VISIT the picturesque Lancashire village of Chipping (northeast of Preston) and explore the rolling countryside to its north, writes JOHN EDMONDSON.

The name 'Chipping' is derived from Old English 'ceping,' which means 'market.' Today, the village is an interesting collection of buildings, including the oldest continually trading shop in the country.

Start at Chipping car park (£2.20 all day, grid reference SD 621 432, postcode PR3 2QH).

INFORMATION

Distance: 6.5 miles and 600 feet of ascent

Time: 3 hours

Terrain: grassy paths and quiet roads

Map: OS Explorer OL41

ROUTE

1 Walk from the rear of the car park, turning right then left (past a bus stop) along Church Raike. Keep right down Malt Kiln Brow, across a bridge then uphill past Kirk Mill pond. From the late 19th century until 2009 the mill was Berry’s joinery and chair making business. Turn right into woods at a footpath fingerpost and walk up a hedged lane. Follow the footpath, crossing a gravel driveway and going around the right of Nan King’s farm to a road. Turn immediately right to Peacock Hey Farm. Cross the farmyard keeping right to a metal gate then left to go around the house. Walk along the right of a field, following overhead cables, then downhill to a lane, across a beck and up to a cottage and house. Turn left around the house and walk up a grassy lane, through a gate, then aim towards the bowl shaped valley of Burnslack. Walk beside a hedge on the right, over a stile and through reeds past a small pond. Head towards the left of a small hump-shaped hill and cross a stile near some trees. Aim for the right of a coppice ahead, go through a gate and turn right onto a track.

2 Follow the track through a gate into Stanley Access Land, crossing Burnslack Brook via concrete stepping stones. Continue along the track for almost a mile to a metal gate. Turn left and follow the tarmacked lane, crossing Dinkling Green Brook, and turn right at the road junction after a telephone box. Turn right onto a bridleway by a lane to Higher Greystoneley. After passing recently built houses, continue along a grassy track and down a stony track, across a ford (with a footbridge) then up past a house (called Bramblewood Barn) onto a lane. Turn right to pass by a limekiln on the left.

3 Cross a field to a stile into woodland, 100 yards to the left of a metal gate. Go down a grassy path to a footbridge then up to a fence stile and alongside a fence on the right. Cross a footbridge, pass Long Plantation wood on the right then continue alongside the fence and across a field to the left of a wood ahead. Turn left onto the tarmacked track and right on the road to Chipping. Turn right onto Talbot Street, a wide market street with interesting houses, shops and alehouses, and cross Chipping Brook. By the mid 19th century, there were seven water-powered mills on Chipping Brook. Walk past Brabins Shop, with a date stone of 1668 above its door, and The Tillotsons inn. The shop is thought to be the oldest continually trading shop in England. Continue past St Bartholomew’s Church to return to the car park.

Next week: Silverdale Pepperpot

NB: Restrictions on space mean that this article provides a general summary of the route. It is advisable for anyone who plans to follow the walk to take a copy of the relevant Ordnance Survey map.