A great place for dogs and walkers. Lots of off lead opportunities but watch out for livestock in the fields and cyclists on the cycle track that runs through the park.
Yesterday saw another visit to one of our favourite sites to walk more or less the full length of the park and to take in the "Green Man" overlooking Buckshaw Village. Allow about 2 hours, or more if you want to play en-route.
We started at the Barn visitors centre, next to Cuerden Hall, and walked through the Pinetum and across a new footbridge across the river. Following the footpath / cycle track as far as it goes, crossing the main road that cuts the park in two, took us to the car park at the very south end of the park. We took a little detour here to a path that leads west of Whittle but soon returned to the car park.
Retracing back through the park a short way we took a path forking off to the left next to the pond. This led up through fields to the quarry/landfill site. We followed the quarry road (may be busy during week days) and over a stile. Taking the path up the hill directly opposite (over Dawson Lane) leads you to a man made hill overlooking the Buckshaw Village site. This used to be the site of the Ordnance Factory and is still shown as such on the Google satellite photo at the time of writing this. It's now developing into a huge new housing/commercial estate. There are great views from here over the Lancashire coast, over Preston and beyond. Follow the crest of the hill to the Green Man sculpture. Well worth the diversion.
Having taken in the view we walked back to the quarry and followed a very muddy footpath between the quarry and the golf course. The path exits onto a housing estate where you follow the road for a very short way back on to SheepHill lane. We walked back down the hill and along another muddy path on the West side of the river (quieter than the main footpath and cycle track). This path eventually gave out by the river and some stepping stones. The river was too deep to cross so we improvised and followed the West bank until we reached a log which just about got us over safely.
A short trip back over the bridge took us back to our starting point.
Very close to the M6 and ideal for a stop-off if you're travelling.
Map and website http://www.cuerdenvalleypark.org.uk/parkmap.htm
Click here for a Google map / photo
Doggie rating 8/10
Keep safe!
You are responsible for your own safety and that of your dog. The walks listed in this blog are not detailed guides. Plan your route! Click the landrover image for safety advice from Bowland Pennine MRT.
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
Posts
1 comment:
"Borrowed" a friend's dog for the weekend and he loves to run free. I followed your route around Cuerden Valley Park and it was an absolute joy. We only saw a couple of bicycles and no farm animals whatsoever. Zak enjoyed it so much that we went back the following day and he headed off on the same route.
Post a Comment