Walking the Hodder - Stage 5
Newton to Slaidburn
Distance 6.40 miles : time about 3 hours

The FP from Newton to Slaidburn is a pleasant stroll firstly through woodland and pasture and then along the Hodder bank. The path starts at the road bridge and is well marked. After skirting Dunnow Hall the track leads on to the sewage works after which the walker is directed to the river walk. The walk ends at Slaidburn close to the car park. Turn left and walk into Slaidburn for the Hark to Bounty Inn. (40 min)
From Slaidburn the walker may continue the walk along the Hodder to Hammerton Hall close to Stocks Reservoir, or continue the circular route back to Newton.
(a) To continue the walk to Hammerton Hall walk up the Bentham road from the war memorial. The path starts on the right by the side of Croasdale Brook at a metal gate. Walk across the meadow and then follow the stone wall on the left. A track leads to the crossing of the Hodder at Holmehead Bridge and continues to Hammerton Hall. (25 min)
(b) For the return leg of the walk, go by the car park in Slaidburn, walk over the road bridge and up the steep hill. The FP starts 50 yd further uphill after the road bends sharply to the left. The path goes uphill and follows the stone wall on the right to a stone stile at a small metal gate. Over the stile the path follows the stone wall now on the left, skirts the edge of the wood, and carries on to the road. Cross the road and walk down the track to Broadhead Farm. (30 min)
At the farm turn immediately right through the farmyard to meet Easington Brook on the left. Follow the brook along the elevated bank and bear right at the stile at the confluence. The path now hugs the brook and ends at a stile which leads on to the track to Manor House. Continue in front of the house; turn right over the cattle grid to meet the road at Robinsons Farm. Turn left at the road and look for the FP sign on the right at the gate 100 yd after the farm. Newton can now be seen in the distance. On crossing the field the Hodder comes into view and the path continues over a stile along a very old farm track. After crossing the footbridge, carry straight on to meet the Hodder flowing into Newton. (45 min)