The Flooding of Dalehead: Slaidburn 11 Mile Walk

If you hanker for a country walk without too much up and down then this might be for you. We start and end in Slaidburn, Forest of Bowland, from where the walk circles Stocks Reservoir by pasture, the dam wall, broad moorland tracks and forest. Time permitting we visit the isolated St. Pauls Church which was relocated nearly a century ago and is home to a small exhibition recounting the history of the flooding of Dalehead to create the reservoir. There are few stiles, and none of the step-over variety. There is only one steep ascent but it's short. The walk offers fine views including of Pendle Hill and the moors of the Forest of Bowland.

More info:

This is a fine walk around what might prove in August to be a rather low reservoir, the construction of which necessitated the flooding of Dalehead Valley including the hamlet of Stocks-in-Bowland. Created by damming the River Hodder it still feeds her to this day.

It's by the Hodder that we begin our walk in the ancient Domesday recorded village of Slaidburn, for centuries the 'capital' of the Forest of Bowland. You'll approach the reservoir across low level pasture, before crossing the slipways and dam face. We follow the reservoir for a while before turning north on broad moorland tracks which gain in altitude at the most gradual rate possible.

After crossing the River Hodder north of where it feeds into the reservoir we make our only steep, but short, ascent, after which you'll start the return leg with more or less all the uphill walking already done. Quickly we enter the fringes of Gisburn Forest which until 1950 was mostly pastureland. We keep the reservoir close to hand then turn into the forest for a short while to reach the simple and lovely St. Paul's Church, relocated to allow the flooding of the valley, still in use, solar powered and providing a history of Dalehead and it's submersion under water.

Finally we head back toward the reservoir dam and Slaidburn beyond. The walk is 11 miles maximum.

Meet-up point:

Meet me in the public car park at Chapel Street, Slaidburn, Clitheroe, Lancashire BB7 3ES. OS Grid reference SD 712 523. What3Words: retailing.jetting.masterful

PLEASE ARRIVE IN GOOD TIME TO CHECK-IN WITH ME, AND SO WE CAN BE READY TO MOVE OUT AT 1030 HRS.

Parking:

To find the car park and meet-up point drive into Slaidurn, you'll find the car park is at the SE corner of the village near the River Hodder and bridge carrying the B6478. If you are travelling from the south into the village the car park is immediately after the bridge on the right. From the west, turn right at the post office and the car park is round the corner on the left. Across the road is the village hall car park, but it is NOT intended for use by folks like us. If the car park is full there is some street parking (especially on Church Street) but please be respectful of residents and watch out for the 'No Parking' signs!

Parking is £3.30 with 50+ spaces, pay by card or exact coinage. There are no vehicle height restrictions.
There are two EV points.

Facilities:

Toilets are right next to the car park and meeting point.

There is a nearby shop in the village centre on the corner of Church Street and Chapel Street.

New members (2 and 4 legs):

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 sky blue fleece. If it's pouring down I'll put on a yellow jacket.
We love good dogs, if you're one then please bring your owner if he/ she is well behaved and on a lead.

Good to know:

Please remember food for the trail, plenty of water, sun protection (and/ or waterproofs). Dog walkers please note that we will come across sheep and cattle, and will cross the territory of deer and ground nesting birds.
Maximum altitude for the walk is about 800 ft, we start at 500. The walk involves only one steep but very short (5 minute) grassy ascent with all other gradients being very gradual through pasture, moorland and forest. There is minimal road walking. There are, so far as I can remember, no step-over stiles, and only a dozen or so gated stiles, so our progress will be rapid!

There is no longer a pub in Slaidburn with which to end the day, but the shop may still be open if we get back in good time. I can't guarantee an ice cream van but who knows what might happen? If the weather is warm make sure then that you bring plenty of liquid for during and after the walk.

I look forward to seeing you on Saturday 22nd August,
Andrew