Routes Around Rossendale
10.01.2015
This project is now complete – thank you to everyone for the support!
Some minor additional works will be taking place before Christmas to plant additional shrubs along the boundary fence heading west from Rakehead Lane. It is hoped these works will take no more than a day or two and cause minimal disruption to residents and path users.
The completed path has been well used throughout the summer and we hope this will continue through into winter – we want it to be used all year round by local people.
13.3.2014
6.3.2014
5.3.2014
25.2.2014
Routes Around Rossendale project – Guided Rides report – February 2014
Dam Top Riding Centre, Rawtenstall has completed five guided rides as part of the Routes Around Rossendale project. Funded by Natural England’s ‘Paths For Communities programme’ and the Lancashire Environmental Fund, this project aims to encourage people to explore the countryside on their doorstep in Rossendale. In total, 20 riders took part in the rides through January and February, taking in the Irwell Valley (Horncliffe) route, Dearden Clough (The Plunge) and Whitegates (Maden Road) bridleways.
There has been fantastic feedback from those who took part:
‘The Whitegates ride
“It was physically challenging and really tested my riding skills. It was also extremely varied – as we were in built up areas one minute and shining countryside the next…”
‘” I had a good time on the Whitegates ride. I thought I knew Rossendale, but this ride showed me places I didn’t know existed. Around every corner there was a new view. It was a unique way to see the area…”
“The terrain was demanding and varied with wonderful open views of the countryside round Rossendale – which take on a totally different perspective when on a horse!”
The ‘Irwell Valley’ Ride
“Even the sewage works looks interesting as you approach the railway level crossing and river at Irwell Vale coming from Edenfield!”
“We had an exhilarating canter through the beautiful woods on the way to Strongstry”
From the children and young people on the rides to the Plunge
“We started in sunshine and came home in a mini-blizzard!”
“Enjoyed the canter up to Windy Harbour on the bridle path above Horncliffe”
“From Gin Croft Lane I could see right across the valley to my house in Chatterton!”
“I love riding Ruby. She is not too strong, but loves being in the countryside and out of the arena”
“The track through the quarry past Horncliffe Farm was a bit scary – but exciting”
24.2.2014
Great news – one person has passed their Bikeability Level 1 Award – and 5 people have learned how to ride a bike – well done!!
20.2.2014
As part of the Routes Around Rossendale project (funded by Natural England, Paths for Communites and the Lancashire Environmental Fund) we held our second AQA Hedge Planting workshop at Stubbylee Community Greenhouses. It was a very productive afternoon and we planted two mixed hedges. Ten people attended the session, the sun shone and we are all looking forward to the next session in two weeks time 🙂
17.2.2014
Day 2 of the Outdoor First Aid course – tired after a busy, but very informative and useful, two days. Ten people attended the course in total – including members of Stubbylee Community Greenhouses, Friends of Valley of Stone, Peers Clough Packhorses, Proffitts and volunteers in the community. Today we practiced our skills in context (real life scenarios in outdoor situations) and completed our written tests. Thank you David and Ian from Lancashire First Aid Training Ltd.
15.2.2014
A brilliant first day of a 2 day course in ‘Outdoor First Aid’, delivered by Lancashire First Aid Training Ltd. Areas covered today included: how to bandage and, safe airway position – all crucial, need to know stuff! Looking forward to day 2. All participants will receive a Scottish Qualification Authority (SQA) certificate upon completion
5.2.2014
Yesterday, another AQA planting workshop took place at Stubbylee Community Greenhouses in Bacup. Part of the ‘Routes around Rossendale’ project, this session was entitled ‘Planting a hedge with bare root sapling’. 10 people attended, along with Souta Creagh (Operations Manager). The group learn how to identify plant species from bare root whips, different parts of the plant, planning and assessing a location to plant a hedge, weed control, safe use of equipment and safety when working outdoors. All in all, another positive session!
4.2.2014
FREE Bike Skills sessions – February half term – don’t miss out!!
3.2.2014
40 people joined us for the walk this weekend around Bacup and Stacksteads – it was great to see so many new faces. A great 2 hour hike, finished with a hot pot lunch at Maddy’s cafe 🙂
23.1.2014
New Path to link towns…..Rossendale Free Press
15.1.2014
Another fabulous guided walk at the weekend. Although it was bitterly cold, everyone had a great time. Lovely to see some new faces too!
7.1.2013
Looking to burn off the seasonal excess? If so, why not join the Friends of Valley of Stone on a 7 mile guided walk (including old tracks, tramways and quarries!) with superb panoramic views. Meet at the Stacksteads car park (opposite the Rose n Bowl) at 12 noon on Sunday 12 January.
11.12.2013
The first guided ride, led by FORBA (Forest of Rossendale Bridleways Association), took place on Sunday 8 December. As you can see from the photo, it was a beautiful ride around Haslingden and Rawtenstall. The second ride, for experienced riders, will be on Sunday 12 January. If you are interested, contact Chris Peat on 01254 386 459 or 07811 279 092. Alternatively, you can email [email protected]
4.12.2013
The “Routes around Rossendale” project aims to encourage people to explore the countryside on their doorstep in Rossendale by foot, horse or bicycle. The project (which is funded by Natural England’s Paths For Communities Programme and Lancashire Environmental Fund) is to focused on refurbishing/ creating a new a multi user path (3 metres wide) along a section of disused railway in Stacksteads and signposting 8 circular paths on existing rights of way around Rossendale. A leaflet and web page will be produced, detailing the new path and loop routes, so that walkers, cyclists and horse-riders can make the most of Rossendale’s beautiful countryside and excellent facilities. As part of the process, guided walks and rides are being held between December 2013 and February 2014 to give newcomers confidence in the routes and in their abilities.
Several guided bridleway rides will be held in the coming weeks for different abilities of riders. Please watch this space for more news. The first ride for experienced riders will be on Sunday 8 December and will take in a recently refurbished byway in Rawtenstall and show people the way along Cribden Side, a notoriously difficult to find route. Festive mulled wine, soup and mince pies will be provided on return. The second ride for experienced riders will be on 12th January, route to be confirmed.