The Yarrow Valley.
Whilst the Speaker of the House is trying to control today’s PM question time, I pay a visit to his home town of Chorley. Sir Linsay Hoyle has been its popular no-nonsense MP since 1997. He has been the Speaker since 2019 and has not been without controversy during that time. He comes across as passionately proud of his Lancastrian heritage and promotes Chorley and its vicinity at every opportunity. Time to have a look around.
First, an outpatient appointment at Chorley Hospital. I have received excellent health care here over the past few years. Today is no exception. The appointment is handled promptly and professionally. I find myself back at the car before lunch. The day is perfect for a walk, and I weigh up my options. I should have done some advance planning. First that comes to mind is a revisit to Rivington and an ascent through the gardens, but continuing to Rivington Pike, which I’ve not climbed for years. No, I will leave that until I have a meet-up with the Bolton Rockman.
Astley Hall is just around the corner, but I’m not in the mood for indoor galleries today. I need a walk. I have heard about Yarrow Valley but never visited it, so this could be the ideal opportunity to explore.
I drive across town and soon find the car park for the country park. 
“Yarrow Valley Country Park covers over 300 hectares and is located between Chorley and Coppull. Created on land previously used for bleaching, dyeing, calico printing and mining, Yarrow Valley Country Park is of local historical importance.
With restored mill lodges and water courses, footpaths, picnic areas and a purpose-built visitor centre, the park provides an ideal setting for a host of recreational activities.”
For a detailed history of the industries previously occupying the valley, look no further than the excellent blog of https://lancashirepast.com/2020/10/17/birkacre-mill-yarrow-valley-country-park-near-coppull-and-chorley/
Of course, I know nothing of this when I arrive today. I don’t really have a plan except to walk as much of the attractive areas of the valley as feasible. Guides are available online for several walks, but being unprepared, I follow my nose most of the time. My phone map will have to do.
I start by climbing up to one of the settlement lodges, and immediately, I’m in a different world of water and ducks. The walk alongside the Big Lodge brings more of the same. 
The swan’s cygnets are having a treat.
Then I’m on paths through the woods adjacent to the River Yarrow. The mill race is a popular photographic spot, but from then on, I hardly meet a soul. 
The path is quite uneven and awkward in parts. I notice the remnants of a mine shaft, a reminder of the industrial past. 
Drybones is a strange name hereabouts; the track bypasses an unseen house of the same name. I’m keeping to the right bank of the Yarrow, but at a bridge, take the right bank of the wrong stream and walk on for perhaps a half mile before realising my mistake, it is easy to rectify. All is green and verdant.
Back at the bridge, I take the more obvious track up the true valley.
Open fields lead me to the next footbridge over the Yarrow, and this is where I hope to follow the water upstream on its right side, even though no path is marked on the map. 
A ‘twitcher’ says I can get through, but it is muddy and awkward in places. It turns out to be a delight in the woods with dappled shade alongside the lively stream. There is bird song everywhere.
The footbridge not taken.
I’m aware I’m walking further and further away from my starting point, and I’m pleased to see the footbridge taking me to the other bank for my return journey. This path is much wider and well trodden through the stately beech trees. 
There are regular seats overlooking the water, ideal spots to stop and enjoy a snack and a drink – except I didn’t bring any.
Rather than just retrace my steps further alongside the river, I take to the open fields and climb away from the river, only to find myself in a new housing estate and even more ongoing development. I suspect there would have been many objections, patently ignored, to building in this beautiful environment. More fields are earmarked for the bulldozer.
I escape down a little track and then through fields displaying Early Purple Orchids.
I am soon back at the hustle and bustle of the Big Lodge. Baby ducklings were everywhere. 
In the car, my bottle of water is too hot to drink, and my chocolate has melted, so I go across to the Treeface cafe for sustenance. 
A perfect little walk around this beautiful area. I’m not sure why I’ve never visited before, but I will certainly return. Oh, but there’s also Astley Hall and its gardens, and I notice a round Chorley walk sign…
***
Another place I’ve been meaning to go to after reading the Lancashire Past page ages ago but I’ve still not got there. It looks lovely, especially the view along the lake, and I like the stone dog – is there any significance to it?
It’s not on many people’s ‘places to go’ – but is excellent, much better than other country parks.
There was a memorial plaque by the dog, but I couldn’t decipher it apart from the dates; he died in 1842, and the memorial was erected in 1870. I’m sure somewhere on the net will be the whole story.
A very nice amble. My daughter lives very close to the Yarrow and I’ve never looked to walk it. I sure will do when I get back off holiday.
You would enjoy it.
Ah, now you’ve been trespassing on my boyhood territory!
Finally made it – and was very impressed. I didn’t like the new housing creeping down the northern banks.
I especially don’t like the new housing. When I was a lad that was fields and, I think (it’s a long time ago) the “sandhills” – a former sand quarry with lots of ponds where we used to try and catch sticklebacks. But, hey, that’s progress, I suppose
Nice walk
Better than that.
The only thing I know about this part of the world is Chorley FM ~ coming in your ears. Looks very nice!
Peter Kay’s 80s records – brilliant.
Try Chorley Cake if you are up here.
I grew up there. It’s also the inspiration for Brassic. Say no more 😬
Brassic. Had to look that one up, never seen it and don’t think I’ve missed much.
NO – not my cup of tea, either.
Glad you enjoyed your visit – you certainly found your way round all right. That new housing breaks my heart. It used to be a pleasant way back to the lodges – all green lanes and meadows – but I no longer walk that way, and keep to the valley. It is indeed very green at the moment.
Some local controversy with the free parking around Treeface Cafe – the council are debating pay and display, much to the horror of all concerned. The number of times I’ve been asked when I’m there “is it free to park?” as if people can’t believe such generosity. But alas no more.
And you found Bevis the dog – he’s quite tucked away.
https://michaelgraeme.wordpress.com/2024/04/17/lunch-at-treeface/
I enjoyed the trails immensley. But those housiing estates – “they paved Paradise”
Thanks for the link to the Bevis myth.
Yarrow Park looks a beautiful place for a wander. Very natural and full of birdsong. Love your photo of the duck family all lined up by the water. Sitting ducks.
Next time you are in Chorley.