A riverside ramble through roman Ribchester

Start : The White Bull, Church Street, Ribchester. Grid ref. SD 650 352

(S/E) Leaving the White Bull entrance, bear right along Water Street and take the first right onto Greenside. Then immediately right to enter the remains of the old Roman Baths.

(1) Follow the path down to the left and then bear right, along the Ribble riverbank. Follow this path until you rejoin the road on your right, continuing along the river until you stand just in front of Ribchester Roman Museum.

Here the road forks to the left, which is our route, however if you take a quick detour to the right, you can visit the beautiful Church of St Wilfred and the remains of the old Roman Grain Store. Then return to the left fork.

(2) Continue along this lane and follow it right through the next farmstead, all the way along the lane to a property called the old Boathouse.

Here the track ends and the path continues through a kissing gate and through the fields along the riverbank. Continue until you reach a stile ahead of the path rising up the hill.

(3) Walk up this hill where the views beyond of the river can be magnificent on a clear day and then bear slightly right from the sunken road across this field to reach the stile on the far side. Continue into the next field, again bearing right.

(4) After the stile proceed sharp right (East), to reach a stone bench, where you may wish to pause a while and enjoy the view. Follow the path through the next two kissing gates and continue straight on. Through the next two kissing gates straight on, follow the Bridleway arrows until you descend down towards Parsonage Farm to join the lane.

(5) Follow the lane to the left, all the way back to the village passing the playing fields and Potters Barn before you return to the village square and the White Bull. (S/E)

Start : The White Bull, Church Street, Ribchester. Grid ref. SD 650 352

Parking : Church street opposite the White Bull or long stay car park opposite Ribchester playing fields.

Terrain : Can be muddy in wet weather.

Mapping :
Grid Reference SD650 351
OS Explorer OL41
OS Landranger 103

Dog friendly : Livestock will be grazing in most of the fields, so keep dogs under close control and ideally on a lead.

Refreshments :
The White Bull
Church Street, Ribchester
Tel: 01254 878048

Find more walks and information at Love Ribble Valley here.