Whalley and Sabden, Near Clitheroe, Lancashire

Introduction

After three busy weeks it was great to get back out in the countryside on a glorious summer’s day.

A fortnight ago we attended the funeral of our friend and former neighbour, Rev. Sandy Mailer. He lived to the age of 91, and he spent his last 30+ years in Accrington. The funeral was at a country hotel, in a wonderful landscape, and I vowed to return sooner rather than later.

It was a sunny day, with a strong north easterly breeze keeping the temperature down below 20 deg C., which is great for walking.

Whalley is 50-55 minutes drive from Cheadle Hulme

The walk is 8.2 miles and it took took 3 hours 45 minutes, plus 20 minutes for lunch.

This is a decent walk for dogs but though there are stretches of sheep pasture, but only a little road walking.

I parked in the car park at the Spring Wood Picnic site, postcode BB7 9TD.

I walked in a clockwise direction.

The walk is on OS Explorer Map 287.

Whalley To Nick Of Pendle

From the car park entrance I took the path into the golf course, at the edge of a small stream. After a while, there is a bridge over the stream and into a copse, which soon opens out into an open field.

Looking back, the view is splendid.

A little higher, and the viaduct in Whalley adds another dimension, whilst the sheep are already looking for shade in the trees.

After the delightful Deer Park Wood, I reached the road at Wiswell, and took a sharp right turn at a driveway, leading up over the hill to the edge of a disused quarry. There is quite a steep descent to Wiswell Farm.

The bushes here were full of warbler song, notably willow warbler and the sweet tune of a blackcap.

From here, it’s a long straight, slightly ascending path along side of Sabden Brook valley, with panoramic views to Sabden and beyond.

There is lots of bird activity here with curlew, skylark and meadow pipit prominent.

Not to mention these two, a kestrel, and a male stonechat.

There were plenty of good looking lambs to admire too.

The track passes a farm at Wilkin Heys before reaching the minor road.

Churn Cough Reservoir

Over the road, I took neither of the two obvious tracks, my path being further to the right.

I headed downhill for a while, before rising onto a ridge where a handsome lamb posed for a picture.

Just over the ridge,the glistening reservoir appeared.

The wind was really strong, but died away as I reached the copse on the far side, where a bench provided perfect spot for lunch.

Sabden To Whalley Golf Club

It was downhill now, and the wind was at my back, so I soon made it into the quiet village of Sabden.

There was a Heritage trail, celebrating “Clogs and Calico”, though the printing works burnt down in 1912, and that was the end of calico printing here. Still, the Information Boards provided useful points of interest. I was soon over Sabden Brook, and rising the south side of the valley, looking back to Sabden.

Anyone familiar with the construction industry will be au fait with the famous Accrington brick. So, it was good to come here and find one.

It was steadily uphill as I left Sabden behind.

At Hodgeon Stone Plantation, a short road section took me pat the trees.

Suddenly, it was really warm, and the meadows were delightful.

The horse riding tackle was lined up, ready for its owners.

I had to return to the road to cross Sabden Brook via the high bridge. It looks to be a lovely brook, hidden by dense woodland, but is inaccessible to the public. Great for nature, I imagine.

And so, another couple of fields brought me back to the road and the pleasant parkland course of Whalley Golf Club.

A fine day, a fine walk, and I could see why Sandy and Mary loved living round these parts. This was a perfect summer day out!

And Finally….

If you haven’t heard Noel Gallagher’s latest album, Council Skies, I’d highly recommend it, as he’s on top form!

Hard to pick one track. This is Noel Gallagher’s High Flying Birds with Open The Door, See What You Find.

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