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.
Distance: 8 miles
A return to walk 49 out of the catalogue of more than 350 walks undertaken by SEGS over the last 40 years. That was in March 1993 before most of our current walkers were involved.
This ramble in the Ribble Valley goes across farmland and woods around tributaries of the Ribble that flow from Longridge Fell, passing old manor houses along the way. The reward for the gentle climb of about 550ft is fine views south to the West Pennine moors, Rossendale and east over Pendle.
The walk: From Ribchester car park, we circle round from Parsonage Farm ascending gentle slopes of Longridge Fell by Old Buckley, crossing Duddel Brook in the woods of Dutton Manor estate. Possibly the most magnificent of three old halls the route passes, it's a Grade II listed 19C hunting lodge, but unfortunately hidden from view. Those wanting a closer look can book a viewing of its 14 bedrooms and 7 bathrooms. £2m spare change plus a bit should get you in. The lesser of the three, Huntingdon Hall, we pass before turning back towards Ribchester and Duddel Wood near Dutton Hall, which has open gardens famous for roses.
Start:
Main car park in Ribchester. PR3 3ZH https://what3words.com/spin.encloses.tacky https://www.ribblevalley.gov.uk/car-parks/car-parks-parking/14 If arriving by car, 8 hours parking is £3.20. For those in the Wilpshire area, there is the option of travelling by bus on the 45 from Blackburn to Preston. It stops nearby, at Bee Mill, 250m from the car park, at 10:20, just in time for the start. Bus times from the Wilpshire area are Bull's Head 10:06, Somerset Avenue 10:09, Bonny Inn 10:11. Return is likely around 3pm in time for the hourly bus about half past.
Pastureland can be wet with lush grass and there will be patches of mud, but in general, the going underfoot is okay. There are a number of stiles and there will be sheep. Walking poles or sticks can be useful. There is also around 300m along the B road to Hurst Green necessitated by the original route having too many hazards.
We look forward to seeing you there.
Please email walks@segs.org.uk if you are coming on the walk.
The 2025/26 season of walks are listed below.
All walks start 10:30am unless noted otherwise in the walk description above.
Date Leader Location
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27-Sep-2025 Simon Davies Bolton Abbey
11-Oct-2025 Graham Harwood Dutton
8-Nov-2025 Julie Foote/Annette Patterson Rimington
6-Dec-2025 Group Whalley (meal)
10-Jan-2026 Sharon and Nick Westhead TBC
21-Feb-2026 John Conway Hampsfell Hospice
14-Mar-2026 Cheryl Rudd TBC
11-Apr-2026 Alan Walkden TBC
16-May-2026 Stuart Hirst TBC
13-Jun-2026 Liz Maskell Burnsall
18-Jul-2026 Mike Howe Ings, Kentmere
8-Aug-2026 Simon Hore TBC
More details of these walks on the programme page.
This year's news is archived here.
Distance: 8 miles (from a book!), an initial ascent of about 450ft after that it's downhill/near level all the way.
First walk of the season and a trip to Yorkshire again. This time, Wharfedale.
The walk: Initially a climb of about 450ft on a quiet road. (This bit's not great, it's on a road and it's up, but there are rewards about 40 minutes later). Then on green tracks gradually descending with superb views of Wharfedale. Through woodland and emerging at Bolton Abbey. Into the Abbey grounds for some sightseeing (with the rest of the tourists), then over the bridge or stepping stones (they are all there and in good condition), to the east bank of the river. Passing various kid's play challenges, the ford at storiths, and descending to cross the river again at the Cavendish Pavilion. There are toilets (free) here and refreshments (at a price!). Then on through Strid woods passing the Strid and later the aquaduct, eventually arriving at Barden bridge. It's then a short walk on road to return to the car parking point, passing Barden Tower.
It's quite dog friendly, no stiles, just gates. A couple of fields with cows, and lots of signs in the Bolton Abbey Estate about having dogs on leads.
Start:
Starting close to Barden Tower, Wharfedale. About 65 Mins (36 miles) from Wilpshire. A59 to Skipton, then in direction of Grassington, turning right to Embsay, then Eastby then over fell to Barden Tower. Alternatively A59 to Bolton Abbey, then through Bolton Abbey to Barden Tower.
Parking: Parking is at a premium in the Devonshire estates so it is suggested we use and start walking from a small parking area near Barden Tower on the Eastby/Embsay road. If travelling from Eastby this is on the right just before the junction with the Bolton Abbey Road. If travelling from Bolton Abbey, turn left, signed Eastby Embsay, just before Barden tower. The parking area is 30 yds on the left. (It says Barden Scale Treatment Works, a UU sign on a gate, so you know you are in the right place)
What 3 Words: browse, inserting, mistaken GR: 051567
Even older news can be found on the archive page.