Leader
Brian Murphy
Description
A 7 mile walk (may be shortened to 4.5 miles depending on weather conditions on the day). We start with the rise up to Billinge Hill. This is a gradual pull for about 300ft over 1.5m, with a short steep stepped part. Crossing over a road to enter the route to the hill.
The paths are generally good through beautiful mixed woods but care needs to be taken due to rising tree roots and mud if there has been rain. After another 200ft we will reach the top, This part tends to be a bit steeper than before. Here is a memorial to one of the Blackburn Hundred’s Court held on 1429. The decent brings us out onto a section of the Witton Weavers Way, where at 700ft we get glorious views across this area of Lancashire and beyond. A short walk brings us to Wainwright‘s memorial. The walk gradually descends past Wild Bottom’s Wood and Houghton’s Bottom to the River Darwin and Pleasington where there is a Victorian grade 1 listed priory, then back to the car park. There are no refreshment points so bring a packed lunch and plenty of fluid
Start Point and Time
Meet 12 noon at the visitor centre car park.
Directions to Start
Leave the M65 at J3, taking the A674 Preston Old Road for 2.2 miles, there are signs for the park along the way.
After about 1m, you will pass under a tall old railway arch.
After another 1m you will see the entrance to the park to the left at a set of traffic lights.
Park at the car park near the Arena, charge is £1.80p for the day.
Post code BB2 2TP
Point of interest, The Arena.
OS Landranger SD. 663 271
There are two other non-charging car parks nearby but they are small and may be full. If you do use these please ensure enough time to reach the start point.
Contact phone no.
You can contact Brian on 07855 197 607
Changes and cancellation
In the event that there are any changes to the regulations (for example a further lockdown) before the walk, which means that it will not be able to proceed, an email will be sent to everyone booked on the walk.
Very occasionally, due to severe weather or another serious event, a walk may be cancelled. In these instances, a note will be added to the website at least TWO hours before Start Time. So, do check the website before you set out, and if in doubt use the walk leader’s mobile contact number.
If you wish to take part in the walk you must book in advance. Click HERE to take you to the booking system
Don’t forget your face covering and hand sanitiser – just in case!