Walk Leader – Neil Harwood

Number on walk – 16

Distance – 14.5 miles

Weather – A little overcast to begin with but improved as the day went on with brilliant sunshine and blue skies by the end.

The day began with the usual coach journey from Chipping to Newton-in-Bowland, the start and end of our days walk. At 14.5 miles it was also the longest leg of the four and had an ascent of almost 2,000ft so not easy. However, in spite of this it is my favourite of the four sections and I think the day proved me right.

The route begins with an easy section down to Dunsop Bridge, the centre of the UK! It is a lovely start to the day as we follow the River Hodder down stream for three miles. A quick drinks break by the river and then we head north up into the Trough of Bowland. At Sykes we had an early lunch as we were making good progress. It is a pretty but popular spot by Langden Brook as the road passes through here up to the Trough itself and on to Lancaster.

After lunch we turn west and follow Langden Brook up its valley, past the “Castle” and onto Fiendsdale Nab. At this point we cross the stream, no bridge!, and then it’s the climb up to Fiendsdale Head. It’s not easy but worth it as it gives us the first glimpse of the coast of Lancashire out to the west.

Next it’s the short and steady climb up to Fair Snape Fell, which at 520m is our second summit above 500m on the route – there are just seven in total in Lancashire as a whole. It is not an easy section after the initial short flagged section with various paths making their way over the boggy ground, although today it was very dry after the recent good weather. You just have to decide which side of the fence you opt for and then keep following that fence. To our left we could pick out all three of the Yorkshire Peaks and more.

From the cairn that marks the summit we head to Paddy’s Pole, the stone shelter and trig point. The views were just magnificent. The sun was shining and there were now few clouds in the sky. To the west the Lancashire plain was spread out before us from Cumbria to Liverpool. We could even pick out the Isle of Man today and Snowdonia and Anglesey.

Not far now! We start our descent to Chipping, which is interrupted briefly by the short climb up to the top of Parlick. Then it really is all downhill into Chipping – nothing fancy now after the long hard day as we just follow the country lane from Fell Foot all the way back to the cars in the village.

Photos can be seen 'here' and 'here'