161002_Pre-walk2

A walk of two halves, first half mainly uphill, second half mainly down-hill. Surface all gravel path or tarmac road so easy to follow and walk on. Note. I have since been told that there are two stiles on this route which are difficult to get over so please take this into account if you have any mobility problems, I personally didn't notice the issue at the time of the walk although I was able bodied at the time. Unfortunately due to an accident since I've not been able to return to this walk and it is possible that the stiles have deteriorated since.

Ths Forest of Bowland offers some of the finest walking in Lancashire. However some of the moorland sections can be quite boggy after rain. A good sense of direction is required certainly during the first section of this walk. Refreshments are not available during this walk so make sure you take food and water.

Without the optional ascent of Totridge this is a fairly long but mostly undemanding walk, apart from a moderate climb to the shoulder of Mellor Knoll. The fellside climb to Totridge is steep and the trig point is on high peat moorland (avoid in poor visibility), but the reward for the effort on a clear day is an exceptional view that includes Pendle Hill and the tops of the Yorkshire Three Peaks. The stepping stones may become impassable after heavy rain.

A pleasant stroll with superb views down the Hodder valley and a gentle pastoral return via a series of farms. One steep climb and descent above the stepping stones. Field paths may be muddy after rain and the stepping stones may be impassable when the river is in spate.

An easy stroll across the River Hodder via the stepping stones, returning via Burholme Bridge. One steep climb and some road walking. Field paths may be soft and muddy after rain and the stepping stones may be impassable when the river is in spate.

A scenic walk along both sides of the Hodder valley; the river is crossed via two sets of stepping stones. Those at Stakes at the southern end are rather uneven and at the time of writing in 2015 one was dislodged, necessitating a nimble hop of about a yard; both sets may be impassable when the river is high (diversions are available). Field paths may be muddy.

A somewhat wilder walk over Birkett Fell, rewarded with wide views over the Hodder valley and encounters with some intriguing limestone features. There are two moderate climbs; the moorland can be bleak in poor weather and paths may be indistinct and boggy in places.

A Lancashire Walk that explores the Lune Estuary and coast to the west of Lancaster. This Lancashire walk starts from Glasson Dock which at one time had high hopes as being a port serving Lancaster. The route follows a section of the Lancashire Coastal Way with the opportunity to visit the ruins of Cockersand Abbey before continuing along the coast. The final section uses rural inland footpaths to return to the start.