Peregrinating the North West and Beyond

Tag: Tolkien Trail

  • Tolkien trail extended: Ribble River, Stonyhurst College and Hurst Green

    The Tolkien trail in the Ribble Valley. From Hurst Green but extended for a stroll along the Ribble River. Stonyhurst is a Jesuit college where Tolkien was teaching.
    Click on the picture to see the full slideshow and route video

    Stats
    DifficultyModerate to Strenuous (nearly 12 miles)
    Length11.8 mi – 19 km
    Total elevation1,484 ft – 452m
    Highest point375 ft – 114m
    Walking time4h38
    Terrainfootpaths and Paths
    EquipmentExcellent paths, nothing specific required but this is a long walk. Make sure you bring enough water
    View route (Click on menu to reveal the image)
    The Tolkien trail in the Ribble Valley. From Hurst Green but extended for a stroll along the Ribble River. Stonyhurst is a Jesuit college where Tolkien was teaching.
    Send me a message on Instagram or email to request the GPX file, AllTrails or Komoot link

    Getting there
    • Driving: Marles Wood car park
    • Public transport:
    • From Manchester: Train from Victoria to Whalley then bus 5 to Shireburn Arms in Hurst Green (c. 2hrs)
    • From Preston: Bus 1 to Post Office in Longridge then bus 5 from Booth in Longridge to Shireburn Arms in Hurst Green (c. 1h20)

    Watering Holes
    • Shireburn Arms
      C. 2.4 miles after the start or before finishing if you park on Marl Woods.
      Part of the Bowland Inns and Hotels. Serves real ale. Open every day, hours TBC
      Locally sourced food served everyday from 12:00-21:00 Sandwiches until 17:00 and classic pub mains and restaurant dishes. Children menu available. This is a popular venue for events and weddings, rather than a typical walker’s bar or pub.
      Outdoor seating in the summer, fireplace in winter.

    Make a week-end of it

    The Shireburn Arms does have rooms but there is little to do other than outdoor pursuits in Hurst Green.

    .

    If you are after visiting the area by car or more outdoor pursuits; Little Oak Farm Glamping would be my favorite spot.

    An amazing glamping experience on a working farm. It has two yurts and two shepherd’s huts. Fire-pit and wood-fired hot-tubs,

    They offer afternoon tea with home-made cakes and sandwiches. You can also reserve a barbecue hamper

    If you are into combining the week-end with some retail therapy, wining and/or dining; stay in Clitheroe.

    Spinning Block hotel at Holmes Mill is also part of the Bowland Brewery and hotels collection.

    I have never stayed at the hotel but have greatly enjoyed the Beer Hall.