The valley between Sabden and Downham, taking in Sabden Fold, Newchurch and Barley, must surely be one of Lancashires most unspoiled, with miles of footpaths and narrow lanes showcasing the fields and rolling hills around Pendle Hill. I have spent many an afternoon exploring this valley on foot, but today decided to drive to Downham and walk from there.
Nestling under the bulk of Pendle Hill, Downham is one of the loveliest villages in Lancashire. There aren’t any television aerials or satellite dishes, overhead wires or even road markings - there isn't even a village sign. Downham hasn’t changed since the 1950s and is quiet and unspoiled with a gurgling brook running past the village green, a 15th century church and an historic grade two listed pub, The Assheton Arms. With it's quaint stone-built cottages and local folklore about the infamous Lancashire Witches.- it is no surprise that it has been used as a film location for period dramas.
Seeking to immerse myself in this quiet and peaceful landscape, I parked up at the edge of the village and set off, intending to walk an 11km circular route, starting and ending at The Assheton Arms. Leaving the village on a footpath behind the pub where daffodils danced in the breeze, I had left the village behind in a matter of minutes, enjoying views back towards the majestic Pendle Hill and views over the Forest of Bowland and towards the Yorkshire Dales in front, as I crossed Downham Green.
Crossing fields full of newborn lambs basking in the early spring sunshine, I followed the path past a small patch of woodland, downhill towards a stream, tumbling impatiently down hill. Crossing via a small wooden bridge, the path then followed the stream for a while before making its way across fields and over a small hill, eventually to cross a paddock towards a rather grand stone property.
I followed the path, parallel to the lane for a while, before crossing it and following a sign to Gerna, which appeared to be a place with only one farm.
Another quiet lane took me past a reservoir, an old forgotten one which had been reclaimed by nature, full of reeds and grasses with the sounds of frogs and birdsong.
Leaving the lane and following a path beside the brook, the route once again took me through fields, following the lines of the hedges, for now skeletal twisted trunks of hawthorn, which will be transformed by leaf and blossom within weeks.
Once again I was surrounded by the anxious bleating of sheep as their lambs frolicked and chased each other and the enthusiastic birdsong of robins, blackbirds and greenfinches, their nestbuilding encouraged by the warm sunshine.
Reaching a cluster of farms, the path led me behind Hookcliffe and up into the foothills of Pendle Hill, where I was delighted to see a waterfall tumbling down a creek in the hillside. Walking around the back of Barkerfield, I then approached Moorside farm and the path seemed to stop. I don't really like walking between farm buildings unless there are signs giving permission, but on this occasion didn't have much choice. After checking for dogs and making sure to close the gates behind me, I exited the farmyard and found myself on the access lane which took me back down to the lane leading back to Downham.
I was pleased to see a sign for a footpath bypassing the lane and skirting Worsaw Hill, allowing me to stay off road and walk back into Downham through the fields.
What a great way to welcome in the spring: the warmth of the sunshine, a clear blue sky and the quiet of the countryside, absent of any noise aside from the lambs, birds and trickling streams. A thoroughly enjoyable way to spend a few hours on an early April afternoon and a great way to clear my head and detox from 21st century life.
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