Dunsop Bridge to Clitheroe – 09/10/2026 – Leader Judy

It rained heavily while driving to Clitheroe and on the picturesque bus route  to Dunsop Bridge, raising questions about how wise it was to go ahead with this linear walk. On the bus, another passenger commented on how high the river is after the previous night’s heavy rain, quietly raising extra concerns. We got off to watch the bus go through the flooded road, but the forecast predicted it would dry up at 11, and bang on time it did, and stayed dry for the rest of the walk.

Numbers were down to 2 after various personal issues, and despite a postponed date when the original didn’t suit.  Should we cancel? Certainly not!

We set off, passing a seriously fast confluence of the River Hodder and Langdon Brook which threatened our riverside path, and immediately raised questions about the stepping stones ahead at Whitewell. Undeterred, we followed the river and crossed some soggy farmland, surrounded by spectacular countryside, until we reached the grade II listed Burholme Bridge.  Here we had a decision to make – to take the planned route to Whitewell via the stepping stones, or to go along the road. We chose the latter, but couldn’t resist going to look for the stepping stones when we got there, to find them under water (photo before the Whitewell Coronation stone). Incredible when they were about 18 inches proud on the recce. Good decision, so we celebrated by taking lunch on a bench!

Soon we were heading to Crimpton, contending with some reeds and long grass, albeit in a lovely setting. A bit of a climb got us to Browsholme Heights trig point, before crossing easy green fields to Bashall Moor Wood, and onward to Clough Bottom. We came to the delightful 17th Century Saddle Bridge, also known as the Fairy Bridge, as folklore legend states it was built by the fairies to help an elderly woodcutter escape the witches’ wrath after felling a tree where their coven met!

Pendle came into view after more fields, bridleways and puddles took us to Bashall Hall where we had a tea break in lieu of a coffee break. More pleasant fields took us back to Edisford Bridge.

Photos by both Diana and Judy      Write up – Judy

Distance – 10.78 miles       Ascent – 1286 feet     M/h – 2.3

‘If you wish to see a static view of the pics all in one go, then click here.

Continuosly running slideshow below – you can see it full screen by clicking in top left of picture