Clowbridge – Compston's Cross - Clowbridge

Julian Coy

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Clowbridge – Gambleside – Compston's Cross - Clowbridge

This beautiful walk is along well-made paths with only occasional muddy areas. It starts from a large car park at about 900ft and rises gradually to 1,170ft to give great views of the surrounding hills and valleys. The moor is criss-crossed by stony paths, many of which are the old pack-horse trails linking Preston and the Ribble Valley with Rochdale and Halifax. The reservoir, built in 1866, caused the demise of the much older hamlet of Gambleside, dating back to 1242. Along the route you pass through what is left of Gambleside and can see one of the few remaining open-air baptisteries. Towards the high point of the walk you pass the old stone Compston's Cross and then at 1,170ft you are rewarded with some spectacular views of the reservoir below, the Rossendale Valley and Pendle Hill, with the Yorkshire Dales and South Lakes beyond.

England - North England - Lancashire - Pennines

Features

Birds, Good for Kids, Great Views, Hills or Fells, Industrial Archaeology, Lake/Loch, Moor, Pub, Public Transport, Restaurant, Toilets, Wildlife

6/20/2016 - Julian Coy

Walk Contributor's reply to previous comment by Bryony Pearson:- About 200 yards up the road from the carpark (heading towards Rawtenstall) there’s a large signpost detailing a detour to the sailing club whilst the work on the reservoir takes place. Basically, you can park on the road (for free) near the Balmers lawnmower outlet, if you continue past Balmers for 50 yards there’s a big yellow detour sign pointing left to the sailing club taking you through a gate along a 150 yard grassed path to the sailing club. The works on the reservoir should finish in August/September this year.

6/15/2016 - Bryony Pearson

We attempted this walk today but there are major construction works being done and the car park and footpath at the beginning of the walk are closed. We tried to find a way to the sailing club to start the walk further on but were unable to so had to abandon our planned walk. It looks as if the work will take some time to complete.

11/14/2012 - alec jackson

Very good walk with a dog (no stiles). Beware of loose sheep in places.

4/19/2011 - Marie Eperson

This was a very enjoyable varied walk. Be aware that the car park is pay and display (unfortunately I've forgotten prices, but not more than £2 for stays more than 2 hrs). Also the car park gates are closed at 5pm.