Unfortunately, due to unforseen circumstances today’s walk will not take place. We hope to be able to reschedule this walk soon.
Walk leader : Dave H.
Walk details : This is a lovely countryside walk, starting from Clitheroe to Pendleton village and back to Clitheroe. There are stunning views of Pendle Hill and the Ribble Valley.
Records show that there has been a town here since 1175 – Cliderhou or Clyderhow – and the name is thought to come from the Anglo-Saxon description for a rocky hill. Clitheroe Castle is perched on top of a 35-metre outcrop of limestone. The Norman castle has dominated Clitheroe’s skyline for more than 800 years. (We won’t have chance to look round the Castle ruins as part of our walk but I recommend a visit if you arrive early – its free to look round. The castle museum is only open from 12pm and there is an entry fee. Please be aware the castle is on top of a big hill but does offer fab views.)
Pendleton is a quaint, pretty village with some buildings dating back to the 17th century. There is a lovely babbling brook running through the centre of the main street.
This is a 5-mile, circular walk of moderate difficulty and not suitable for those who maybe unsteady on their feet. There is a long steady gentle incline on the first part of the route out of Clitheroe to the foot of Pendle Hill. The walk crosses farmland and includes rough uneven tracks, cattle grids, stiles and we will walk along some narrow country lanes without pavements and we will be crossing the very busy and fast A59 a couple of times. The tracks will be muddy in places especially after heavy rain. Dogs are welcome on the walk but as there are some fields with pregnant sheep, dogs must be kept on a lead.
Risk assessment : A risk assessment was carried out on 06/03/2022
Covid-19 – please follow current guidelines eg masks/hand sanitiser maybe required in the pub lunch stop for walkers own personal preference.
Roads – we will be crossing the busy and fast A59 at two points on the walk. Walkers to be guided by walk leader for best place to cross. There is also some country lane walking where there are no pavements – walkers to walk in single file and face oncoming traffic or use the grass verges where available.
Terrain – there is a long gentle incline to begin the walk. Tracks are uneven and muddy, Stiles and cattle grid on this walk. Suitable/sturdy footwear required. Clitheroe is also a hilly town – so walkers to be aware of this if visiting the Castle in advance of the walk.
Weather – please come prepared for rain and/or sun. In case of extreme weather – walk maybe cancelled in advance or on the day.
Livestock – dogs are welcome but must be on a lead in fields with sheep and other livestock which we will be crossing.
Start time and meeting point:
We’ll meet at 12.30pm in Clitheroe town centre at the Railway View car park (short stay car park located in front of the Council offices). For satnav – post code is BB7 2RA
There are no parking fees in all Council car parks on Sunday but I’ve chosen Railway View Car Park as it has a public toilet. There are plenty of other car parks in Clitheroe and most are free on Sunday. Railway View car park is about 5-10 mins walk to the castle if you are planning to have a look round.
Please bring a packed lunch and drink for the walk. There are no shops on the route but some small shops/bars/cafes will be open in Clitheroe but not many as most seem to be closed on Sunday.
I’ll include a rest break on the walk and our lunch stop will be at The Swan with Two Necks pub in Pendleton. They have plenty of outdoor seating but please buy a drink if you are eating your own lunch. We won’t have time to buy pub food. Or there are a couple of benches in the village if the pub is not suitable for you or if its busy.
The walk will be very uneven and muddy in places so please wear sturdy boots or wellies and bring waterproofs incase of rain – this is open countryside with very little in the way of shelter.
We should be back in Clitheroe between 4pm and 5pm.
Directions to the start point : Clitheroe is approx 1 hour drive from Manchester City Centre. Access is via M60 and M66 and A59.
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Public transport : There is a direct train from Manchester Victoria to Clitheroe at 10.48am arriving at 12pm. Return trains at 16.25 and 17.21 arriving Mcr Victoria 17.39 and 18.39 respectively. The full adult return fare is £12.90. Its about a 5-10 min walk from the station to our meeting point.
Contact number on the day :