Water of the Fylde Walk (Forest of Bowland)

Grizedale Valley is wooded for most of its length and supports an impressive range of woodland birds. In addition to the more common species, woodpeckers - greater spotted (and occasionally green) - can be seen, as well as summer migrants such as blackcaps, willow warblers, chiffchaffs, whitethroats and garden warblers. Buzzards often soar along the ridge of the adjacent hill, Nicky Nook.

Towards the top of the valley is Grizedale Reservoir, constructed 1861-63 by the original Fylde Water Board. Demand soon outstripped supply, leading to the creation of three further reservoirs to the east, up beyond the tree line. These reservoirs - Barnacre East, Barnacre West and Grizedale Lea now help to supply drinking water to the Fylde area. Grizedale Reservoir itself is no longer used for drinking water, except in times of drought when its water is pumped to top-up the upper reservoirs.

Terrain

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

Distance

  • 5.5 miles
  • 3 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 - Blue 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. Continue straight on to Moor House. Walk across the front of the house and along a hedge lined track.
  3. The track bends right and then left before reaching a gate by a stream. Continue straight on keeping the hedge on your right to a gate onto a stone track. Go down into Burns farmyard.
  4. At the yard turn right, past the farmhouse and buildings. Turn right onto the lane then left shortly after. Go straight on, past the covered reservoir and over a stile at the edge of a wood.
  5. Cross the field to a kissing gate at the edge of the next wood.
  6. Follow the path straight down the steep bank and cross the footbridge.
  7. Turn right and follow the track up the Grizedale Valley.
  8. At the end of the reservoir go through the kissing gate on the right and take the concessionary path all the way through Holme Wood.
  9. At the end of the wood head towards the sheepfold and pass through and continue to the road.
  10. Turn right over Grizedale Bridge and follow the road up to Grizedale Lea Reservoir.
  11. Just past the entrance to the reservoir take the footpath on the right. Follow this path for 50m, then turn left and go through the fields along the bottom of the slope to the road.Turn right and follow the road downhill back to Calderbank Lodge.

Starting Point

Water of the Fylde Walk (Forest of Bowland) can be found at:

  • Water of the Fylde Walk (Forest of Bowland)
    Calderbank
    Country Lodge
    Oakenclough
    Calder Vale
    Barnacre with Bonds
    Lancashire

The map below shows its approximate location:

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