The 6-Mile Mystery Tour! 🚶‍♂️

A Few Apologies First!

Before getting into the details of the walk, I have a couple of apologies to make.

Firstly, apologies to Sonya — you were right! It is Salesbury Hall, not Salmesbury Hall. Maybe you should lead the walk instead of me!

Secondly, I apologise to everyone else because, following our recce on Sunday, I’m still not entirely sure whether we will actually be doing the walk that Chris originally mentioned!

However, just in case I do decide to inflict it on you all, I thought I’d give you a little report on what you might be letting yourselves in for.

The walk is approximately 6 miles, although by the time I’ve finished changing the route, getting lost and taking the occasional wrong turn, it could end up being anything! 😂

The Mystery Begins

We’ll head to the Shireburn Arms in Hurst Green for some morning refreshments before setting off. This is probably a very good idea because, once we leave the pub, nobody quite knows what might happen!

Hence the possibility of this becoming The Mystery Tour.

From the Shireburn Arms, we turn left and continue until we reach a small country lane. There are some lovely views of Pendle Hill and the surrounding countryside, so at least there will be something nice to look at while I’m wondering whether I’m actually going in the right direction.

We follow the lane and, just after the farm, veer off to the left until we reach the footbridge over the River Ribble. We then turn right and follow the river towards Marles Wood.

Marles Wood and Salesbury Hall

Once through the wood, I may change the route. I need to recce this section properly on Sunday before I make a final decision, so for now I’ll continue with the original route description.

We have approximately three-quarters of a mile along a country lane, passing Salesbury Hall.

And I must stress once again:

SALESBURY — NOT SALMESBURY!

As some silly person apparently misread it! 🤦‍♂️

When we reach the end of the lane, great care will be needed when crossing the bridge. It is very narrow and the traffic can be very busy, so this is definitely not the place to wander across while admiring the scenery or discussing where we’re going to have lunch!

Lunchtime

We then head back along the riverside, where we’ll stop for lunch.

There is actually a much better place to stop, but unfortunately it comes too early in the walk, so I’ve had to find somewhere else. This is the only suitable spot, so don’t expect Michelin-starred surroundings!

There are no benches this time either, I’m afraid, so you may want to bring something suitable to sit on.

The Return Journey

After lunch, we head back along the lane, follow the riverside and then tackle a small incline before making our way through Haugh Wood.

There are a few tree roots to watch out for and a couple of fallen trees, but don’t panic — they can easily be walked around.

No tree-climbing certificates are required! 🌳😂

Once we come out of the wood, we’re into open fields. There are a few inclines because, apparently, flat walks are now too much to ask for!

There are also two footbridges which, if my memory serves me correctly, both have stiles. There are another two stiles along the route as well.

We then continue across the open fields until we eventually rejoin the lane where we started.

From there, it’s back to the Shireburn Arms, where we can enjoy a very well-earned drink and congratulate ourselves on surviving the Mystery Tour!

My Honest Assessment

Now, I have to be honest.

I did complete the walk, but I found it a little strenuous.

However, that’s probably more down to me than the walk itself. It’s actually no worse than some of the other walks we’ve done — it’s just not my usual flat walk!

Unfortunately, I’m beginning to run out of those! 😂

What Happens Next?

As I mentioned, we’re going to look at another walk around Hurst Green on Sunday.

Simon is away, so this alternative won’t be going onto the website just yet. For now, stick with this one and wait to see what we come up with on the 29th.

So, will it be the 6-Mile Mystery Tour?

Will the route change?

Will I get lost?

Will Sonya finally take over as walk leader?

You’ll have to wait and see! 🚶‍♂️😂 Maybe you should sack the walk leader (please)