The blog's been going for nearly 6 months now and given it's bank holiday weekend I thought I'd reflect on the best places we've visited over the past 6 months. Every walk we've done has been graded on a 1 to 10 scale (10 being unbeatable)taking into account the enjoyment for me and, importantly, the dog!
No walks so far have scored higher than 8. This shouldn't suggest that there aren't some lovely walks to be had, it's a reflection of my quest for the absolutely perfect walk. Some of the walks scored 8 are probably near perfect dependant on the time you have available.
So, in no particular order, the top dog walks we've done to date are:
- Hurst Grange Park (Penwortham). A large local park with woodland, grassy fields and ponds. An excellent local amenity.
- Cuerden Valley Park. A large country park with great access from the motorway. Woodlands, fields and streams all combine to make this a great place to visit.
- Roddlesworth Woods. On the edge of the West Pennine moors but only 15 minutes drive from Preston. Woods, reservoirs, open moorland and a lovely cafe make this is a great place to visit with well marked walks for most abilities.
- White Coppice and Great Hill. A potentially challenging moorland walk which has limited opportunities for off lead walking if sheep are grazing but is still well worth a trip for the amazing views across Lancashire.
- St Annes Beach. A great place for a good run around in winter. Note that dogs are banned from some areas during summer.
Our first blogged walk, around Malham Cove and Tarn, also scored an 8/10 but it's a fair treck from Preston so not in my top 5 to date.
Enjoy the walks if you try them.
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.
Monday, April 09, 2007
Longton Brickcroft
A lovely place for a stroll. It takes about half an hour to walk round the whole site but could easily be combined with some of the footpaths in the area or a wander in to Longton. Easy access, flat with good paths. Suitable for pushchair and wheelchair access in most parts.
The Brickcroft is an award winning nature reserve on the site of a former brick works. Don't let its past put you off, the site is now a haven for wetland and woodland wildlife. There are two main lakes on the site. A very good path circles the south lake and takes in part of the north lake. Routes are clearly signed/marked so you'll not get lost!
On the down side, because this is a nature reserve you must keep your dog on the lead. If you follow the path past the North lake and turn left when you exit this footpath on to the road you'll walk past a small park which provides an opportunity for a game of fetch! You can follow the road from here back to the entrance to the Brickcroft.
Longton Brickcroft is very well signposted from the A59 near Longton and well worth a visit.
The Longton Online website has some interesting background to the site.
Doggy rating 7/10 when combined with a run in the park (for a gentle stroll)
The Brickcroft is an award winning nature reserve on the site of a former brick works. Don't let its past put you off, the site is now a haven for wetland and woodland wildlife. There are two main lakes on the site. A very good path circles the south lake and takes in part of the north lake. Routes are clearly signed/marked so you'll not get lost!
On the down side, because this is a nature reserve you must keep your dog on the lead. If you follow the path past the North lake and turn left when you exit this footpath on to the road you'll walk past a small park which provides an opportunity for a game of fetch! You can follow the road from here back to the entrance to the Brickcroft.
Longton Brickcroft is very well signposted from the A59 near Longton and well worth a visit.
The Longton Online website has some interesting background to the site.
Doggy rating 7/10 when combined with a run in the park (for a gentle stroll)
Tuesday, April 03, 2007
Middleforth Park, Lower Penwortham
A good spot for a quick stroll and a game of fetch!
Middleforth Park is the open space that lies beside Leyland Road and Marshalls Brow. Although the park isn't huge it does provide plenty of space for a run around and a stroll through the large grassy fields and trees.
Plenty of dog walkers use the park as part of their daily routine so you may need to watch your dog if, like ours, he/she is one of those that loves to play regardless of whether other dogs show any interest. The park is bordered by busy roads on 2 sides so make sure you don't get close, and keep your dog on a lead if you have any worries at all.
Not really a place to make a special trip to but recommended for a quick walk if you're in the area or passing through after a trip in to Preston.
Doggy rating 5/10
Middleforth Park is the open space that lies beside Leyland Road and Marshalls Brow. Although the park isn't huge it does provide plenty of space for a run around and a stroll through the large grassy fields and trees.
