Ascent: 400 metres
Time 3-4 hours.
Terrain:Forest tracks, pasture and some road walking. Mainly easy but with a gradual ascent to top of fell.
Map
1. Car park to Spire Hill (Highest point of Longridge Fell) (3 Km or 2¼ miles : 1 hour)
From car park turn right onto broad forest track leading upwards.
This eastern fell has been extensively cleared. After ten minutes of steady walking the gradient becomes less steep. Views open out especially of Pendle.
The track provides comfortable walking and good progress can be achieved. 25 minutes from the start an obvious junction will be reached.
Take the track leading up to the right. This soon bends to left and continues along the top of the ridge, not quite as enclosed. About 8 minutes from the junction look for a bridleway crossing the track, but do not take it. Instead continue a few more minutes to a pronounced bend to the left. The track beyond this point begins to descend, but look for a concessionary footpath on your right indicated by a white arrow. (It is the second of two paths on the right)
Follow this path through the densely grown plantation. Underfoot the path is narrower and muddier but perfectly distinct. After a few minutes the path reaches the remains of a wall, crosses it, then immediately turns left to follow the wall upwards through trees.
This is the route. Now the path becomes rockier and care is necessary in negotiating it. This is the most arduous section of the whole walk, but it is worth every effort when the open fell side is reached.
The contrast between enclosed woodland and broad heather clad fell is dramatic. Step over a stone stile
and walk towards the trig. point some 300 yards further along. (In mist follow path with wall on your left – 5 minutes later you will bump into triangulation column S4561: 350metres/1149feet above sea level)
On a clear day the views are magnificent – a panorama taking in Southport, Preston, Blackpool, Beacon Fell, the Bowland Fells, the Hodder Valley and the Yorkshire Dales – all yours and no charge.
2. Spire Hill to Old Clitheroe Road. (1½ Km or 1 mile: 20 minutes)
Now commences a long descent that will end in Hurst Green. Continue along the ridge in westerly direction with the wall on the left. 350 yards from trig. point turn left to cross wall by stone stile (next to padlocked wooden gate) and walk across track to metal gate.
(You are at right angles to the summit wall now behind you). A footpath immediately forks in front of you. Take the left fork. Through trees you arrive quickly at the terminus of a forest track. Follow this as it sweeps downwards. In six or seven minutes a junction is reached. Turn right.
With slope and decent footing as aids, a brisk pace can be easily achieved on this section. Plantations give way to cleared ground and more extensive views, before arriving at a barrier gate that gives onto the road.
3. Old Clitheroe Road to Hurst Green. (3 Km or 2 miles: 45 minutes)
A lovely scene presents itself before you as pasture, farmland and scattered stands of trees sweep down towards the Ribble Valley. The good news is you are soon to be walking through this delightful part of Lancashire’s countryside. Turn left along the lane. After 400 yards notice a signpost on the left, pointing bridleway on right. Turn right onto tarmac farm track across a cattle grid.
Passing with a cottage on your left, drop down to Crowshaw Farm. Continue on track past large barn on left.
200 yards beyond the house the track turns sharply to the right, but the way continues on a footpath in front of you. (In other words – keep straight).
This gently descends into broad leaf woodland (predominantly beech and rather spectacular in high autumn). When you arrive at a stone bridge, cross it and follow track with Dean Brook on right.
This soon brings you to Hurst Green with opportunities for refreshment – liquid and otherwise. (See below)
4. Hurst Green to Forestry Car Park (3 Km or 2 miles : 45 minutes)
The next part of the route goes through Stoneyhurst College, the public school, founded by the Jesuits in the 16th century. Continuing on the footpath opposite the track by which you entered the village will lead you past the playing fields to the front of the college. However it is recommended you turn left. This way involves a stretch of road walking, but this is more than compensated for by the sublime view of the college along its approach drive. Walk along the drive and then follow the road as it turns left in front of two long rectangular ponds.
On the left, the golf club will appear. Continue on road to the junction. Turn left, passing Stockbridge Cottages on the left. Soon a barn on the right will come into view.
Just beyond this on right a wooden stile will take you into a large open pasture. Walk along a barely discernible path with hedge on right. Ahead you will not fail to notice a glorious view of Pendle Hill and a less glorious view of Clitheroe Cement works.
Cross next stile, by a metal gate adjoining a substantial stone wall,
and continue ahead, the route just slightly more obvious until a metal gate is reached over which is a rutted lane.
Follow this past Morton Hall Farm and some attractive cottages on left to reach Old Clitheroe Road. Turn left. The car park is a few minutes walk up the hill on the right-hand side.
Spoilt for Choice:
