 4 At the bridges, cross to the far bank and walk Right along the tarred lane to reach a minor road at a sharp bend, bridge and chalet park entrance. Walk right round the bend and remain on this busy lane (exercise care here) for 400m. Carefully cross into the driveway for Bradford Mill, left, then take the bridlegate on the right, cross a bridge and

remain with this gravelly track. Ignore a stile at a corner, rising to another stile at the next bend. Take this one and follow the field edge path round to the right, eventually crossing to the other side of the hedge at a waymarked post, rising then to a rough lane. Go straight across and along the wide track that leads through to the old station house at Catsclough Station. Turn right along the Whitegate Way to return to the car park.

START 1

g Altrincham Wilmslow Runcorn Knutsf rodsham Northwich Chester Middlewich HIRE Winsford Congl CHESHIRE Bid Crewe Kidsgr Wrexham Nantwich Widnes

EXHAM mere

Newcastleunder-Lyme Whitchurch

INFORMATION CENTRE Terrain Old railway, field paths and lanes, towpath Stiles 24 Suitable for children, dogs

PLAN YOUR WALK

START/PARKING Parking Whitegate Way car park, Whitegate Old Station, Marton Green, grid ref SJ615680 Start grid ref SJ614680 Nearest town Winsford Refreshments The Plough in Foxwist Green, off route Public toilets At start MAPS Ordnance Survey Explorer 267, Landranger 118 WALK FACTS ● Cheshire’s salt heritage is brought to life in the Salt Museum in Northwich (www.saltmuseum.org.uk) ● The Anderton Boat Lift has been fully restored and can take passengers and narrow boats between the River Weaver and the Trent and Mersey Canal, over 50 ft above. (www.anderton boatlift.co.uk) www.visitcheshire. com/walking

25 WALKS IN ENGLAND’S NORTHWEST 55

WWW.BRITAINONVIEW.COM/VISIT CHESTER AND CHESHIRE

CHESHIRE HIGHER BURWARDSLEY

There are stunning views from the fabulous Sandstone Trail.

A sandstone ridge bisects Cheshire from north to south, with its high point at Raw Head and lesser summits capped by ancient fortifications. Spectacular views stretch across to the Clwydian and Berwyn ranges in North Wales. 1

START

Cross the A534 and go up Coppermine Lane. Remain with the lane for half a mile. After 300yds, pass the white house (left) and look right for a footpath sign indicating a path through a complex of 56 25 WALKS IN ENGLANDâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S NORTHWEST

gates. Trace the field edge to the gate into the woods and pick up the path signposted Bulkeley Hill. Follow the track up past the concrete building and beyond. Pick up the path along this eastern edge and follow it north. It braids after 400yds, so keep left along the widest track, falling to the woods to a long flight of rough steps leading to a dirt road. Turn right and walk to the lodge house. Turn left along the tarred lane to a T-junction. Go up the steps into the horse 2

pasture and keep half-left to the hollow about 300 yards (274m) away. Look for the stile on the right and bear left along the lane. 3 Stay with the lane to the sharp right-hand bend. Take a footpath on the left through the pasture for 300yds to find waymark arrows for a muddy path and plank over a stream. Rise with the path to an open field. Go gently uphill, crossing stiles and climbing the path to a waymark pole beside gorse bushes. Climb the stile, turn right and walk to the lane.

● Distance 7.2km/4½ miles ● Time 2½ hours ● Grade Easy

4 Turn right along the lane then go ahead as it bends left picking up a woodland edge path. In 100yds (91m) go through a kissing-gate on the left and climb a narrow path to the ridgetop. Ignore steps and continue down to the right beyond this to the high point of Raw Head. Keep left

along the trail to a wide path emerging to a farm drive. 100 yds down this go ahead-left along the path for ‘Copper Mines’. Turn left along the footpath for ‘Poacher Inn’ till you cross a footbridge to a lane back to the layby.

