LET’S TAKE A RIDE
This ride takes in both, contrasting sides of the Ribble Valley and passes through several attractive and tranquil villages as well as a number of sites of historical interest
RIBBLE VALLEY VILLAGES
Distance: 29 miles (46.6km)
Time: 2.5 to 3 hours
Terrain: Mostly on road and flat with a few short climbs
The route describes the start point as Waddington, however you could equally well start from any other point along the way such as Downham, Hurst Green, Whalley or Ribchester. Alternatively you could start from the railway station at Clitheroe. Starting at Waddington car park, take the road straight ahead, passing immediately out into open country. Here you are on a section of the Lancashire Cycleway. Follow the blue signs for the next 6km (3.7 miles) until Great Mitton.
- There is a possible stop off point at Bashall Barn along the way.
- Turn left at the T-junction.
- Follow the main road at the next T-junction, turn right, or detour left to Mitton village to see the 13th century All Hallows Church, parish church of the Shireburn family of Stonyhurst, or you could visit Mitton Hall Hotel. Continue to follow the main road through Hurst Green where there is the Shireburn Arms.
- Continue along the road and at the Halls Arms crossroads turn left.
- In the centre of Ribchester turn left, although you may want to explore the village and visit the Roman Museum.
- After leaving the village go over the bridge to cross the River Ribble, then turn immediately left, and follow another section of the Lancashire Cycleway through Dinkley, Old Langho and Billington to Whalley (follow the blue signs).
- On leaving Whalley turn right, signposted to Oakhill College, Wiswell and Pendleton.
- Cross the A671 with care and continue into Wiswell and Pendleton. Follow the signs as you drop down to the A59 from Pendleton Hall.
- Cross the A59 with great care, and turn right after 25m onto a very quiet lane that eventually leads you back to re-cross the A59 and onto a cycle path into Worston village.
- Turn right (signposted to Downham) along a designated Quiet Lane. In Downham, stop a while to enjoy this picturesque village with its pub, the Assheton Arms, and tea shop. Leave the village in the direction of Chatburn.
- Turn left at the T-junction next to Hudson’s Ice Cream, and then right after the Post Office for Grindleton.
- Turn left and follow the road back to Waddington.