Plenty of dog walkers use the park as part of their daily routine so you may need to watch your dog if, like ours, he/she is one of those that loves to play regardless of whether other dogs show any interest. The park is bordered by busy roads on 2 sides so make sure you don't get close, and keep your dog on a lead if you have any worries at all.
Not really a place to make a special trip to but recommended for a quick walk if you're in the area or passing through after a trip in to Preston.
Doggy rating 5/10
Sunday, April 01, 2007
Wilderswood and Winter Hill
Another route up Winter Hill, this time from Wilderswood, Horwich. Lots of very rough open moorland with sheep around. Not a walk for bad weather. Boots with good ankle support essential!
We parked at the small car park next to Wilderswood. You're already quite high up here so the climb itself isn't very tough. The woods themselves were close when we visited yesterday for forestry work but I'd imagine they'd make a lovely start to the walk. We wandered up the rough road to a clearly marked footpath leading off up on the right towards Winter Hill. Be aware the rough road does take some traffic so keep your dog on the lead!
We took a fairly direct route to the main mast site at the top of Winter Hill but you could walk up to the "road" leading to the top and follow this. There is a footpath of sorts but it isn't particularly clear in places. Provided the weather is good just head for the top. If there's any hint of the weather turning make sure you've taken a bearing!
The views from the top are great and given it's such a landmark it's well worth a trip up.
Allow a couple of hours.
Click here for Google Map.
Doggy rating 6/10 because the woods were shut and there were lots of sheep around. Not as nice as the walk up from Rivington but very much easier!
We parked at the small car park next to Wilderswood. You're already quite high up here so the climb itself isn't very tough. The woods themselves were close when we visited yesterday for forestry work but I'd imagine they'd make a lovely start to the walk. We wandered up the rough road to a clearly marked footpath leading off up on the right towards Winter Hill. Be aware the rough road does take some traffic so keep your dog on the lead!
We took a fairly direct route to the main mast site at the top of Winter Hill but you could walk up to the "road" leading to the top and follow this. There is a footpath of sorts but it isn't particularly clear in places. Provided the weather is good just head for the top. If there's any hint of the weather turning make sure you've taken a bearing!
The views from the top are great and given it's such a landmark it's well worth a trip up.
Allow a couple of hours.
Click here for Google Map.
Doggy rating 6/10 because the woods were shut and there were lots of sheep around. Not as nice as the walk up from Rivington but very much easier!
Hoghton Tower, Hoghton Bottoms, Darwen Gorge and Riley Green
We did part of this walk in the autumn but I've been meaning to revisit and make a nice round trip taking in views of Hoghton Tower and the river Darwen. This is a really pleasant walk and not too tough. It can get muddy though and there are a few stiles over which you have to lift your dog. Allow a couple of hours.
We parked outside the Boars Head pub in Hoghton and walked up the Hill to the impressive main drive leading up to the Tower. The first section of the drive is a public footpath so you can safely wander up here to one of the lodge where the drive is clearly marked private. Turn left along a small lane and on to fields next to the boundary wall. This path has pleasant views and leads to a stile and some plesant woodlands. The path leads down through the woods and then crosses the railway line where the old Hoghton Railway Station used to be. You can make out where it would have been sited but little remains. Turn right after crossing the tracks and follow the path to Houghton Bottoms. The path leads on past the houses and under the very impressive viaduct over the river Darwen gorge (keep dog on lead here as there's a very very steep drop)
A pleasant path leads by the river leading to a further stile and a field full of sheep. Be warned! From this field take the main track up right through the trees and follow it all the way back to the road near Riley Green. Walk along the main road for a short while to the Royal Oak (refreshments if needed!) and take the road up past the pub car park and back over fields to the Drive of Houghton Tower.
All in all a lovely walk. Recommended. Not too many off lead opportunities but very nice all the same.
Click here for Google maps of the area
Doggy rating 7/10
We parked outside the Boars Head pub in Hoghton and walked up the Hill to the impressive main drive leading up to the Tower. The first section of the drive is a public footpath so you can safely wander up here to one of the lodge where the drive is clearly marked private. Turn left along a small lane and on to fields next to the boundary wall. This path has pleasant views and leads to a stile and some plesant woodlands. The path leads down through the woods and then crosses the railway line where the old Hoghton Railway Station used to be. You can make out where it would have been sited but little remains. Turn right after crossing the tracks and follow the path to Houghton Bottoms. The path leads on past the houses and under the very impressive viaduct over the river Darwen gorge (keep dog on lead here as there's a very very steep drop)
A pleasant path leads by the river leading to a further stile and a field full of sheep. Be warned! From this field take the main track up right through the trees and follow it all the way back to the road near Riley Green. Walk along the main road for a short while to the Royal Oak (refreshments if needed!) and take the road up past the pub car park and back over fields to the Drive of Houghton Tower.
