Hurst Green - Punch Bowl

This is an easy walk over farm tracks or pasture land. For the first part the path follow the Ribble Way which is well waymarked. After the Punch Bowl a pleasant stroll returns the walker to Hurst Green.

The walk starts along Lambing Clough Lane next to the Shireburn Arms. An easy stroll along the farm road leads to Trough House. (Just after the house take the narrow left-hand and footpath to made a slight diversion to see Dinckley Suspension Footbridge over the Ribble.) Otherwise bear right after the farm and follow the signs for the Ribble Way which is well waymarked. The path is over a series of fields and stiles and leads to a footbridge over Starling Brook with Hey Hurst seen in the distance. After the bridge follow the fence on the right around the field to meet the farm road. (40 min)
Turn right up the road. After half mile on reaching the beech wood on the right look for the FP sign and stile (in need of repair) into the wood leading to the footbridge over Starling Brook. On leaving the wood head straight across the field to the next footbridge; again carry on over the field to meet the farm track. (In a previous life it was possible to turn left and follow the track to the main road for the Punch Bowl but now demolished and just a memory.) (15 min)
Otherwise turn right and follow the farm road to Bailey Hall. At the house keep left and follow the path into Bailey Wood to the footbridge over the Bailey Brook. A series of wooden steps lead out of the wood to an old metal gate. White waymarkers lead to the farmhouse seen in front of the church. Go through the farmyard up to the main road. To return to the car park in Hurst Green, cross the main road and walk up by St John's Church to the T-junction. Turn right for Hurst Green. Alternatively cross the road and use the footpath along the main road to return to the Shireburn Arms. (25 min)