PLAN YOUR WALK Bootle Wallasey Birkenhead

St Hele Liverpool Warring A Widnes Runcorn

Flint

Frodsham Chester Mi FLINTSHIRE Winsford h CHE Mold n Crew GHSHIRE Wrexham Nant N Ruabon

INFORMATION CENTRE Terrain Easy walking on byroads, woodland and field paths. Several gentle ascents and descents. Precipitous drops along some sections at Bulkeley Hill and Raw Head Stiles about 10

START/PARKING Large layby beside A534, one mile west of Bulkeley village. Start grid ref SJ517542 Nearest town Tattenhall Public toilets None

REFRESHMENTS Nearby Beeston Castle has views stretching over eight -counties. (www.englishheritage.org.uk)

MAPS Ordnance Survey Explorer 257, Landranger 117 1

START

WALK FACT This walk passes the Sandstone Trail, a 30-mile walk from Helsby North Cheshire to Whitchurch, south Cheshire. www.visitcheshire. com/walking 25 WALKS IN ENGLAND’S NORTHWEST 57

Useful contacts

Directory The walking world is just a call or click away, with this directory of handy contacts.

Wildfowl & Wetlands Trust tel: 01453 891900, www.wwt.org.uk Woodland Trust tel: 01476 581135, www.woodland-trust.org.uk

TRANSPORT NATIONAL PARKS

CONSERVATION

National Council for National Parks (CNP) tel: 020 7924 4077, www.cnp.org.uk Assoc. of National Park Authorities tel: 029 2049 9966, www.nationalparks.gov.uk Lake District National Park tel: 01539 724 555, www.lake-district.gov.uk

British Trust for Conservation Volunteers tel: 01302 388 888, www.btcv.org British Waterways tel: 01923 201120, www.britishwaterways.co.uk Campaign to Protect Rural England tel: 020 7981 2800, www.cpre.org.uk English Heritage tel: 0870 333 1181, www.english-heritage.org.uk Mammals Trust tel: 020 7498 5262, www.mtuk.org Moorland Association tel: 01524 846846, www.moorlandassociation.org National Trust tel: 0870 458 4000, www.nationaltrust.org.uk Natural England tel: 0845 600 3078, www.naturalengland.org.uk RSPB tel: 01767 680551, www.rspb.org.uk RSPCA tel: 0870 333 5999, www.rspca.org.uk Wildlife Trusts tel: 0870 036 7711, www.wildlifetrusts.org

ISSUES AND FOOTPATHS Countryside access (right to roam) helpline: 0845 100 3298, www.countrysideaccess.gov.uk Countryside Code www.countrysideaccess. gov.uk/things_to_know/ countryside_code Fix the Fells (Lake District Path Repair) www.fixthefells.co.uk Met Office tel: 0870 900 0100, www.metoffice.gov.uk National Trails www.nationaltrail.co.uk Open Spaces Society www.oss.org.uk Ordnance Survey tel: 0845 605 0505, www.ordnancesurvey.co.uk Ramblers’ Association tel: 020 7339 8500, www.ramblers.org.uk 58 25 WALKS IN ENGLAND’S NORTHWEST

National bus and train helpline/timetable tel: 0870 608 2608, www.traveline.org.uk

TOURIST INFORMATION Wainwright Walks www.wainwright.org.uk Northwest Regional Development Agency www.naturalnorthwest.co.uk visitenglandsnorthwest.com Blackpool and Lancashire tel: 01257 226600 www.visitlancashire.com Chester and Cheshire tel: 01244 405600 www.visitcheshire.com Cumbria – the Lake District tel: 01539 822222 www.golakes.co.uk Liverpool and Merseyside tel: 0151 233 2008 www.visitliverpool.com Manchester tel: 0871 222 8223 www.visitmanchester.com Also see websites on walks pages.

