Sunday, 16th June 2019
| Walk: | Stonyhurst College, Hodder Place, River Hodder, Lower Hodder Bridge, Cromwell's Bridge, Winkley Hall, Hacking Hall, Jumbles Rocks, Aqueduct, Shireburn Arms | ||
| Start Point: | Hurst Green Village Hall car park | Grid Reference: | SD 684 382 |
| Distance: | 8 miles | Ascent: | 700 feet |
| Time: | 4 hours | ||
| Weather: | Overcast but quite warm | ||
| Comments: | Easy walking mainly on good tracks and paths. Between Winckley Hall Farm and the aqueduct the grassy path beside the river is very pleasant. | ||
A fairly recent addition on the way to Stonyhurst College where Tolkein spent much time workibg on The Lord of the Rings
Stonyhurst College sports building
Hodder Place, standing on the banks of the River Hodder,
dates back
to 1780 and was the home of a cotton mill owner.
It looks like Gandalf is now a permanent resident.
It was extended in the 19th century and has been divided into privately owned houses and flats.
Pebble beach on the banks of the River Hodder . . .
which looks quite full and fast running today
From th Lower Hodder Bridge there is a good view of . . .
Cromwell's Bridge which was built in 1562.
Legend has it that Cromwell used it during his march from Skipton . . .
to intercept the Royalists at the Battle of Preston in 1648
It provides a good view of the Lower Hodder Bridge
At the gates to Winckley Hall . . .
the guard dog is on duty!
The confluence of the Rivers Hodder and Ribble . . .
which are quite wide at this point
The fisherman stands near the confluence of the
Rivers Ribble and Calder. . .
close to Hacking Hall which is a Grade I early 17th century house
It is thought that JRR Tolkein may have taken inspiration from the ferry here for the Bucklebury Ferry over the Brandywine river in his book, as it was still operational
when Tolkien visited nearby Stonyhurst College
Anyone for a swim?
Approaching . . .
Jumbles Rocks