Yarrow Valley ParkIn the 1980’s Chorley Council obtained land grants to create the Park which now extends 50 hectares around the visitors centre. Yarrow Valley Park is a broad area of woodland containing open grassy picnic sites, lodges and remnants of former industrial activity.

After years of industrial pollution, the River Yarrow now supports salmon and trout which in turn provide food for otter, kingfisher and heron. The weir and fish pass provide stunning views for visitors.

A children’s play area is located near to the visitor centre which has toilets and café facilities.

Leeds and Liverpool CanalThe Chorley Circular Walk includes 2 ¼ miles of the Leeds and Liverpool Canal. Stretching a total of 127 miles the canal took 46 years to build. Grain, cotton and coal were all transported to and from Chorley by canal.

Look out for groove marks on canal bridges. These were left by tow ropes many years ago when shire horses pulled huge barges along the canal.

Duxbury WoodsIn spring this ancient woodland is a riot of colour and carpeted with flora such as bluebell, wild garlic and wood anemone. Amongst the deciduous trees are stands of exotic pines, probably some of the tallest in the town. Birds such as woodpecker, nuthatch and tree creeper are readily seen on trees while heron and dipper hunt in the River Yarrow which meanders through the woodland.

Located next to the woodland is Duxbury Park Golf Course which winds its way through the former parkland of Duxbury Hall. The Hall was demolished in the 1950’s but gardens and several other buildings are still evident.

Astley Hall and ParkAstley Park covers an area equivalent to 40 football pitches. At its heart lies Astley Hall, built during the reign of Queen Elizabeth I. For centuries it was home to aristocratic families such as the Charnocks, the Brookes and the Towneley Parkers. It is rumoured that Oliver Cromwell stayed at the house in 1648 at the time of the Battle of Preston.

The Hall and its grounds are situated within beautiful surroundings comprising glades of ancient woodland, a lake and a fully renovated Victorian walled garden.

Today the hall functions as a museum and art gallery and is open to the public. In 1922 the park was acquired by Chorley Council as a memorial to the dead of the First World War. ‘Facilities include toilets, café, play area, pets corner and kiosk.

The Chorley CircularOn 17th April 1993 the Chorley Circular was officially opened by the Mayor of Chorley. Twenty one years later after heavy use, path furniture and footpaths were showing signs of wear.

As a result, Lancashire County Council, Chorley Council, Ramblers’ Association Chorley Group and The Conservation Volunteers worked in partnership to secure funding to improve access along the route by replacing stiles with kissing gates, resurfacing footpaths and installing new way marking.

The practical works were eventually funded by Lancashire Environmental Fund, Lancashire County Council and Chorley Council. The route was then relaunched on 24th May 2014.

In order to promote the new route the Ramblers Association Chorley Group secured funding from Awards For All (Big Lottery Fund) to pay for a series of promotional events, guided walks and this new map leaflet.

© Crown copyright. Lancashire County Council. Licence No. 100023320 2014

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