4th September Sedbergh
Sedbergh is an attractive and historic market town set in the western dales of North Yorkshire. Developed at a confluence of four valleys and four rivers where ancient trade routes merged, the town is dwarfed by some of Alfred Wainwright’s favourite fells, the mighty Howgills. The views from all around the area are magnificent.
Sedbergh dates from the 13th century when the Market Charter was granted by King John in 1251. Dating from Roman times, Sedbergh shows evidence of Saxons, Vikings and Normans. George Fox, founder of the Quakers, preached in both St Andrew’s churchyard and the nearby Brigflatts Quaker Meeting House, which dates from 1675.
Walks Available
A Walk Leader required Can you help? Contact coachramblenel@gmail.com
B Walk Leader Tony Culverhouse 10 Miles Strenous
We climb out of Sedbergh along some steep rocky sections to join the Dales Way. Continuing north to Hole House we cross the River Lune, then climb steeply up Firbank Fell. We then descend a tarmac lane to New Field, then field paths to Lincoln’s Inn Bridge. We rejoin the Dales Way along the bank of the Lune. The Dales Way leads us east joining the River Rawthey (a tributary of the Lune) and back to Sedbergh. Beautiful scenery, steep sections and a good number of stiles. ‘C’ walkers would definitely struggle!
C Walk Leader Michael Bates 8.5 Miles Moderate
The route takes us down to the River Rawthey via the grounds of Sedbergh School. We then walk in a westerly direction along the riverbank passing the confluence with the River Dee taking lunch close to a viaduct which once carried the Ingleton to Tebay railway line. Later the route joins the Dales Way through a hamlet named The Oaks before reaching the River Lune. We pass the attractive Lincoln’s Inn Bridge pausing here for a short time before making our way to the Lune Viaduct, a magnificent structure. The route climbs to Low Branthwaite and then to Craggs Wood prior to reaching open moorland from where there are extensive views. We then make our way back to Sedbergh via Lockbank Farm. Please note there are three short but steepish climbs. Plenty of stiles, virtually all of which are in a decent state of repair. Paths and tracks are mainly good.
D Walk Leader Jane Cordingley 7 miles Fairly Easy
Setting off from the town centre, we climb gently to Castlehaw, a site of a Norman Motte and Bailey castle (option to climb to top), from there we take field and farm tracks to Stone Hall, where we turn south to join the River Rawthey at Straight Bridge, following the river to New Bridge (lunch stop). We continue following the river for a while, then leave it briefly at Akay Woods to visit The Pepperpot, crossing Sedbergh school grounds. From Birks House we pick up the river again and after crossing a disused railway line we take the A683 for a short walk to arrive at Brigflatts (time here to explore the Quaker Meeting House and Graveyard). We return to Sedbergh via field paths and the school grounds. After the initial climb to Castlehaw this walk is mainly flat with some gently undulating paths and steps. Some uneven terrain through woods.
Pickup Times and Locations
BLACKBURN Coach
08:00 Darwen : Boots Duckworth St
08:05 Darwen : Lynwood Avenue
08:10 Ewood : Empire Theatre
08:10 Blackburn : Penny Street
08:20 Oswaldtwistle : Black Dog
08:30 Oswaldtwistle : The Civic Theatre
08:35 Accrington :Whalley Rd, Kwik
08:40 Accrington : Victoria Hospital
08:50 Rishton : The Roebuck
08:50 Gt Harwood : Lynwood House
08:55 Clitheroe : York Street
09:00 Whalley : King Street
WHALLEY MEET UP POINT
BURNLEY Coach
08:00 Colne Library
08:05 Colne Alkincoates
08:10 Barrowford Heritage Centre
08:15 Nelson – Walton Lane/Leeds Road
08:15 Nelson - Bus Station
08:20 Brierfield Town Hall
08:30 Burnley Brennand Street
08:35 Burnley Bus Station
08:40 Burnley Tim Bobbin
08:45 Padiham Whitegates
08:47 Padiham Town Hall
08:55 Read: The Stork
WHALLEY MEET UP POINT