The Tramway and River Ribble

A great walk amazingly close to Preston City Centre. Some off lead opportunities but watch for livestock and cycles. Lots of routes to choose from. Easy access to many parts.

This suggested route takes about 2 hours but you can make it shorter.

Our walk started near Leyland Road and down the footpath next to the Railway track at Skew Bridge (where Leyland road crosses the railway line). Decend through a very muddy (after rain) field and past the farmyard (yes there is a farm within a mile or so of the city centre) and right onto Factory Lane. Follow the road to the Tramway and at the junction look for the steep steps leading down through the trees on the right.

Cross the stile (medium size dogs will go under no problem) and follow a footpath leading past the water treatment works and onwards to the access road. Turn left before you cross the bridge over the Ribble tributary (river Calder) and follow the riverside path to the footbridge which leads accross the Ribble to Avenham park.

A trip over the bridge to Avenham park gives a good off-lead opportunity and a rest for you!

Retrace your steps over the bridge and follow the hard surfaced old tramway back to the junction with factory lane. Rather than return via Factory Lane, if you still feel energetic, you can carry on up the tramway to Wateringpool Lane (bear off left and under the bridge) and cut through St Cuthberts Road and Marina Grove back to Leyland Road.

One thing to bear in mind is that this whole landscape could change if Preston City Council and South Ribble Borough Council go ahead with proposals to develop the area, building a marina on the Ribble itself.

Lots of information and photos on the great Save the Ribble blog http://save-the-ribble.blogspot.com/

Doggy rating 7/10