Haslingden pub walk 21-03-2026 – leader Bernie

On a beautiful morning, 17 walkers and 4 dogs turned out to enjoy themselves – and enjoy themselves they did, especially on the ice-cream front, of which more later.  Three new very local walkers were in the group – Ellen, Trish, and Cathy.  They fitted in extremely well, so we hope to see them again soon.

We set off along Clod Lane before cutting through housing and some pleasant woodland to reach the playing fields of Haslingden High School, with lovely views across to Musbury Tor.  We were soon crossing  Rossendale Golf Course, being warned about dangers posed by flying gold balls.

A wriggle through a small housing estate took us to a footpath to Meadowcroft Farm animal sanctuary.  Sadly, the food hut was closed, but they were persuaded to open for the aforesaid ice-cream.  While most were eating the delicious confection, we admired the white peacock, the goats, the alpacas and the llamas, one of which took a shine to Glyn’s Westie.   At some point last year the animals disappeared, and I see on their FB page that they were planning a move to Shawclough about a year ago.  Happily for us, they are now back in Haslingden.

Still scoffing , we descended to Snig Hole and picked up the cycleway heading towards Lumb and over the refurbished railway viaduct, with excellent long distance views.  From the viaduct we dropped down to Irwell Vale and up the road a little way, before leaving the road to enter a field to a rather nice house with a very friendly boxer dog.  It was then gently upwards through farmland at the back of Lower Cockham Farm towards the golf course, before retracing our steps back to the Woolpack for lunch.

Most of the group came in, to meet Harry, who was already installed, having assured the owners that we were actually coming in for lunch, as the ice-cream had slowed us down somewhat.  A very pleasant hour or more ensued before we reluctantly broke up the party to return home.  So ended a cracking morning, thanks to Bernie for the lovely route, to Glyn for back marking, and to all the chatty people who came today.

The next pub walk will be on Saturday 4th April, starting at 10.30am from an as yet undisclosed pub.  Full details will be on this website and our Facebook page a week before the walk.