A Lancashire based family walking group that enjoys sociable day walks around the North West suitable for young and old.

Welcome to Salesbury Exploration Group, a friendly walking group based in Salesbury, Ribble Valley in the heart of Lancashire.

Walking News : March 2024

Next walk - 10:30am Saturday 16th March 2024 - Clapham, Crummack Dale & Austwick, 7 miles

East from Clapham to Nappa Scars viewing the Norber Erratics (a collection of boulders carried by a glacier and deposited on the plateau. Because they are Silurian slate (harder than limestone) these boulders have been left perched above and strewn across the landscape, sometimes on narrow pedestals as the limestone beneath has been eroded). Then on to Crummack Dale and Wharfe before turning south west to Austwick then returning to Clapham. Walking on walled tracks and across fields with a couple of picturesque flatstone bridges over streams. Classic limestone country with only 300ft of ascent all day.

There are a couple of ladder stiles, and a number of ‘stepping stones to over the wall stiles’, all in good condition. Although we have had a lot of rain recently it’s all decent underfoot. There are a lot of fields with sheep in, and a couple with cows, so dogs need to be on leads most of the time. There are pubs in Austwick and Clapham.

Start: National Park Car Park in Clapham.

Directions: A59 to Gisburn. Turn north to Long Preston on A682, join the A65, take Kendal direction. Turn off the A65 where signposted to Clapham, (after Austwick signs). Parking in Clapham, either at the National Park Car Park (GBP 5.50 for the day, machine takes cards)or street parking. There is lots of parking close to the bridge either side of the river, or failing that past the car park entrance on the way to the church.

The 2023/24 season of walks are listed below.

All walks start 10:30am unless noted otherwise in the walk description above.

Walk programme 2023-24

      Date           Leader                           Location
      -------------  --------------------------       --------------------------------------
16-Sep-2023  Sharon and Nick Westhead                 Silverdale and Arnside
14-Oct-2023  Annette Patterson/Julie Foote            Waddington river walk
18-Nov-2023  Alan Walkden                             River Ribble
 9-Dec-2023  Stuart Hirst                             Clitheroe circular
13-Jan-2024  Mike Howe                                Bowley hill, Great Harwood
24-Feb-2024  Graham and Lorna Harwood                 Stocks Reservoir
16-Mar-2024  Simon Davies                             Clapham and Austwick
 6-Apr-2024  Susan Hancock                            TBC
11-May-2024  Stuart Hirst                             Dunsop Bridge
29-Jun-2024  Mike Howe                                Helm Crag
20-Jul-2024  John Conway                              Sawley and Downham
17-Aug-2024  Sharon and Nick Westhead                 Parlick and Saddle Fell
      

More details of these walks on the programme page.

News archive

This year's news is archived here.

Walking News : January 2024

Happy new year walkers. Welcome to another year of sociable rambling.

Next walk - 10:30am Saturday 24th February ~ Stocks Reservoir 8 miles

This walk is a slight variation of the popular circuit of Stocks Reservoir. From the car park (fee) at the bottom of School Lane in Gisburn Forest, we make a circuit anti-clockwise around the reservoir that heads the Hodder Valley and provides drinking water for the Fylde. The car park was the site of the original St James' Church, which was demolished along with the village of Stocks-in-Bowland when the reservoir was constructed in 1932 by the Fylde Water Board.

After leaving forest and reservoir behind we ascend (a total of 95m) past New House to Parks Clough, where, turning west, we cross the River Hodder at Lock Bridge. Continuing south west, we have a quarter of a mile on tarmac before descending pastures looking towards the reservoir. Around Eak Hill, our route passes Hollins House to reach the dam, where we once more, cross the Hodder. Skirting Ten Acre Wood, our easterly section brings along the southern shore of the reservoir to the causeway at Bridge House Wood and the route back to the car park.

Start: United Utilities car park at the junction of Hole House Lane and School Lane.
OS grid ref SD732565
Lat:54.003702608924 Long:-2.410122498736659
It is a pay and display car park (coins only) charge £3 all day.


