Let’s Take A Ride…
Part of the fun of discovering new routes is looking at old travel routes and seeing how they have been repurposed over time
Whalley to the Leeds/Liverpool Canal
Route: 7.14 miles
Difficulty: 1/5
Strava.com/routes/2741699400564052428
This ride follows the route of old railway lines that once linked the towns of the Ribble Valley together, with plenty of sights and stops along the way.
Starting at Whalley railway station, exit the station and turn right under the railway bridge then left onto Broad Lane. Follow the road as it sweeps under the magnificent Whalley Viaduct and past the grounds of Whalley Abbey.
At the church, turn right onto the main street then left at the mini roundabout. Follow the road until you reach the traffic lights, turn right then the first left onto Portfield Road (signposted Sabden). Climb until you reach the white house where the road splits, turn right to continue down Portfield Road and gradually descend back to the main road. Turn left and immediately take the right fork signposted Accrington and Great Harwood.
Follow the main road, crossing over the River Calder and past The Game Cock Inn (perfect if you need a little refreshment).
After the inn take the next left onto Martholme Lane, when you arrive at the viaduct take the steps to your right, turn right at the top to follow the path of the old railway line. Continue along the path until you reach the road, turn right, cross over the main road and take the immediate left that runs parallel to it. At the dead end take the path to the left, sweep round to the right and re-join the road again.
Follow the road until you reach the Royal Hotel and turn left onto Station Road, at the end take a right and join the Great Harwood Greenway.
Continue for approximately two miles until you reach the road, turn left and you will shortly arrive at the Leeds/Liverpool Canal.
You now have two options, head right to take the canal towpath all the way to Blackburn or left and it will take you into Accrington.
