Hodder Valley 

The River Hodder rises on the eastern slopes of White Hill in the north of the Forest of Bowland and runs in a generally southerly direction for 25 miles via Stocks Reservoir, Slaidburn, Newton, Dunsop Bridge and Whitewell until it joins the Ribble at Mitton.  For details on the upper reaches see the entries for Bowland Fells and Stocks Reservoir.  Downstream from Whitewell the banks are well wooded but with little public access except for the 2 mile section between Higher and Lower Hodder Bridges.

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Access:

Leave Clitheroe on the B6243 Longridge road and turn right immediately after passing the Edisford Bridge pub.  Higher Hodder Bridge lies 3 miles west of Clitheroe.  There is space to park cars at the western end SD698411.  (There is no parking at Lower Hodder Bridge).  Cross the bridge and at the first gap in the wall descend the steps to the public footpath which runs 2 miles down the west bank to Lower Hodder Bridge SD704392.  From here you may retrace your steps.  If you prefer a circular route, cross the bridge and go up the hill for 150 yards.  A gap in the hedge on the left leads to a field path which rejoins the road near Angerham Farm.  Turn left along the road and in ½ mile immediately after Sagar Fold, turn left again onto another field path back to Higher Hodder Bridge.

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Birds:

The best time of year is Spring.  In the woodland: Great Spotted Woodpecker (let us know if you find Lesser Spotted), thrushes, Common Redstart, Blackcap, Garden Warbler, Chiffchaff, Willow Warbler, Pied Flycatcher, tits including Marsh Tit, Wood Nuthatch, and finches including Bullfinch.  On the river: Grey Heron, Goosander, Common Kingfisher, Common Sandpiper, White-throated Dipper and Grey Wagtail.  In the fields: Lapwing and Curlew.