Downham walk (From Chorley Citizen)

Downham walk

6:16pm Monday 15th March 2010 in

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I always make a point of enjoying this walk around this time of year, sometimes more than once!

To describe Downham as unspoiled is something of an understatement.

I turned left over Downham Bridge and watched the mallards being fed by visitors close to the benches alongside Downham Beck.

I ascended between the rows of old handloom weavers cottages and the one-time village school. At the top of the hill proudly stands St Leonard’s Church to the left and the Assheton Arms to the right. Forget for the moment the conflict between religion and the demon drink. Parts of the church date back to Norman times but in the 15th century tower there once hung the bells removed from Whalley Abbey on the orders of Henry VIII in 1538. Inside there is a font given by John Paslew, the last abbot of Whalley, who was executed for defying the will of Henry.

Turn right at the church and pass the post office on the left. Follow the road to Twiston for about one mile.

You are now in the tiny but once busy hamlet of Twiston and there is lots of interest for people like me who are fascinated by the balance between history and natural history. It is thought that Ings Beck, Twiston, was the one time boundary between the ancient Kingdoms of Mercia and Northumbria. The name simply means a boundary so this may well be the true explanation.

The monks had a corn mill at Twiston in 1327 and this was powered by a water mill on Ings beck. Pass the old mill area on the right and the beck on the left. Follow the footpath and stiles but take care to wear the right footwear because this area can be very wet.

Reach Downham Mill which dates to the 17th century and is now a private residence. Take care here because in the area of the now dried up mill lodge the footpath is not easy to follow but the route leads to the Downham to Rimington Road.

At this minor road turn left and do not continue on the footpath alongside Ings Beck, although this is delightful stroll in its own right. Instead continue towards Downham.

On reaching the Chatburn to Downham road with Downham Hall in from look out for a large stone.

This is said to be a Roman gravestone.

I love it when historians start arguing over whether it is Roman or not.

Neither can be sure.

This is fine with me because I can say that it looks Roman to me but I would expect somebody to tell me I am wrong.

Turn left and descend into Downham and return to the starting point.

Downham estate dates to 1558 but its history goes back long before this time.

Before the Norman Conquest it belonged to a Saxon by the name of Aufrey.

This is just one of the strolls around Downham and these are always well used.

There are, however, places where you can be alone and enjoy the peace and quiet solitude.