Hurst Green - de Tabley Arms

This walk offers a lovely stroll following the south bank of the Ribble to what was the de Tabley Arms at Ribchester Bridge. The return mainly follows a bridleway to Startling Brook and then over sheep pasture to Hurst Green.
Warning: The de Tabley Arms no longer exists and has been converted into a small housing complex.

The walk starts along Lambing Clough Lane next to the Shireburn Arms. An easy stroll along the farm road leads to Trough House. Just after the house take the narrow left-hand footpath to Dinkley suspension footbridge over the Ribble. (15 min)
Turn right over the bridge along the grassy south bank of the Ribble and then through Marles Wood. At the end of the wood bear right over the footbridge to the road. Turn right at the road for the former de Tabley Arms at Ribchester Bridge. (45 min)
The return path starts over the bridge initially following the Ribble Way to Dewhurst House. At the house bear left following the bridleway. White waymarkers guide the walker over two becks to the farm track. Turn left at the road and after 200yd look for the FP sign and stile into the wood leading to the footbridge over Starling Brook. On leaving the wood aim for the white house seen in the distance. Head straight across the field to the next footbridge; again carry on over the field to meet the farm track. (45 min)
Turn right along the farm road to Bailey Hall. At the house keep left and follow the path into the wood to the footbridge over the brook. A series of wooden steps lead out of the wood to an old metal gate. White waymarkers lead to the farmhouse seen in front of the church. Go through the yard up to the main road. To return to the car park in Hurst Green, cross the main road and walk up by the church to the T-junction. Turn right for Hurst Green. Alternatively cross the main road and use the footpath along the road to return to the Shireburn Arms. (25 min)