Three Rivers and Stonyhurst with Tolkien Connections

William Kembery

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Visit the River Ribble near Hurst Green and follow the riverbank upstream to see first the River Calder and then the River Hodder break away. The walk concludes with a visit to the grounds of Stonyhurst College and an appointment with the Tolkien library.

England - North England - Lancashire - Ribble Valley

Features

Birds, Church, Flowers, Food Shop, Good for Kids, Great Views, Lake/Loch, Museum, Pub, River, Stately Home, Tea Shop, Toilets, Wildlife, Woodland

11/6/2023 - mark archer

What a difference a few years makes! The gentle descent down from Hurst Green to the River Ribble is now a gravelled track. Upon reaching the riverside walk, the path is covered in strips of astroturf, I presume from Stoneyhurst College regarded as surplus to requirements. This means the muddy footpath is now ideal for walking on and it goes for a considerable way towards the confluence with the River Calder. The whole walk is a real joy, passing through Middle Earth before heading up to Stoneyhurst College which is a an absolute gem. Save this walk for good weather - because it is one to savour!

6/10/2014 - mark archer

I incorporated this walk into a longer one, starting at Marles Wood car park and heading along the Ribble Way joining this walk at WP2. If you miss the kissing gate at WP5, as I did, simply head for the main road and turn right. Stonyhurst College, in its elevated position, was quite interesting, with well maintained sports pitches and unusual buildings. The route from here back to Hurst Green was clear and straightforward. I then carried on along the B6243 and then across fields south-westerly over Starling Brook, rejoining the Ribble, before crossing the water course at Ribchester Bridge and heading back to Marles Wood, a pleasant extension to this very enjoyable walk.

4/2/2004 - Michael and Marian Vaughn

Marian Vaughn - Lovely walk although very muddy at waymarks 1 and 2. My husband specially loves the woods at waymark 7.