I’m idly looking at the OS map for something new on my home ground. I’m only looking for a few gentle miles and I think I have spotted a footpath I’ve not knowingly been on before, however unlikely that seems. The weather is on the change, and it has been raining this morning, I bide my time until after lunch.
Being lazy I drive my car to the top of the village to start the walk rather than tramp the streets. There is parking next to Craig Y bouldering venue, part of the defunct Green Bank Quarry complex, The BMC secured Craig Y whilst the rest of the site has been developed into a housing estate. Passing through it is a bridleway leading to an ancient sunken lane, Written Stone Lane, did some of the quarried stone exit this way? Today I wander down it coming out near the site of the Written Stone about which I’ve visited many times before and linked to The Written Stone of Dilworth for a detailed history. 
On across the road to go down a quiet lane to where my ‘new’ path should be found on the right. There is no sign, but I know I’m in the correct place. Ahead doesn’t look very inviting – farm buildings and all the usual associated junk. I wonder whether the way will be blocked, but no after having to open one gate styles start appearing in the field boundaries, although I doubt few come this way. In the fields there are several small ponds probably Marl Pits originally,they are teeming with Mallard families.
At one point a fishing lake has been created in Page Brook, here footpath signs are more evident taking you through and away from the private lake. All very civilised.
I recognise Stonelands Farm in the distance from a different walk done three years ago. I am still none the wiser as to the origins of the carved stones, although the rounded one is definitely Roman. 
Crossing carefully the road on the bad bend by The Corporation Arms, one of many local pubs that did not survive lockdown and the continuing financial restraints. 
Soon off the busy road the Tan Yard track is taken back up into the quarries, what must Longridge have been like when they were all working. The caravan site is enlarging, and I notice some of the permanent vans have extensive views across the Ribble Valley – not a bad place to live. Pendle always manages to pop its head up. Himalayan Balsam is doing its best to obliterate the final stretch of path.
The rain starts just as I arrive back at the car. That has been a pleasant afternoon’s outing, a new path found and plenty of interest along the way, all on the very edge of town. .
Thanks for posting all these photos. I love seeing the bridleways and turnstiles. UK has very pretty walking routes. I miss this aesthetic, nothing like it in the US
Good to have you along. Yes we do have superb rural areas, but you have all those endless skies and pointy mountains.
I recognised the path instantly from the farm picture. There were people there when I walked through and they gave me a wave so perhaps more inviting than on first appearance. Just after the buildings there was a nest box high up in an oak tree, containing a pair of barn owls.
Yes I noticed the nest box, but no owls. I had never been on that path before.
Any idea on the “Roman” heads.
That sounds a very pleasant walk with lots of historical interest. The stones are fantastic and I notice on old David Brown tractor in the yard.
Eagle eyed for tractors.
I’ve yet to visit the written stone. And those other stones look fascinating.
As I said I should really check the provenance of the stone heads. The rounded one, not carved has been verified as Roman.
Would that be like a milestone along a Roman road?
Yes it may have been, it was apparently discovered in a gate. There are pictures of it lying flat before it was re-erected in the present site, probably upside down. That link to my previous visit shows more detail – https://bowlandclimber.com/2020/11/24/in-the-footsteps-of-romans-and-other-curiosities
The more you dig, the murkier the archaeologists’ water.
That’s interesting and must be quite rare. It looks to have some Roman writing on it too.
That writing is most likely on part of the buried stone, I couldn’t make anything out above ground.
I remember seeing those stones in your former post. Well done though on finding a new path 😃
It’s great to come across a path not previously used especially if it is enjoyable and passable.