Wednesday, 11th November 2009

Walk:	Nick of Pendle, Churn Clough Reservoir, Padiham Heights, Black Hill, Read Old Bridge
Start Point:	Spring Wood car park, Whalley	Grid Ref:	SD 740 360
Distance:	9 miles	Ascent:	1,070 feet
Weather:	A dry day with some sun in the afternoon
Accompanied by:	On my own
Comments:	After heading past the golf course and over Clerk Hill an access road is followed by a clear path across to the Nick of Pendle. Taking the clear green track across the road the path leads off towards Churn Clough reservoir, joining a clear wide track along the way. After rounding the reservoir the once disused Waterman's Cottage has been refurbished to provide a vary smart dwelling. The path then leads down into the valley and across Sabden Brook before climbing the slope of Padiham Heights. A short detour takes in the trig point on Black Hill - a good spot for lunch. After walking alongside Well Wood the path heads through woodland along Shady Walks - a very pleasant woodland path. After crossing Read heights the route then heads across towards Hodgeon Stone Plantation, veering to the left before reaching the plantation itself. An unclear route leads to a cluster of buildings where I was informed that the right of way has now been diverted behind the buildings instead of between them - though this isn't reflected on the OS map. A very muddy section of the walk then leads across to Low Read Wood Farm before reaching the Old Roman Road, which was crossed earlier (a change of route may be worthwhile here). After crossing the bridge the route heads across fields to Portfield and along the road to the car park. A very enjoyable day with possibilities to lengthen the walk.