I must have done this walk, or something similar, dozens of times. Today, for a little variety, I’m including some of the field paths that run through Stydd.

My plan for the circular walk was to park at the pub, Ribchester Alms, then explore the Stydd settlement before heading off along the Ribble. On arrival, a large rambling party had just parked up and were preparing to set off. Not wanting to get tangled up in their wanderings, I drove further on to park next to Ribchester Bridge and delay my arrival in Stydd. The day has a fresh autumn coolness, but the forecast calls for full sun later. I’m in no hurry.

The footpaths through the fields back to Ribchester are well marked and well-trodden.

I’m soon in Stydd Lane. A settlement has been here since Anglo/Saxon times,                                      https://www.saintwilfrids.org.uk/st-saviour-s-at-stydd/

A service is in progress at St. Peter’s and St. Paul’s Catholic Church, so I move on to the Alms Houses the Shireburn family built for the poor in 1728. Wouldn’t you love to have a look inside? 

A detour is taken to visit the Grade I-listed  St. Saviour’s Church, dating from the C12th. There is a lot of interest here, and I while away a good half hour. The link above has everything you need to know.  I love the way the beautifully made chairs follow the lines of the east window.

I may do a separate post on all my findings in this little church, but first, don’t forget to look at the stone cross base in the grounds, which hints at earlier times.

Time to get on with my walk; I retrace my steps, pick up the field paths, and head east again. Navigation is easy; the paths are well signed, but I do find getting over some of the wobbly stiles a challenge. (memo to self – do some stretching exercises)

I come out onto Gallows Lane through the charming houses at Lower Dutton.

In the field across the road, a herd of young cows charge towards me; I nip safely into the next field.  And then I’m on the riverbank, well, at least on slippery paths through the trees near it.

This unused gate was an expensive waste of money.

After floods, this area is often strewn with plastic; it doesn’t seem so bad today. Did this paddleboarder have a puncture? I’m following the Ribble Way, an ill-fated route that vested interests far too often divert away from the riverbanks.

The fate of the Ribble Way?

So I, too, leave the river and climb over muddy fields. The one consolation is the views from up here of distant Pendle and the new Dinkley footbridge. As you can see from the photo, the sun hasn’t appeared yet.

Before returning to the river, I divert slightly to see what, if anything, has happened to the C17th Trough House since I was last here two and a half years ago.  https://bowlandclimber.com/2024/05/30/rambling-on-the-riverbank/                                                      Well, things haven’t changed much; a relative is living there now; she tells me there are no eggs because the mink have killed all her hens. The bridge takes me across the Ribble; in a lively mood but not flood conditions, the shingle ‘beach’ is visible.I have not seen anyone on the north side of the river, but here there are always people, most walking in from the Marles Wood car park or down from Hurst Green.

Downstream first along open meadows and then into the damp beech woods.

The river builds up momentum to pass through the rock strata into Sale Wheel, always an exciting scene.

The last stile out of the woods takes me onto the road for that inevitable stretch back to Ribchester.

I always wish for a magic carpet to transport me – but it never materialises.

Of course the sun is shining bright as I drive home over Longridge Fell.

*