Cromwell’s Bridge

Cromwell’s Bridge is simply marked ‘Old Bridge’ on the Ordnance Survey map, but it was named after Oliver Cromwell – who marched his army over the bridge on the way to Walton-le-Dale to fight in the Battle of Preston in 1648.  It crosses the River Hodder near Hurst Green and is obviously no longer in use, but you can walk across it at time of writing.

The River Hodder rises from springs on White Hill, somewhere near here.  It flows into the the River Ribble about 23 miles down stream after running through Stocks Reservoir and the settlements of Slaidburn, Newton, Dunsop Bridge and Whitewell.

You can see the two rivers join here which is along the Tolkien Trail walk, more details here: https://www.explorebowland.co.uk/tolkien-trail/