Douglas Valley delights

Recommended by
Our view
"A gentle yet surprising corner of Lancashire with some wonderful views, and it saves the best until last."
Walk directions

Leave the eastern end of the lay-by along a field-edge track. At the top corner, turn left beside the wall towards trees. Wind with Sprodley Brook to continue at the perimeter of the wood. Where the path later crosses the stream, head away, passing left of a field-pond. Bear right along a track to meet a lane.

You can short-cut the walk by going left. Otherwise keep ahead to High Moor Lane. Turn right, but immediately past High Moor Restaurant, leave left along a drive. After 600yds (549m), at a bend, bear right through a gate along a contained path. Reaching a junction by a wood, walk left, continuing beyond at the field-edge. Carry on past another wood, swinging right around its corner. Turn left in the next corner to a gate/stile onto the wooded heath crowning Harrock Hill. Bear left to find the windmill.

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Location
Additional information
  Terrain  - Field paths and canal tow path, many stiles
  Landscape  - Open fields, enclosed valley and wooded dell
  Dog friendliness  - Keep dogs under close control
  Parking  - Large lay-by on A5209
  Toilets en route  - None on route
About the walk
They say West Lancashire is flat, and much of it is, but Lancashire is full of surprises. The walk starts with a slight ascent on to High Moor. Not that it is what we would call a moor today: the name dates back to before the Enclosure Acts. The gradual climb culminates on a wooded hill topped by...
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About the area
Lancashire was at the centre of the British cotton industry in the 19th century, which lead to the urbanization of great tracts of the area. The cotton boom came and went, but the industrial profile remains.
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Douglas Valley delights

Recommended by
Our view
"A gentle yet surprising corner of Lancashire with some wonderful views, and it saves the best until last."
Location
Nearest postcode:
Additional information
  Terrain - Field paths and canal tow path, many stiles
  Landscape - Open fields, enclosed valley and wooded dell
  Dog friendliness - Keep dogs under close control
  Parking - Large lay-by on A5209
  Toilets en route - None on route
About the walk
They say West Lancashire is flat, and much of it is, but Lancashire is full of surprises. The walk starts with a slight ascent on to High Moor. Not that it is what we would call a moor today: the name dates back to before the Enclosure Acts. The gradual climb culminates on a wooded hill topped by...
Read more
Been on this walk placeholder

Been on this walk?

Send us photos or a comment about this route. Or recommend a route of your own.

Walking in Safety placeholder

Walking in Safety

Read our tips to look after yourself and the environment when following this walk.

Get an AA guide placeholder

Get an AA guide

Explore our range of ‘50 Walks in’ guides - they’re the ideal companion for a ramble.

About the area
Area image
Lancashire
Lancashire was at the centre of the British cotton industry in the 19th century, which lead to the urbanization of great tracts of the area. The cotton boom came and went, but the industrial profile remains.