All in all a lovely walk. Recommended. Not too many off lead opportunities but very nice all the same.
Click here for Google maps of the area
Doggy rating 7/10
Sunday, March 11, 2007
Avenham Park and Miller Park
Well worth a visit for a short stroll or an energetic spell of ball throwing. I would though stick to daylight hours. Watch for broken glass in some areas, particularly near the Belvedere.
Avenham Park didn't appeal to me as a place to take the dog as my previous visits tended to be on very busy days when bands were playing in the natural amphitheatre. Miller Park conjured up images of deserted pathways and broken glass.
I have to say though that more recently both of these parks have grown on me and the amphitheatre of Avenham Park in particular has proved very popular with myself and the dog as a venue for a good game of fetch. The game begins at the top of the amphitheatre with the ball thrown way down the hill across the huge grassy fields towards the river. It normally ends up with the dog becoming distracted and me searching in the grass to retrieve the said ball!
Access to the park is easy from Preston's main car parks. Why not take the dog for a quick run around the park whilst your better half is running around the shops. Alternatively, the parks are a natural extension to a trip down the Tram Road or a walk along the banks of the river Ribble.
There's a nice website from the Friends of Avenham and Miller Park.
Doggy rating 5/10
Avenham Park didn't appeal to me as a place to take the dog as my previous visits tended to be on very busy days when bands were playing in the natural amphitheatre. Miller Park conjured up images of deserted pathways and broken glass.
I have to say though that more recently both of these parks have grown on me and the amphitheatre of Avenham Park in particular has proved very popular with myself and the dog as a venue for a good game of fetch. The game begins at the top of the amphitheatre with the ball thrown way down the hill across the huge grassy fields towards the river. It normally ends up with the dog becoming distracted and me searching in the grass to retrieve the said ball!
Access to the park is easy from Preston's main car parks. Why not take the dog for a quick run around the park whilst your better half is running around the shops. Alternatively, the parks are a natural extension to a trip down the Tram Road or a walk along the banks of the river Ribble.
There's a nice website from the Friends of Avenham and Miller Park.
Doggy rating 5/10
Rowsley and Bouns Corner (Derbyshire)
Another trip to Derbyshire (1 hour 45 mins from Preston) and another good walk from Peak Village once you've grabbed your bargains! This is a walk mainly on good bridleways which will take about an hour. It is steep in parts. Most of the walk can be done off lead.
Start at Peak Village and walk through the Grouse and Claret car park to Church Lane. Follow Church Lane to its end where it turns in to a bridleway leading up past the woods of Bouns Corner. From the highest point of the track you can glimpse a view of Bakewell and there are great views across the Wye Valley to Stanton and back over Rowsley and beyond.
Keep following the track and turn left as you come our of the woods of Aaron Hole Plantation (the track is Park Lane but don't be worried of meeting any significant traffic round here - you'll see what I mean. Follow the track back down in to the valley and walk along the road (not very pleasant) for a short stretch back in to Rowsley.
Unfortunately you can't cross the fields to walk by the Wye itself. This forms part of the Haddon Estate fly fishery and access is restricted to fly fishermen. Day tickets (about £30 a day) are available from the Peakcock Hotel in Rowlsey. If you like your fly fishing I'd recommend it. I had a day on the river in the autumn and it was fantastic.
All in all a good walk and lots of off-lead opportunities. A simpler option than the Rowlsey Woods and Water listed earlier in this blog and could be extended on to Bakewell or over the tops to Chatsworth.
Click here for google map
Doggy rating 7/10
Start at Peak Village and walk through the Grouse and Claret car park to Church Lane. Follow Church Lane to its end where it turns in to a bridleway leading up past the woods of Bouns Corner. From the highest point of the track you can glimpse a view of Bakewell and there are great views across the Wye Valley to Stanton and back over Rowsley and beyond.
