Sunday 29 June 2025
Meet at Central Square at 9.30am for directions to Downham for an 8.2m E/M8 walk around Downham, Sawley & Chatburn.
Leader: Margaret Schumacher
The following information has been prepared by the Walk Leader: Marg Schumacher. Any queries, please get in touch
Distance to Downham 45miles
Take the M6 north to J31 signposted Preston Clitheroe.
Turn right on leaving M6 and follow A59 Clitheroe - Turn left after a mile to stay on A59.
Follow A59 for a further 12 miles (later signposted Skipton)
Turn left to Chatburn (there’s a brown tourist sign)
Turn right at the T junction, follow any signs for Assheton Arms.
When you see the Brown Cow Pub on left, take the next right (second right by Sat/Nav goes to same place).
When you pass the Assheton Arms on the left, take right fork in road straight down the hill. Cross the little bridge at the bottom and stay to the right.
Go past the ice cream shop and take next right. There’s an ‘easily missed’ sign on the wall for the car park. The track doesn’t look very promising but there is a car park on the cobbles at the end which is Free.
There are well presented toilets in the barn which are also Free.
There were spaces in the car park during the week. It’s possibly busier at the weekends, car sharing would be a good idea where possible. There is also street parking available.
Downham was the film location for ‘Whistle Down the Wind’ for those old enough to remember it.
Downham BB7 4BJ Please let me know if you are making your own way to Downham.
The Downham walk is back by popular demand. We were lucky enough to have beautiful weather for this walk last year and it was enjoyed by all.
The walk is 8.2 miles with an optional extra loop of about two miles. Last year those who took the longer route managed to catch up with the main party after they had stopped for lunch. The walk initially crosses fields then gains some height around Worsaw Hill, the extra loop is in this area. It skirts the village of Chatburn before following the course of the River Ribble. We will have our lunch on its bank. After reaching Sawley we will visit the interesting remains of a Cistercian Abbey. The rest of the walk is through pleasant countryside with its own character, back to the Assheton Arms and Downham.
