Whalley – 25/03/2026 – Leader Judy

Last Wednesday it was spring, sunshine, shorts and tee shirts, but today it was back to winter with hail, sleet, rain, waterproofs, hats and gloves. Mark must be righteous but clearly not me! In the end the weather was not as bad as the forecast, and while we did get all of the above it was also dry for long periods with some sunny spells. Nonetheless, 26 ramblers in all, braved both the weather and the parking challenge.

I had a chance to talk about our special surroundings while someone returned to his car after realising he’d not put his boots on – essential equipment today! We waited beside the grade I Whalley Abbey, founded in 1296 and of huge historical significance, with many of the packhorse routes we walk on all leading here in the past to trade. The Abbey was largely demolished after the Dissolution of the Monasteries under Henry VIII. We went into the cloister area for the start photo in front of the former Monks accommodation, and to admire a carved gatepost, reportedly linked to the Assheton family. Next it was under the North West Gatehouse, also Grade 1 listed and a scheduled ancient monument, which policed the coming and going to the Abbey and also distributed food and drink to the poor. We then went under the  Grade II Whalley Viaduct with its 48 arches, paying attention to the 2 blind arches. This was built in the 1840s using 6 million bricks and 12,000 cubic yards of stone by 340 men -Wow! At 600 yards long and 70 feet high, it is said to be the largest in Lancashire.  Anyway, impressive though this all is, we were here to walk, initially beside the viaduct to cross the River Calder.

It was then through Billington via paths and fields to risk our lives crossing the A59. More fields took us to Lower Elker and to a short stretch on the Old Langho Road, leaving it to go towards Brockhall Village, but taking advantage of a bench and sawn off tree trunks for our coffee break. We soon reached Hacking Wood before heading past the Blackburn Rovers Academy Training ground, hopefully to produce some excellent talent to please some! The Burnley fans had to look the other way! Soon we dropped down to a footbridge, climbing briefly past Mill Wood on a narrow and very muddy path to Aspinalls – yesterday’s rain and the current weather was not helping. Our first serious descent and ascent took us beside a static holiday park to arrive at the grade II Black Bull, originally a coaching house in 1555 and reportedly haunted by a Civil War Cavalier. We had lunch either inside or in the sunny grounds of Old St Leonards Church in Old Langho, also Grade I listed and one of the few churches built in the reign of Mary I, using stonework from the demolished Whalley Abbey.

After we walked past the Keepers Cottage, now being renovated, before more fields to recross the A59, shortly followed by the Whalley Road where we met Ann patiently waiting for us, and said farewell to David H and Jake – so good to see them both, and they clearly knew what was coming! The answer, after Mytton Fold Golf Course, was the biggest climb of the day up to Black Hill and Miles Hill. A bridleway and rickety stile took us to Lower White Carf where we were prevented from using the planned path, described as unsafe due to something collapsed and a forklift truck due to move it. We were diverted to a non existent stile, but found a gate requiring some creativity with the twine tying it. Soon we were descending along Berry’s Lane to then climb a watery path up to Whalley Banks with great views. Someone remarked on it being surprising no-one had fallen in the slippery conditions, which proved to be a case of pride before a fall as we entered a field, luckily with a soft muddy landing! It was then across fields to descend and recross the River Calder beside the Viaduct and return to our cars.

Many thanks to all for coming and enduring the underfoot conditions, to Jenny for her special birthday chocolates, and especially to Steve D for the excellent photos and to Heather for readily back marking.

Distance –   10.23 miles             Ascent –   1183 feet        M/h – 2.0

Pics –  Steve D          Write up – Judy

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

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