My second walk in a row starting in Hurst Green but there the similarities end. As daylight hours shrink so will walk lengths. Nonetheless this walk is the longest (at 7 miles) of the 'Tolkien' trails, so named for the belief J.R.R. Tolkien wrote parts of 'Lord of the Rings' while visiting Stonyhurst College.
From our start point in Hurst Green we pass, and take a peek at, the exterior of Stonyhurst College before woodland trails lead to the River Hodder, which we mostly walk alongside, including viewing Cromwell Bridge, until the Hodder meets the River Ribble. Following the Ribble's westward route takes us most of the way back to Hurst Green.
This circular walk includes quiet bridleways, pasture, woodland, and riverside trails with great views of the rivers, Pendle, Longridge Fell and Stonyhurst College. There is only limited road walking. There are short ascents and descents. The walk is dog friendly with opportunities to let off-lead.
More info:
This is easy walking territory. Some of the route is even carpeted with secondhand Astroturf, in some places with lines from whatever pitches it was removed from!
Hurst Green offers easy access from the the east via Clitheroe, west via Longridge, or south (from Blackburn). The walk starts at the Memorial Hall and heads north-east before we soon stop to take a look at Stonyhurst College, a Catholic school of renown, and the world's longest serving Jesuit college. The hall itself dates back to the end of the 16th century, built for the Shireburn family.
Woodland trails then bring us to the broad River Hodder on it's way to meet the Ribble. We follow both their courses, south then west, with a quick look en-route at Cromwell Bridge, (crossed by Cromwell's army on it's way to meet the Royalists at the Battle of Preston, and also believed to have influenced Tolkien's Brandywine Bridge in the Shire).
The route returns us to Hurst Green from the south, conveniently climbing directly to the welcoming Shireburn Arms pub. This marks the end of the walk and the chance of a pre-Christmas drink for those that want to linger a while.
The walk is 7 miles though I may amend it slightly on the day depending on the weather and group size.
Meet-up point:
Meet me in the car park at the Memorial Hall, Avenue Road, Hurst Green, Clitheroe, Lancashire BB7 9QB. OS Grid reference SD 684 383. What3Words: ///spines.invents.mermaids.
PLEASE ARRIVE IN GOOD TIME TO CHECK-IN WITH ME, AND SO WE CAN BE READY TO MOVE OUT AT 1100 HRS.
Parking:
To find the car park and meet-up point drive into Hurst Green, you'll find the car park is on Avenue Road, which starts opposite the Shireburn Arms on the B6243. If the car park is full, (or closed for a private event at the hall), then there is street parking on Avenue Road, but please be respectful of residents.
Parking in the car park is at an honesty box, (£3 suggested donation). There are 40 spaces. There is no vehicle height restriction. As we're in the Shire there is no EV charging point.
Facilities:
There are public toilets on Avenue Road nearer to the junction and not far from the car park.
There is not a shop in the village. The nearest options for supplies are Clitheroe to the east, Ribchester to the south, Longridge to the west and Chipping to the north.
New members:
If you're a first timer please don't be anxious! Members are friendly, social and there's a roughly equal split of ladies and gentlemen.
To find the group, look for a black pick-up truck at the meet-up point discussed above. I'll be wearing a yellowish fleece. If it's pouring down I'll put on a yellow jacket!
Etiquette:
If you change your mind or cannot attend please make sure to cancel using the Meetup app. This has the effect of letting someone else take your place, prevents the group setting off late, and means you will be allowed to try again and book another of our walks at a later date.
New members who 'no show' (i.e do not cancel in advance) will not be allowed to book again. For new and existing members please note that to cancel within 48 hours of the walk start time also counts as a 'no show'.
Dogs:
We love well behaved sociable dogs, and this walk is ideal for your four legged friend. Please note that we may come across sheep and cattle, or cross the territory of deer and ground nesting birds.
Good to know:
Please remember food for the trail, water, a hot drink if it's cold, hats, gloves and waterproofs including leggings.
Maximum altitude for the walk is about 360 ft, we start at 330, and the lowest altitiude on the river bank is about 100 ft. However this walk does feature several short ascents and descents within this range, all on good paths. There is minimal road walking.
The walk finishes with drinks at the Shireburn Arms pub (optional!)
I look forward to seeing you on Saturday 21st November,
Andrew
