We’re trying to venture slightly further afield and discover new places for our family walks. So, a few weeks ago having visited Gisburn Forest, we again went over into Lancashire to a village called Chatburn, not far from Clitheroe. Having perused the Forest of Bowland website for walking routes, I was able to see a list of walks, the map of the area and then choose which would be most suitable for our family. You can download them as a PDF or even open in Viewranger if you use it.
It was a lovely walk from the village and after negotiating a few roads, including quite a scary big bypass, you are soon out into the countryside climbing a steep hill with exposed limestone. It certainly got the legs working and the heart pumping, but with the lovely fresh air and views from the top of Worsaw hill, it was worth the climb.
We wandered merrily along moorland and then fields down to a little village called Downham, the kids running ahead and admiring all the lambs. The pretty village boasts a tearoom, Church, small car park and pub. We had a little rest stop at the lovely Assheton Arms (it was Mother’s Day so I was treated to a pint!) and were able to sit outside in the lovely Spring sunshine. The pub was beautiful inside and clearly popular with Mother’s Day bookings. We’ll have to try the food next time! Before I could get too comfortable it was time to carry on our walk.
From there it was we walked across another field and some limestone knolls known locally as Fairy rocks. We sadly didn’t see any fairies this time! We did meet more lambs under the railway bridge playing, until their mum’s saw us and called them over and then from there, we found a stone troll bridge. Hubby was reading the instructions at this point and I think I might have exclaimed “Oh no, we’re not going over that are we?!”. Apparently, we were and once I got over it…oh wrong way we didn’t need to cross this bridge. Oh, very funny!
The path now led us steadily back to the Chatburn Village, passing the log piles of trees cut from the forest. We found them fascinating, trying to work out how old the trees were, the numbers on them and the double or triple trunks in some cases.
Once back at the village it was time for another rest stop and refreshments at another lovely local pub!
A lovely day spent in the countryside, refreshment stops and with a few hills a good stretch of the legs.
I wouldn’t recommend this walk if you have very small children and it’s unsuitable for pushchairs. The distance is short but there is a steep climb and some road walking.
I’ve received no incentive to write about any of the places mentioned, but just wanted to share our day with you. Maybe it will inspire you to get your family outside. Have you visited Chatburn? Let me know in the comments.