Lan

cashire WalksParlick and Fairsnape

The Forest of Bowland, that area of upland to the east of the Fylde andbetween the Ribble and the Lune, is not a forest at all. Indeed the highfells are pretty much treeless. The title "forest" refers back to olden timeswhen large tracts of land were set aside for hunting. These wild, lonelyhills retain something of that purpose in that they are managed forgrouse shooting. (Season starts on the Glorious 12 th August – though notquite so glorious for the grouse one suspects) This walk takes you to theedge of the area along a fairly straightforward route.

Start: Lay by Startifants Lane End 2 miles north west of Chipping. From junction 31a M6 follow signs for Longridge on B6243. As you reach Longridge at mini roundabout keep straight on B6244. Follow signs for Chipping. On reaching the T-junction in the village, turn left, then immediately right past the church. Follow the lane to the left and then, after ¾ of a milebear left again into Fish House Lane. As the lane reaches the top of a rise turn right. Parlick fell is directly before you. Parkclose to the next junction.

1. Lane End to Fairsnape (4 Km or 2½ miles: 1 hour)The way ought to be fairly obvious – up the lane towards Parlick. (Pic 1) Although this is by most standards a fairly out of theway place, at weekends and bank holidays it is very popular, especially with the para gliding fraternity. The lane is steep.Beyond Fell Foot, the hill is steeper. (Pic 2) A less steep track breaks to the left and this is recommended as an alternative andmore scenic way up to the summit ridge. On reaching the summit (432m), indicated by a ragged cairn, (Pic 3) the way aheadto Fairsnape opens out. Here a helpful fence will serve as a handrail for the first part of this trek. The way drops gently fromthe summit, then after crossing an awkward nick, begins to rise beyond a stile, with a wall on the right. (Pic 4) Though lesssteep than the ascent of Parlick, the way may seem long. At length you will arrive at the summit (510m) adorned with a largecairn with Paddy’s Pole leaning at an angle. (Pic 5) Nearby there is something of a shelter and a trig. point. The views areextensive embracing the Fylde Coast, Morecambe Bay, the Yorkshire Peaks, (particularly Ingleborough), Bowland, RibbleValley, Pendle Hill and Longridge Fell.

2. Fairsnape to Saddle End (4 Km or 2½ miles: 1 hour)If you find yourself in misty conditions at this stage, then the best advice will be to retrace your upward steps, unless you’reproficient with map and compass. The peat hags of these fells can be quite confusing in mist. If the day is clear it will bepossible to pick out a junction of fences at a distance of 800m on the skyline to the north east. With Paddy’s Pole to your rightand the trig. point on your left walk towards this landmark. A path of sorts will lead you to a fence to your right. The fencewill lead you to the junction of fences, with a ladder stile. The ground underfoot can be very boggy after wet weather and carewill be needed on this part of the walk. The highest part of the fell (520m) is marked by an unimpressive cairn just to the leftof the junction of fences. (Pic 6) Cross the ladder stile and after negotiating a peaty quagmire follow a path which soon definesitself into a track away from the fence. At a distance of 50m from the ladder stile the track divides at a small cairn. (Pic 7)Here turn left. Walking becomes progressively easier along the track which leads past grouse butts to a ladder stile, which putsyou on Saddle Fell. Once on Saddle Fell follow the downward paths aiming right when in doubt. After a stile next to a gate amore pastoral landscape opens up. (Pic 8) Follow the track down to Saddle End Farm.

3. Saddle End to Lane End (2 Km or 1½ miles: 40 mins)After the grand sweep of the wild moors this section may seem an anti-climax. Walk through the farm and look for a footpathon the right. (Pic 9) Crossing a stile climb up the bank to follow the path between two fences, within a stand of trees. The nextstile gives out onto open pasture (quite often boggy pasture) (Pic 10) Using waymark signs keep ahead crossing into anotherfield and then dropping into a deep clough. (Pic 11) Cross Chipping Brook by way of a footbridge, and follow path to emergefrom the clough on a field corner near Wolfen Hall. Once the right of way led through the complex but it is now rerouted topass the farm/holiday accommodation complex on the right. Way mark signs should keep you on route. (Pic 12) If in anydoubt aim for the pronounced profile of Parlick ahead. Once on the farm road you’ll quickly arrive at the lane end.

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Map by Chris Wyatt at The Blackpool Gazette