View Larger Map

Directions: A59 to Sawley and follow towards Bolton-by-Bowland. Before getting to the village, take the left to Holden. Keep left in Holden, taking Tinklers Lane towards Slaidburn. This goes uphill for a few miles, then before the summit, take a right along Dugdale Lane, signposted Clapham. This country lane goes over the hill and drops down to a cross-roads, where you go straight on towards Clapham, crossing the B6478. Dugdale Lane then continues towards Gisburn Forest becoming Hole House Lane at Cocklett Hill where it bears round to the left. A short distance brings you past Gisburn Forest Hub and the aforementioned church and then to the causeway. It is possible to park here if it isn't busy, but the walk will start from the car park which is another 500m further on.

Walking News : January 2024

Happy new year walkers. Welcome to another year of sociable rambling.

Next walk - 10:30am Saturday 13th January ~ Bowley, Great Harwood from Wilpshire, 8 miles

The walk heads towards Langho then past Carr Hall up to the stables at Little Snodworth. We follow the World Renowned Ribble Valley Jubilee Trail for a short distance to the metal soldier then down to Dean Clough reservoir. Along to Sunny Bank (we can only hope !) then down steeply and probably muddily to Dean Brook with a short stiff climb back up to Bowley Hill (an excellent viewpoint on a good day!). A short stretch of road followed by track leads back to Dean Clogh reservoir (the opposite side) and back up to Little Snodworth. Another stretch of the World Renowned Ribble Valley Jubilee Trail leads us back across Wilpshire Golf Course and down to the end of the walk at the Wilpshire Hotel.

Start: At the junction of Somerset Avenue with Whalley Road, Wilpshire.

Walking News : December 2023

Next walk - 10:00am Saturday 9th December ~ Clitheroe Christmas Circular with lunch, 5 miles

As a social end to the year, an undemanding 5 mile (approx. 2.5 hours) circular route around Clitheroe with lunch following.

From the civic car park we head through the town centre and past the cemetery to join the Ribble Way by the Waddow weir and on through Low Moor and Edisford leaving the Ribble Way at Siddows Hall. We then return skirting Henthorn and across the railway to arrive at Primrose. From there we follow the new Primrose Nature Trail and over past the Castle Keep to return to the starting point.

The route is mostly good underfoot but with some muddy sections so appropriate wear is recommended and possibly a change for those staying on for lunch.

If you are interested in joining us on the walk, you will be made most welcome. Please email info@segs.org.uk

Start: The main civic car park by the Ribble Valley Council Offices on Church Walk. BB7 2RA. The train station and bus stops are closely accessible from here. For those wishing to drive the parking is free on Saturdays during December.

Walking News : November 2023

Next walk - 10:30am Saturday 18th November ~ River Ribble, 9.7 miles

A varied and interesting walk that follows part of the Ribble Way, whilst also visiting Brungerley Bridge, Bradford Bridge, Chatburn, West Bradford and Waddow Hall.

If you are interested in joining us on the walk, you will be made most welcome. Please email info@segs.org.uk

Start: Car park across from Clitheroe Sports Centre, BB3 3LA / SD: 728414

Walking News : October 2023

Next walk - 10:30am Saturday 14th October ~ Waddington river walk

Our first walk this autumn is a local ramble around Waddington and along the River Ribble. It is 8 miles in length, the walking is moderate but there are no significant ascents.

Start: Car park between the Waddington Arms and Higher Buck Inn. Parking also available on West Bradford. The postcode is BB7 3HZ. This is more space for parking along West Bradford Road.

Walking News : September 2023

Next walk - 10:30am Saturday 14th October ~ Waddington river walk

The new season's walks has now been planned. Thanks to all the volunteers for their assistance in planning and leading walks. The new programme is listed below. The first walk is fairly local and around 8 miles around Waddington along the River Ribble.

Even older news can be found on the archive page.

Walking News : September 2023

Walk Planning meeting - 7:30pm Thursday 14th September

Every year in early September we welcome all to a short informal meeting where the programme for the forthcoming year is formulated.