Keep following the track and turn left as you come our of the woods of Aaron Hole Plantation (the track is Park Lane but don't be worried of meeting any significant traffic round here - you'll see what I mean. Follow the track back down in to the valley and walk along the road (not very pleasant) for a short stretch back in to Rowsley.
Unfortunately you can't cross the fields to walk by the Wye itself. This forms part of the Haddon Estate fly fishery and access is restricted to fly fishermen. Day tickets (about £30 a day) are available from the Peakcock Hotel in Rowlsey. If you like your fly fishing I'd recommend it. I had a day on the river in the autumn and it was fantastic.
All in all a good walk and lots of off-lead opportunities. A simpler option than the Rowlsey Woods and Water listed earlier in this blog and could be extended on to Bakewell or over the tops to Chatsworth.
Click here for google map
Doggy rating 7/10
Friday, March 09, 2007
White Coppice, Great Hill, Round Loaf and Hirst Hill
There are lots of options for walks round here. The route we took was steep and rough in places, lasting about 3 to 4 hours. Part of the walk took us over Access land with no clear footpaths and very rough ground but there are easier options.
We parked at the north end of Anglezarke Reservoir and followed a good path leading along the Goit to White Coppice. This part of the walk was in a nice enclosed area with no livestock giving the opportunity of some good ball throwing to start the day off! Passing White Coppice, we continued along the Goit to the woods below Wheelton Moor. From there we headed up a rough path over Wheelton Moor to the summit of Great Hill. From here, we headed over very very rough ground (you WILL need decent boots with ankle support) to Round Loaf and Hurst Hill before joining the road and returning to Anglezarke Reservoir. Shooting takes place on this Access land so make sure no shooting is taking place before you head to Round Loaf.
The views on this walk are amazing. When we visited all of the livestock had been taken to lower ground for lambing so most of the walk was off the lead. I expect though that there are sheep grazing the Great Hill area throughout the summer.
All in all a great hill walk!
Click here for a Google Map
Remember to let someone know your route if you're heading out on to the moors round here. You'll see from this link that the Bowland Pennine Mountain Rescue Team have a busy time looking for people missing on the moors (as well as plenty of less wild places mentioned in this blog!)
Doggy rating 8/10
We parked at the north end of Anglezarke Reservoir and followed a good path leading along the Goit to White Coppice. This part of the walk was in a nice enclosed area with no livestock giving the opportunity of some good ball throwing to start the day off! Passing White Coppice, we continued along the Goit to the woods below Wheelton Moor. From there we headed up a rough path over Wheelton Moor to the summit of Great Hill. From here, we headed over very very rough ground (you WILL need decent boots with ankle support) to Round Loaf and Hurst Hill before joining the road and returning to Anglezarke Reservoir. Shooting takes place on this Access land so make sure no shooting is taking place before you head to Round Loaf.
The views on this walk are amazing. When we visited all of the livestock had been taken to lower ground for lambing so most of the walk was off the lead. I expect though that there are sheep grazing the Great Hill area throughout the summer.
All in all a great hill walk!
Click here for a Google Map
Remember to let someone know your route if you're heading out on to the moors round here. You'll see from this link that the Bowland Pennine Mountain Rescue Team have a busy time looking for people missing on the moors (as well as plenty of less wild places mentioned in this blog!)
Doggy rating 8/10
Tuesday, February 13, 2007
Lostock Hall to Howick Hall Wood and the Ribble
A nice walk if you fancy leaving the car at home. Mainly quiet lanes and footpaths. Some off lead opportunities. A little under 10 miles so quite tough.
Our walk started on Leyland Road and down our usual route, Bee Lane. Following the Lane to its end we made our way on to Kingsfold Drive, Pope Lane and out on to the roundabout on Golden Way. A muddy Bridleway led us alongside this busy road to the big roundabout (near Booths). Here, we turned on to a footpath leading off alongside Acorn Close, which led to the long straight footpath and road of Howick Moor Lane. This is really obvious if you look at the map and not hard to find.
Crossing Liverpool Road (care here) we made our way down Howick Cross Lane and in to Howick Hall Woods, managed by the Wildlife Trust. This was great, noone else around and a good spot for a mad run around. Nearly exhausted, we continued down Howick Cross Lane, past the electricity distribution complex, and to its end. The road turns into a footpath across fields, leading to the high embankment of the Ribble. We followed this downstream for a mile or so before following a nice little track over a stile, which led us back round to the bottom of Howick Cross Lane.
