Where Rivers Meet

Close by Hurst Green the Ribble is joined by the Hodder and the Calder on a great bend of the river. Here, on this mid section of the Ribble Way, walkers are given a wide prospect of the valley, with gentle walking. It is not difficult to imagine you are following in the footsteps of Gerald Manley Hopkins the Jesuit poet who was a master at nearby Stonyhurst College in the latter part of the 19th century. If this riverscape inspired him, then it will surely do the same to you.

Total Distance: 9 Km or 5½ miles
Time: 2½ hours
Terrain: Easy. Mainly a riverside ramble with a gradual climb into Hurst Green.


Directions: From Junction 31A on the M6 follow signs to Longridge. On reaching the village follow the B6243 towards Clitheroe. Bear left at juction by Corporation Arms and continue for 3 miles to Hurst Green.

Start: Opposite the village hall and close by the war memorial.

 Map by kind permission of the Blackpool Gazette

1. Hurst Green to Ribble Way (3 Km or 2 miles)

This part of the walk takes you through the lovely grounds of Stonyhurst College, the Catholic Public School, founded by the Jesuits. From the war memorial cross the Avenue and enter a close Warren Fold.



At the end the lane becomes a track and then a footpath. At the point where it reaches another footpath turn right with a hawthorn hedge on your left. Stay with this path until it brings you, betwixt wood and playing field to the college, close by the chapel.



 
Here turn right and at the next junction of tracks turn left. Keep ahead on path, track and lane and you will emerge in the village of Stonyhurst .

 

Turn right down Knowles Brow to reach a bus shelter on Clitheroe Road. Opposite the bus shelter on a signpost indicates the footpath. Look for the distinctive Ribble Way logo.



This will assist you for this next part of the walk.

2. Clitheroe Road to Hurst Green (6k 4 miles)

Cross over a small ladder stile into a paddock. After crossing another stile , the path takes you up a rise with a wood on your left, then drops down to reach a drive by Winckley Hall.



On reaching the drive turn left and descend through woods to Winckley Hall Farm. Turn right into the complex and then left before the farm house.



Through a metal gate will put you onto a track with the River Hodder on your left through trees. In a short distance you will arrive at its confluence with the Ribble.

For the next three Kilometres (2 miles) the river will keep you company. 1Km further on the Calder joins the flow. Here your attention will be drawn to the 17th century, Hacking Hall. The views become expansive and if you look behind you should get a good view of Pendle.

 

 

On the river itself there is much to interest. Jumbles Rocks add feature to the scene.
 
 
200m beyond an aqueduct, the Ribble Way enters woodland by means of a stile and then footbridge. Here the route will quickly climb to the edge of fields. In front of a wooden gate the route turns left to skirt the woods. 10 - 15 minutes after entering this plantation you will emerge across a stile onto a farm track. The way is to the right. In a further 10 - 15 minutes you will reach Hurst Green. Turn right. Immediately you will come to the Shireburn Arms (See walk "Over Longridge Fell to Hurst Green" on this site) and a little further on The Eagle and Child.
If you have time a short diversion to Dinckley Suspension Bridge is recommended.
 
On reaching the farm track turn left. Keep on the Ribble Way down to Trough House. Once through its yard turn left onto a footpath which leads down to the bridge. It crosses a lovely part of the river. 
 
  
 
The Eagle and Child
This is the third establishment we have dined at in this wonderful village and it was just as pleasant as the other 2. The Eagle and child is tastefully appointed. There are dark wooden beams and dark pew style wooden seats nicely upholstered.
The menu is extensive and some of the food being served looked extremely nice. We opted for a sandwich containing roast of the day (on this occasion roast beef) with side salad and a bowl of chips.
Only one cask ale was on offer. This might sometimes be considered disappointing but when it is a pint of Tetley's Bitter (3.6%) served in lovely condition then it can hardly be considered a hardship.