Ideas and offers for walks are gratefully received over a few drinks in the Wilpshire Hotel. Do come along whether you have been on one of our walks or not. If you need more information, email walks@segs.org.uk.

Next walk - 10:30am Saturday 16th September ~ Arnside and Silverdale. 8.5 miles.

The walk takes in The Pepper Pot and Arnside Tower. It goes up and over Arnside Knott with lovely views across Morecambe Bay (hopefully) and then continues around Arnside headland and returns via Silverdale. It’s an easy/moderate walk with no stiles.

Start: Eaves Wood Car Park LA5 0UQ (limited parking) 1. Follow M6 to A6070. Take the exit from M6. 2. Continue on A6070. 3. Take A6 and Storrs Ln to Red Bridge Ln in Silverdale.

Walking News : August 2023

Next walk - Saturday 12th August ~ Darwen Moor Circuit. 9 miles.

Starting at 10:30am from Tockholes, this is a varied and fascinating walk encompassing:

New Barn Farm, Duckshaw Clough, Witton Weavers’ Way, Sugar Leach, Wives Hill, The Polish Crash Site and Hollinshead Hall.

Start: Ryal Fold Tockholes BB3 0PA / SD665215 (25 minutes travel time)

Walking News : July 2023

Next walk - 10:30am Saturday 22rd July ~ Arnside and Silverdale. 8.5 miles.

Walk postponed due to heavy rain.

The walk takes in The Pepper Pot and Arnside Tower. It goes up and over Arnside Knott with lovely views across Morecambe Bay (hopefully) and then continues around Arnside headland and returns via Silverdale. It’s an easy/moderate walk with no stiles.

Start: Eaves Wood Car Park LA5 0UQ (limited parking) 1. Follow M6 to A6070. Take the exit from M6. 2. Continue on A6070. 3. Take A6 and Storrs Ln to Red Bridge Ln in Silverdale.

Walking News : June 2023

Next walk - Ribble Valley Pub Walk, 12 miles, Saturday 24th June 10:00, register from 08:45

This walk is to raise funds for East Lancs Hospice. At 12 miles in length, it is more of a challenge, but calls by a number of hostelries around the valley where refreshments can be obtained en-route. Registration at Waddow Hall opens at 08:45. For a £15 entry, walkers will receive a special Ribble Valley Pub Walk T-shirt.

Dogs are allowed on the walk but must be kept on a lead at all times and are the owner's responsibility.

The finish is at Holmes Mill in Clitheroe where there will be live music and a special Hospice beer on offer.

More information at: www.eastlancshospice.org.uk/pubwalk23

Start:Waddow Hall, Waddington Road, Clitheroe BB7 3LD.

Walking News : May 2023

Next walk - Wycoller, Saturday 20th May 10:30am

This eight mile walk is a circuit of the Forest of Trawden, heading up via the Ferndean Way, through the old weaving settlement of Winewall to open moorland above Trawden. After joining the Bronte Way and Pennine Bridleway, we cross Wycoller Beck to the views from one of the Lancashire panopticons. This one is the Atom, from where we can see across to Pendle Hill. Descending, we enter Wycoller village, where refreshments, toilets are available and the ruins of Wycoller Hall are, which are said to be inspiration for the Brontes. We return to the start by following Wycoller Beck and Colne Water through the former site of one of the largest light tanneries in Europe, now a nature reserve. It is a moderate walk crossing open moorland and farm fields.

Start:Ball Grove Park, Colne. Take the M65 to Colne and follow through the other side to Keighley Road (A6068). Follow towards Laneshawbridge ignoring the turn to Trawden and Wycoller. Keeping on the main road for about half a mile, the road bends to the left. Take the next right signposted Ball Grove Park and Nature Reserve. The car park is down the hill on the left. Map ref. SD908403

Walking News : March 2023

Next walk - Waddington Fell, Saturday 15th April 10:30am

This eight and a half mile walk makes a circuit of the fells above Waddinton and Grindleton. It is a moderate walk that affords views of the Yorkshire Three Peaks on a clear day.