We retraced our steps, ending with a mad run on the field next to Penwortham Community Centre where, by chance, we bumped in to our equally mad neighbours dogs. Having kept our dog reasonably clean for a 9 mile walk, he ended up absolutely covered in mud from head to paw and, as usual, a shower was in order when we got home.
This was a long but enjoyable walk with plenty of variety and not too much walking near busy roads. Good for a sunny day.
Click here for a map of the area. The route is pretty obvious if you look for the long straight of Howick Moor Lane.
Click here for a link to the Wildlife Trust site containing information about Howick Hall Woods
Doggy rating 6/10
Our walk started on Leyland Road and down our usual route, Bee Lane. Following the Lane to its end we made our way on to Kingsfold Drive, Pope Lane and out on to the roundabout on Golden Way. A muddy Bridleway led us alongside this busy road to the big roundabout (near Booths). Here, we turned on to a footpath leading off alongside Acorn Close, which led to the long straight footpath and road of Howick Moor Lane. This is really obvious if you look at the map and not hard to find.
Crossing Liverpool Road (care here) we made our way down Howick Cross Lane and in to Howick Hall Woods, managed by the Wildlife Trust. This was great, noone else around and a good spot for a mad run around. Nearly exhausted, we continued down Howick Cross Lane, past the electricity distribution complex, and to its end. The road turns into a footpath across fields, leading to the high embankment of the Ribble. We followed this downstream for a mile or so before following a nice little track over a stile, which led us back round to the bottom of Howick Cross Lane.
We retraced our steps, ending with a mad run on the field next to Penwortham Community Centre where, by chance, we bumped in to our equally mad neighbours dogs. Having kept our dog reasonably clean for a 9 mile walk, he ended up absolutely covered in mud from head to paw and, as usual, a shower was in order when we got home.
This was a long but enjoyable walk with plenty of variety and not too much walking near busy roads. Good for a sunny day.
Click here for a map of the area. The route is pretty obvious if you look for the long straight of Howick Moor Lane.
Click here for a link to the Wildlife Trust site containing information about Howick Hall Woods
Doggy rating 6/10
Around Beacon Fell Country Park
Ideal for short(ish) walks in the woods and a spot of open moorland. Easy access and great views. On the down side, it can get really really busy!
One sunny day a week or so ago we headed up to Beacon Fell for a wander round some of the various woodland trails that lead to the summit. Having lived in and around Preston for the last 17 years some people were surprised that this was my first trip to Beacon Fell. What a place!
Parking is easy in one of the many car parks. We parked up next to the cafe and visitors centre and followed a circular route round one of the many trails, leading to the quarry car park, up to the summit, and back through the woods. The trip was completed with a mug of hot chocolate and a mars bar from the cafe!
The whole place was absolutely heaving with people and dogs. There must have been 50 people on the top so not a place to go if you want solitude. There were a few places in the quiet woodland areas where the dog got a good run off the lead but in general I felt it was too busy to let our mad dog loose on the unsuspecting Lancashire public.
I think next time we visit we'll try a dull weekday!
Click here for map and further information.
Doggy rating 6/10 - would have been higher if it had not been so busy!
One sunny day a week or so ago we headed up to Beacon Fell for a wander round some of the various woodland trails that lead to the summit. Having lived in and around Preston for the last 17 years some people were surprised that this was my first trip to Beacon Fell. What a place!
Parking is easy in one of the many car parks. We parked up next to the cafe and visitors centre and followed a circular route round one of the many trails, leading to the quarry car park, up to the summit, and back through the woods. The trip was completed with a mug of hot chocolate and a mars bar from the cafe!
The whole place was absolutely heaving with people and dogs. There must have been 50 people on the top so not a place to go if you want solitude. There were a few places in the quiet woodland areas where the dog got a good run off the lead but in general I felt it was too busy to let our mad dog loose on the unsuspecting Lancashire public.
I think next time we visit we'll try a dull weekday!
Click here for map and further information.
Doggy rating 6/10 - would have been higher if it had not been so busy!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
Posts
