Abbeystead - Tarnbrook - Big hill

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 styles 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 styles have deteriorated since.

Technical sheet

10669444
Creation:
Last update:
Last review:
  • Walking
    Activity: Walking
  • ↔
    Distance: 12.83 km
  • ◔
    Average duration: 4h 40 
  • ▲
    Difficulty: Easy

  • ⚐
    Return to departure point: Yes
  • ↗
    Vertical gain: + 340 m
  • ↘
    Vertical drop: - 340 m

  • ▲
    Highest point: 455 m
  • ▼
    Lowest point: 114 m

Description of the walk

(S/E) Start at carpark in Abbestead. It's only small so if it's a nice day best to get there early! Turn left on exit, cross road proceed over the bridge.

(1) Cross over a stile into the field. Walk over the field to exit following farm track - Gentle up hill.

(2) At end of the field, take right hand exit over a wooden bridge (other exits can also be used).

(3) Turn right onto road, walk short distance to the fork in the road.

(4) Take the left fork, continue walking up to Tarnbrook - Gentle up hill.

(5) At Tarnbrook, turn left through the gate. Follow clearly marked farm track. Hill gets a little steeper the further you go but not too bad and worth it for the view.

(6) At top of the hill path splits, take the left turn. Gradient flattens off a bit now, the steepest part done now.

(7) Follow the path until next junction, take left turn - All downhill from here!

(8) Turn left over the bridge.

(9) Turn left onto the road.

(10) At footpath sign turn right, gate and style into the field - The same field crossed at the start.

(1) At end of field, cross style, turn left, over the bridge and right into the car park.(S/E)

Waypoints

  1. S/E : km 0 - alt. 115 m - Car park
  2. 1 : km 0.07 - alt. 117 m - Field
  3. 2 : km 0.99 - alt. 132 m - End of the field
  4. 3 : km 1.07 - alt. 134 m - Road
  5. 4 : km 1.17 - alt. 132 m - Fork
  6. 5 : km 3.47 - alt. 169 m - Tarnbrook
  7. 6 : km 5.41 - alt. 407 m - Top of the hill
  8. 7 : km 8.43 - alt. 351 m - Grizedale Head
  9. 8 : km 11.28 - alt. 159 m - Bridge
  10. 9 : km 11.46 - alt. 155 m - Road
  11. 10 : km 11.74 - alt. 139 m - Footpath sign
  12. S/E : km 12.83 - alt. 115 m - Car park

Practical information

No shelter on the hill so take plenty of water if a hot day and waterproofs if not so good.

In the nearby area

At top of hill take the time for a good look around

Reviews and comments

4 / 5
Based on 1 review

Reliability of the description
4 / 5
Clarity of route map
5 / 5
Route interest
3 / 5
GDCobra
GDCobra

Hello Graybags

Apologies for not recognising the styles as being difficult to get over, unlike now I was able bodied at the time I did the walk so they did not stand out to me as being challenging hence not highlighting this, I have now added a note to my write-up.

Sorry also that you did not appear too happy with the terrain or the view however I'm a little confused by this I think the view out over Morecame bay is pretty impressive and I don't really know what you would expect climbing a hill on the western side of Bowland.
Sydnety Opera House perhaps? Or maybe the hanging gardens of Babylon? Herds of wilderbeest sweeping majestically.. Whatever, the terrain and view are just what they are, I can't take any credit or responsibility for that and I was only trying to help others by sharing it.

Julien VR
Julien VR ★

Hello Graybags,
Thanks for taking the time to comment and rate.
We'll contact the author and ask if the warning regarding the stiles can be added.
Regards,
Julien

Content Manager & User support

Graybags
Graybags

Overall rating : 4 / 5

Date of walk : Dec 29, 2024
Reliability of the description : ★★★★☆ Good
Clarity of route map : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★☆☆ Average
Busy trail : No

The walk is easy to follow and perfect if you like open moorland. It is quite exposed in extreme weather though. Much of the walk is flat or gently rolling, with a steep section for a few hundred metres. Some sections are tarmaced road but there is hardly any traffic so it is not dangerous. Good surfaces all the way around, mostly grouse moor tracks - great after wet weather but can get a bit monotonous over time. There are some aged ladder stiles in two places that are tricky for the less agile to get over. Some great views as you go up from Tarnbrook, though on my visit the very tops were misty. This area is quiet and the carparks are free so it is much more relaxed and enjoyable than the Dales or the Lakes. Though the landscape in this part of Bowland lacks a bit of variety.

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