Pleasington Water, woodland and history on Hoghton Bottoms walk

Walk devised by Rob Evans Norwest Fell Walking Club leader and described by Bob Clare

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The countryside around Hoghton Bottoms is rather special - a miniature landscape composed of river, pasture, woodland and parkland with a scattering of cottages dating back to the 18th and 19th centuries when waterpower brought industry here - as incredible as that may seem when you visit this delightful haven.

What is even more remarkable how close it is to Blackburn and Preston and yet seems so unspoiled.

Start: Pleasington Playing Fields car park BB2 5LE What3Words:///kick. trying.dollar

Fact fileDistance: 7 1/2 miles Time: Allow 3-4 hours Grade: Easy-moderate Map: OS Explorer 287 The West Pennine Moors

Directions. The first part of the walk follows the Witton Weavers Way. From the car park return to the main drive and take a path opposite leading slightly uphill into trees. Once in woodland the path bends to the right and on an undulating course continues to a pedestrian railway bridge. Cross into a housing estate and turn left into the Crescent. As this swings round turn left again to reach Preston Old Road (A674). Turn right. Find a safe place to cross and continue to Cherry Tree Lane. Here turn left pass the library and keep ahead across a green to join the towpath of the Leeds-Liverpool Canal.