Start: Wigan Road Car Park, Cuerden Valley Park, near Junction 29 M6, Bamber Bridge.

Fact file: Distance: 9k
                Time: 2 ½  - 3 hours or perhaps a lifetime.
                Summary: Easy parkland walking
                Map: OS Explorer 286 Blackpool & Preston.

Map by kind permission of the Blackpool Gazette

Directions: Cuerden Valley Park was created in 1986 by the Commission for New Towns. It comprises of 650 acres of parkland, woodland and pastures along a green corridor between Leyland and the new town development close to the A6. It is open 365 days of the year and provides a haven for a wide variety of plant and birdlife, as well as a superlative amenity for people in the Preston, South Ribble and Chorley Districts of Lancashire.

The route follows the cycleway through the park - almost immediately crossing the M6 motorway.

After dipping down to cross the River Lostock

it continues with the river on the right to reach Town Brow Car Park on the B5256 about a mile 1 ½ m or 2k from the start. This would be the direct route but do not be surprised if you are tempted to stray to explore woodland loops or to view the lake.

 

At the B5256 turn right re-cross the river and turn left onto a continuation of the cycle route.

 It continues for a further mile to Lower Kem Mill car park. Lower Kem Mill itself is now a ruin

which is passed just before the car park. Its history is explained on interpretative boards.

It is in the management of the park where volunteers are needed as support for the team of rangers. Each season has its tasks which are carried out to improve the park's wildlife and amenity value. Coppicing in winter, lambing in spring, mowing in summer and fencing in autumn are all jobs that need the support of volunteers. (See www.cuerdenvalleypark.org.uk for more information).

At Lower Kem Mill car park

turn right onto a footpath at the rear that follows a fence uphill to reach the grounds of Lisieux Hall. The path will take you around the complex to reach the main drive. (Pause awhile on the bench with a superb view across to Winter Hill). Cross this and continue to Dawson Lane B5248

Lisieux Hall is the home of the Brothers of Charity a trust which provides a wide  range of services to ensure people with learning disabilities have opportunities to learn and develop their individuality and are treated with equity, dignity and respect.  Volunteers contribute in a multitude of ways - as extra support on worked based projects, as befrienders, as drivers, as helpers at social and community activities. (See www.brothersofcharity.org.uk for more information).

On Dawson Lane turn right and right again towards the noisy land fill site.

 

 Just before the site office turn left onto a footpath that edges around the old Clayton Hall quarry. 

 At Clayton Hall Stables the path reaches a residential area and then continues all Spring Meadow to B5256.

Turn right and then left into Shady Lane.

20 mins of walking will bring you to the grounds of Cuerden Hall on the right. This is where Cuerden Valley Park's visitor centre is located - at the Barn.

Nearby the Hall is a care centre for the Sue Ryder charity.

 This trust provides care for people with complex and long term life ending conditions such as cancer, multiple sclerosis and Huntingdon's Disease. Since it was established in the years after World War 2, the charity has developed a network of homes across the UK employing 2,000 staff and supported by 8,000 volunteers. Volunteers contribute in a variety of ways - fundraising, working in shops, doing maintenance or gardening duties in the care centres and spending time with people in their communities. (See www.suerydercare.org.uk  for more information.)

The courtyard has a popular tea room as well as a few shops that raise funds for the charity. Returning to the Barn follow the path down hill to reach the main cycle route.

Turn left for the car park.