Dolphinholme and Abbeystead

The walk starts in the historic village of Dolphinholme on the edge of the Forest of Bowland Area of Oustanding Natural Beauty. The village, now designated as a historic conservation area, played an important part in the Industrial Revolution in the 18th and 19th centuries.

This is an attractive route over high pastures to the picturesque hamlet of Abbeystead, occupied from pre-historic times and known to be the location of a house of Cistercian monks in the reign of Henry II.  Visible from our route is Abbeystead House. It was built in 1886 as a private shooting lodge on a grand scale for the 4th Earl of Sefton and now forms part of the Grosvenor Estate.

Our return route is alongside the River Wyre with splendid deciduous woodland where tiny streams flow through steep-sided ghylls.

The walk passes in close proximity to horses, cows and sheep in farmyards and fields. There are also numerous stiles. Whilst we are in farmland with livestock it is essential that dogs are kept on a close lead.  Should any lifting be required over stiles or gates this must be done by the dog owner.

The terrain is such that boots are essential and a walking pole would be advisable if normally used. The total ascent is 290 metres (952 feet).

Numbers on this walk are limited to 20.