Spring Wood, Whalley – Sabden – 13/09/2026 – Leader Glyn Br

On what was supposed to be a  cloudy Sunday morning that quickly turned into a lovely sunny day,  23 walkers met at Spring Wood Picnic Site, Whalley for the start of the walk to Sabden

It was good to welcome John for his first walk and to see Jerry and his wife again.

There was a short section of road walking at the beginning, we left the car park and walked up Portfield Road, basically alongside the golf course. At the top of the road we crossed a stile that has seen better days to then cross another not very obvious one to then proceed across fields to reach the Old Roman Road.(it connected Ribchester to Elsack, near Skipton). We soon left the road to pass between two farms and onto pastureland.Passing through several gates we turned right into a farm yard. The large confetti type tree from the farmer’s daughter’s wedding was remarkably still there.We proceeded through a paddock, passing a wind turbine, we eventually reached Back Lane and a long grassy track into Sabden. Little evidence remains of the mill town it once was- 7 mills- there seems to be one solitary chimney.

We arrived in the village at a very convenient time for lunch, we said goodbye to David and Lorraine, as they live in Sabden and had walked from home to the start.Lorraine had told us that the park would be good for lunch, which it was as there were several picnic tables and swings ect for the children amongst us.

Proceeding up hill out of Sabden we eventually turned off on to the Whins, through various fields , passing a plantation we began the only real climb of the day to Wiswell Moor. On reaching the top it was then a fairly easy stretch to reach the bridleway. We walked along the bridleway, passing Lower Clerk Hill eventually turning right towards Clerk Hill. Passing the rear of the house we started the descent towards the wood that we needed to enter to get to the golf course. Crossing the stile into the wood was very difficult due to the very wet conditions. A short distance through the wood and we were on the golf course, following the edge of the course took us back to the cars.

Thanks to everyone who came and to Judy for taking the photos and Alyson B for back marking.

Distance – 6.5 miles.   Ascent – 722 feet. 

Write up – Glyn     

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