Walk:	Jumbles, Winckley Hall, The Old Lower Hodder Bridge, Hodder Place, Kemple End, Chilsey Green and Deer House Wood.
Start Point:	Community Centre car park	Grid Reference:	SD 684 380
Distance:	8.5 miles	Ascent:	900 feet
Time:	5 hours
Weather:	A mini heat wave with sun all day. Hazy. Dry under foot.
Comments:	The walk started by going down to the River Ribble via the appropriately named Lambing Clough where overnight dew remained on the grass.  Shortly after arriving at the river House Martins could be seen sweeping over the opposite bank.  Following the Ribble Way upstream the group could see Hacking Hall in the haze on the opposite side of the river and the point where the River Calder joins the Ribble.  Leaving the Ribble at Winckley Hall Farm the path led to the Hurst Green to Clitheroe road and this was followed up to the Old Lower Hodder Bridge.  Crossing the road at this point, and leaving the Ribble Way, the group continued upstream of the River Hodder.  At a former weir near to Hodder Place a salmon leap was under construction.  From here the path began to ascend through woods and leaving the river, the group climbed up to Ryddings Farm where they took lunch and sunbathed in the unusually warm weather.  After lunch the route continued upwards and along Birdy Brow to Kemple End (Apparently in days long ago motorcyclists used Birdy Brow as a hill climb to test their machines). From Kemple End there was a little more climbing towards Chisley Green before beginning to drop down through Fell Side Farm to Stock Bridge.  The path then passed through Higher Stoneyhurst Park to High Deer Farm.  On the approach to Deer House Wood and Dean Brook a notice was displayed advising walkers and others that Ramorum Disease is attacking larch trees. (p.ramorum is a fungus-like pathogen of plants that is causing extensive damage and mortality to trees).  The notices suggested that any soil or mud on boots be cleaned off.  However, there was nothing provided for this purpose.  More information can be found at: www.forestry.gov.uk/pramorum.   After crossing Dean Brook in the woods, the group then followed the rough line of Dean Brook through a wooded area back to Hurst Green.  A lovely walk, well worth the perspiration.  Thank you leader.

Scroll down to see photos of the walk

The Memorial At Hurst Green

 

Dew on the ground at Lambing Clough

 

The River Ribble near to Brockhall Wood

 

Stoneyhurst College seen from Winckley Hall

 

The Old Lower Hodder Bridge

 

An impressive property overlooking the Hodder

 

The construction of a salmon leap on the River Hodder . . .

 

and from another angle

 

A cross above the River Hodder near to Hodder Place

 

A climb up to the lunch stop at Ryddings Farm

 

Heading for Kemple End

 

A sunlit cottage

 

A cross with a difference near to Fell Side Farm

 

A daffodil lined incline

 

An important notice to walkers about a contagious disease (but where are the implements to clean your boots?)

Return to 2012 Diary                                                                                                                   Return to top