Bluebells and Woodland Delights from Cobble Hey

Cobble Hey has been a working hill farm for more than 150 years, and still farm sheep and beef cattle. The gardens were opened to the public in 2002. The farm is also a haven for breeding wading birds. During the spring time, lapwing, curlew and redshank regularly raise their young on the surrounding fields.

The walk starts and finishes at Cobble Hey Farm & Gardens. Parking is available free of charge for those using the tea room. Please note parking is only available during opening times: Thursday to Sunday (4 days a week except for Bank Holiday Mondays) from Feb 11th until the end of October, 10,30am until 4.30pm. Visit cobblehey.co.uk

Part of the route follows a series of stone waymarkersdepicting wildlife of the forest of Bowland. Members of the public attended a stone carving workshop to produce these beautiful pieces of art.

St. Johns Church serves the village of Calder Vale, the hamlet of Oakenlough, and the surrounding countryside. Local Philanthropist and owner of the Bleasdale Estate, William James Garnett donated the land for the church and the adjoining school in 1860. the foundation stone was laid in 1861, and the completed church was consecrated in August 1863. The church is built of white freestone quarried locally.