Introduction
I was picking up my “nearly new” car today, from a garage in Colne.
Wycoller is a village in nearby Trawden Forest. I’ve visited the area once before and this was a great opportunity to return for a shorter walk.
There are few trees in Trawden Forest, but I guess there once were!
It’s an hour’s drive from Cheadle Hulme.
The 3.5 mile walk took 2 hours 15 minutes to complete.
It was a cold, cloudy day with an easterly breeze, but stayed dry.
This is a good walk for taking the dog, there are some sheep pastures and roads but the return track down Smithy Clough is great for a run (and a swim, if your pooch is so inclined)!
I walked in a clockwise direction.
The walk is on OS Explorer Map OL21.
I parked at the car park, signposted locally as Wycoller Country Park. It is half a mile west of the village, thus increasing the walk to 4.5 miles! Nearest postcode BB8 8SY, What 3 Words ///difficult.curvy.inserted
Note that the toilets in the village are present and open at the time of writing!
Wycoller
It’s a pretty path and lane from the car park to the village, crossing Wycoller Beck on the entrance to the village.
The village is delightful, with its wonky packhorse bridge and the ruins of Wycoller Hall..
The Atom
My route led uphill to the left of the hall. I strode up briskly to get warm!
Soon, The Atom was in sight.
It is one of a series of sculptures reflecting the renaissance of East Lancashire in the 21st century, all completed between 2003 and 2007.
It is described as a panoptican for Pendle, with the unmistakeable outline of Pendle Hill in the distance.
Having had a late start, I sheltered in the sculpture for lunch, enjoying the window views.
From here I traversed the hillside, leaving The Atom behind.
The Moors
The path rose gradually, passing a couple of farms, eventually meeting a slightly busier than expected road. Briefly, there was a view over the moors past Watersheddles Reservoir to the Yorkshire town of Keighley.
After leaving the road I began the descent, with stunning views down the valley towards Wycoller.
Smithy Clough To Wycoller
The streams here were flowing quite vigorously.
Half way down, more and more trees lined the valley. It’s a lovely place for a stroll, with numerous further bubbling waterfalls.
The signpost at the junction of Smithy Clough and Turnhole Clough belies the vast number of hiking routes on offer round here.
The Atom still dominated the skyline to the right as I descended the valley.
A footpath to the left is accessed by this unique narrow stone bridge.
And before long , I was back at Wycoller.
On my return to the car park, my new vehicle was alone, and thankfully safe, for the drive home!
All in all, a lovely half day out!
Now to delve into the manual!!
And Finally….
One of my favourites – The Cars with “Drive”. What else could I choose for this day!
Never seem to go that way on walks but go often when go to Dales. Always seems a long way but
as you say only an hour.
.Perhaps give it it a go when weather improves
Nice car ! 🚙