Hagg Clough Wood

The woodland around Hagg Clough, just outside Clitheroe, is proper Lancashire - nothing fancy, just good honest forest walking with decent views if you know where to look. It's the sort of place locals have been tramping through for decades, and there's a reason for that: it works.

You're looking at mixed woodland with footpaths that meander through to the clough itself, where a small stream runs down a fairly steep-sided valley. The walk takes you away from the village quickly enough, and the trees offer decent shelter if the weather turns - which it often does round here. Most people allow an hour to ninety minutes depending on how far they push it. There's no particular "attraction" in the tourist sense; it's a genuine working wood that happens to be walkable.

Families with older kids will get the most from it - there's a bit of scrambling involved and roots to watch for, so it's not pushchair territory. Walkers after something shorter than the big fell days will find it hits the spot. History enthusiasts might investigate the old quarrying evidence scattered about, though nothing's signposted.

From Cross Lane Caravan Park or Brickhouse, you're minutes away. Even from Clitheroe Camping and Caravanning Club Site it's a straightforward drive. Free access, no nonsense about it. Go midweek if you can - weekends bring the crowd from town. Decent boots essential.