Hornby Road

The full Hornby Road walk is approximately 15 miles long, beginning in Slaidburn and ending in Hornby. We just did a short taster before planning the full walk in for the summer – it requires a bit of planning on the transport front.

With sweeping views across the moorland, a sense of solitude, some interesting thoughts about the history of the road and the land, so much wildlife to see, even our short walk was a great example of the very essence of this Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty – the Forest of Bowland.

Hornby Road, also known as the Salter Fell Track is an ancient route that links the Lune Valley with West Riding of Yorkshire. The Romans laid a road that spans across the empty moors, creating a much used thoroughfare. The isolated moorland is impressive, and more recently laid tracks over the Roman road make it easier to traverse. In fact, the full route was endorsed by no other than the great Alfred Wainwright as one of the finest moorland walks in the country. Quite some accolade.

We wandered up Wood House Lane towards Low Fell, and enjoyed the views of Baxton Fell and the more distant Wolfhole Crag. We also crossed Croasedale Brook two or three times, which can be tricky in more inclement weather.