GOVERNMENT Department for the Environment, Food and Rural Affairs tel: 08459 33 55 77 www.defra.gov.uk

Forestry Commission tel: 0845 367 3787, www.forestry.gov.uk Department of Health tel: 020 7210 4850, www.dh.gov.uk Natural England tel: 0845 600 3078, www.naturalengland.org.uk Ministry of Defence tel: 0870 607 4455, www.mod.uk

HEALTH Walking the Way to Health Initiative tel: 01242 533258, www.whi.org.uk

WALKS INDEX 1 Yewbarrow 2 Stybarrow 3 Knott Rigg 4 Great Calva 5 Pike o’Blisco 6 Eagle Crag 7 Thornthwaite 8 Loadpot 9 Helvellyn 10 Smardale 11 Loughrigg 12 Garstang 13 Great Mitton 14 Ribchester 15 Pendle 16 Withnell Fold 17 Mere Sands 18 Formby 19 Newton-le-Willows 20 Hoylake 21 Diggle 22 Alderley 23 Macclesfield 24 Winsford 25 Higher Burwardsley

À iÃ

* Ìi > ` }Ì Ü

ÀiÌ >

> Li>ÌÌ i

À> «Ì

> 7>Ã

ÃiÌÌ -Ì>

>À Ã i Ì

7 }Ì

ÀLÀ `}i

iÝ >

ÃÌ

ÕÀ À> `

>ÀÞ« ÀÌ }Ì

iÃÜ V >Ûi

-«i Þ Ã «Ê ÕV > ` iÜÌ

1, ÞV

*i À Ì «« iLÞ 7iÃÌ À > ` 2 8

1 ,

V iÀ ÕÌ 4

}Ài Ì

10 À Õ}

9 11

5 1 L iÃ `i

ÃÌ

, V `

>ÌÌiÀ V iÞLÕÀ >ÜiÃ

7 `iÀ iÀi i `>

-i`LiÀ}

1 ÛiÀÃÌ

À LÞÊ Ã`> i À> }i ÛiÀ } iÌ -> `Ã

>À v ÀÌ

>ÀÀ Ü ÕÀ iÃÃ 7> iÞ ÀiV> Li Ã i iÞÃ >

> V>ÃÌiÀ

",/ ÊÊ9",

-iÌÌ i

- , iiÌÜ `

- «Ì

>ÀÃÌ> } 12

>ÀÀ iÞ

i } iÞ } iÞ

i i Ã - « iÞ À>`v À` > v>Ý 7 -/ÊÊ9" / ` À`i À } ÕÃi 7> Õ``iÀÃv i ` - ÕÌ « ÀÌ

À iÞ 17 , V `> i "À Ã À -Ì> ` Ã Ì ÕÀÞ À LÞ 18 , / ,Ê -/ , " ` > 21 7 }> *i ÃÌ

À ÃLÞ ,- 9- -> v À` -/ , -Ì V 19 Ì i -ÌÊ i i Ã -> i -Ì V « ÀÌ ÃÃ « 7> >ÃiÞ ÛiÀ« 7>ÀÀ }Ì

i>` i 20 ÌÀ V > *ÀiÃÌ>ÌÞ À i i>` 7 ` iÃ Þ Ê 7 > iÞ 7 Ã Ü Þ ,Õ V À

À ÕÌÃv À` 22 , Þ À `}i 23 Ì LiÀ}i i À `Ã > ÕÝÌ ÀÌ Ü V > iÜi

iÃÌiÀ `` iÜ V 79

/- , 7 Ãv À`24

} iÌ

i L }

- , ` >Ì ``Õ « ,ÕÌ ÜÃ

ÀiÜi 25 ii 7 À ÃÜ

- , i` 7ÀiÝ > > ÌÜ V `Ã}À Ûi -Ì i /Ài Ì iÜV>ÃÌ i iÃÌ } ,Õ>L Ã L ÕÀ Õ `iÀ Þ i > } i 7, 8 7 ÌV ÕÀV 1ÌÌ ÝiÌiÀ > iÃ iÀi -Ì i >À iÌ À>ÞÌ "ÃÜiÃÌÀÞ

13 15

Ì iÀ i >V « 14 ÕÀ iÞ À > *ÀiÃÌ ÞÌ > Ê-ÌÊ i¿Ã 16 iÞ > ` ,>ÜÌi ÃÌ>

25 WALKS IN ENGLAND’S NORTHWEST 59