Roach bridge walk (From Lancashire Telegraph)

Roach bridge walk

3:32pm Monday 29th November 2010

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I remember the time when I gave walking directions using local pubs as landmarks.

In recent times the economic climate has meant many pubs which once served food have been forced to close and many walking books are now out of date. Things look to be getting worse and so I have to be careful when deciding routes.

There are some boggy areas but also lush countryside around the River Darwen and one of its tributaries is Beeston Brook.

At one time these watercourses were unpolluted and this must have been the case when Roach Bridge Papermill was working at full capacity in the 19th and early 20th centuries.

Paper making requires a reliable source of fresh water. Despite pollution the paper mill survived until recent times and in its prime must have been an impressive structure.

This walk follows fields and woodland paths to and around the hamlet of Coup Green and the undulating tracks and the boggy areas are easily negotiated.

1. From the crossroads at the Old New Hall Taven head down hill to reach the ruins of the paper mill at Roach Bridge.

Cross the River Darwen. At this point there is a slight incline at the end of the mill complex with its weir. Look out for a bridleway signed to the left. Ascend a steep incline through a belt of trees and enter a field, keeping the trees on the right.

A track leads towards a group of farm buildings but do not go through the farmyard but keep a look out for a stile at the corner of the field.

2. Cross the stile and bear slightly to the left above a wooded incline. Pass through fields and follow the obvious signs.

3.Turn left at a gate leading to a substantial track and descend, still following the indicators. This leads into a very pretty lane.

Turn sharp left at this point and ascend for about 400 yards. Do not follow a road junction to the left but continue onwards to reach a cottage and a small farm. Immediately opposite is a substantial stile.

Cross this to join a field which leads to another stile. Follow ahead to reach another pleasant wooded area. Approach a footbridge over Beeston Brook.

4. Cross the footbridge and then bear right, leading to another lush and often damp field. The route then heads for a group of dwellings making up the hamlet of Coup Green.

There are pavements here but these soon give way to a track leading to a steep and wooded area. Pass a farm on the left and descend to reach a footbridge over the River Darwen.

5. Cross this bridge and follow an obvious riverside path on the right. The path is close to a cascade in the river, aptly called Red Rocks.

Follow onwards to reach a stile as the river meanders to the right. Cross another stile and then the river diverts to the left and once more runs close to the footpath.

Cross another stile to reach Roach Bridge.

6. At Roach Bridge turn left and ascend to the starting point. Time should be taken to enjoy the wildlife which hunts the river, especially at this time of the year.

Heron, dipper, grey wagtail and kingfisher are all resident in the area.

The area close to the old mill weir is particulary rewarding.