Calderbank Legstretcher (Forest of Bowland)

Calder Vale grew around several textile mills, one of which still operates today. The mill is in the centre of the village and is run by the Lappet Company. They produce cotton Arab headdresses which they export to the Middle East.

During springtime, the woodland between the village and St John's Church is a carpet of bluebells and wildflowers. Typical woodland birds to be seen are tits, chaffinch, blackbird, robin and wren.

Passing through Calder Vale during summer, you may hear the "screaming" of the swifts, up above in the sky. These remarkable birds have sickle shaped wings and remain in flight for almost the whole of their life; they even sleep whist flying. The only time they land is to nest and raise their young.

Terrain

  • Tracks, fields and roads.
  • Gates and some stiles.
  • Steep sections and can be wet underfoot

Distance

  • 3 miles
  • 1.5 hrs

The Route

Please observe the Countryside Code at all times.

© Crown copyright. All rights reserved. Wyre Borough Council Licence No. 100018720 2004
Refer to Ordnance Survey Material

  • Illustration - Green Waymarker Disc. Links to Advice for Walkers
  1. Turn right out of Calderbank Lodge along the road to a T-junction. Turn left up hill for 300m and take the grassy track on the right.
  2. Continue uphill, passing the track to the aerial masts and wireless station on the right, and down to a track crossroads.
  3. Turn left and continue towards Bank Farm. As you get near the farm take the track to the right. After 500m cross the stile on the left and take the field path to the road. Go straight across and follow the farm track to Kelbrick Farm.
  4. Turn right over a stile before the farmhouse and cross the fields downhill towards Calder Vale. Cross 3 field stiles and follow a track down to a gate.
  5. Go through the gate, then another gate on the left. Cross the field to a kissing gate that takes you into woodland. Follow the path down through the wood to Calder Vale.
  6. At Calder Vale the path emerges in the centre of the village by the post office and shop. Turn left over the road bridge, towards the mill, and bear left in front of a row of terraced cottages, Long Row. At the end take the track straight ahead into the woodland. On your right are the sluice gates for the mill lodge.
  7. Go past the mill lodge and go up through the woodland to St John's Church. Go through the graveyard and schoolyard to the road and turn left.
  8. Follow the road past Long House farm to a T-junction. Turn left and follow the road back to Calderbank Country Lodge.

Starting Point

Calderbank Legstretcher (Forest of Bowland) can be found at:

  • Calderbank Legstretcher (Forest of Bowland)
    Calder Vale
    Barnacre with Bonds
    Lancashire

The map below shows its approximate location:

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