Start:Small car park on the left hand side of Smalden Lane leading to Easington and Slaidburn, 2.2 miles north of Gridleton


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Walking News : February 2023

Next walk - (re-arranged) Bolton-by-Bowland - 8 miles, Saturday 4th March 10:30am

Note: Due to illness, the planned Waddington Fell walk will now be Bolton-by-Bowland

From the village we track north ascending gently as far as Wittons Farm to the highest point of the walk. We then return south with excellent view of Pendle arriving at the village of Holden and a good lunch spot on the old bridge over Holden Beck. Continuing past the beck waterfall we join the Sawley road for a short distance and then turn to skirt the grounds of Bolton Hall which dates back to the 14th century. Thereafter we follow the Ribble with impressive views into the river gorge on the right and on to Fooden Hall Farm. From there a direct route takes us back to the village.

Of interest there is the parish Church which was founded in 1190 with the present building dating back to the 15th century. You may also note the village signpost which was restored in 2008 to include ‘Yorks WR’ as in its original form when the area was in the West Riding pre 1974 – but you are definitely now in Lancashire!

Length and conditions: 8 miles easy to moderate. No serious climbing with excellent views in an attractive part of the Ribble Valley. Ground is a mix of pasture and tracks with 2 short sections of (safe) road walking. Recce conditions were unsurprisingly muddy in parts after recent rainfall so dress accordingly.

Start: Public car park by the bridge in Bolton by Bowland village. (Public toilets available here). Postcode BB7 4NW for sat-nav if needed.

Directions : Take the A59 towards Skipton and turn left through Sawley after the last Clitheroe turning and follow the signs to Bolton by Bowland. As you enter the village the (free) public car park is immediately on the right after the bridge. If this is full there is road parking further on in the village towards the Coach and Horses pub.

Walking News : January 2023

Next walk - Enwistle and Wayoh Reservoirs (re-scheduled due to rail strike) - 8 miles, Saturday 14th January 10:00am

This is a lovely circular walk around Hoghton and Brindle. It takes us through a variety of terrains with great views as we make our way round, passing forests, waterfalls, open fields, canals and even the M65. We’re hoping for good weather but, even so, the path is a little muddy in parts as one would expect at this time of year, so best to come prepared with appropriate footwear and layers for full enjoyment. Just to mention also there are some awkward stiles to get over if you have a dog.

We can have a drink in the Boar’s Head at the end of the walk or alternatively the Royal Oak at Riley Green is en route.

Directions to Meeting Point:

The walk will start from Chapel Lane, Hoghton. The A675 at Hoghton. Just between the entrance to Hoghton Tower and immediately before the Boar’s Head (post code PR5 0RX), you will see Chapel Lane on the right. Drive approx. one third of a mile down here to park.

Walking News : January 2023

Next walk - Enwistle and Wayoh Reservoirs (re-scheduled due to rail strike) - 8 miles, Saturday 14th January 10:00am

The full walk is 8.5 miles. A shorter option is possible by leaving out the loop around Entwistle reservoir making it a circa 5 mile walk. Or to do just the Entwistle reservoir loop, circa 3.5 miles.

If planning to do only the Entwistle reservoir loop, a later start time (later train) planning to return to the Strawbury Duck for 13.30 is advised but this would be self led.

The walk is easy mostly beside reservoirs and therefore pretty flat.

Plan is to stop at the Strawbury Duck for a late lunch at about 13.30. We'll stop for coffee on the walk but aim to eat at the pub.

Directions to Meeting Point:

The walk will start from Entwistle Station at 10.00am and go to Turton first.

To get to Enwistle station, the easiest way is to catch the 09.40 train from Ramsgreave and Wilpshire. (Tickets £5.20 return, various concessions available, Railcards, Duos. Tickets available via the Northern App. or from the machine on the station. (You are supposed to have a ticket before boarding the train))

Return trains are at 19 mins past the hour.

Alternatively, drive to Entwistle and park near the station or at the Green Arms lane car park and walk to the station..