Ribble Valley: A 3 Mile Ramble From The Coach And Horses

Having stayed at The Coach and Horses situated in the Ribble Valley, this 3 mile circular walk is perfect for blowing off the cobwebs and venturing out for a couple of hours. The walk is dog-friendly, but please note that there will be livestock grazing in the fields you go through, so keeping them under control (on a lead) is essential. This route takes you through multiple fields and these can be very boggy, especially during the winter.

We were staying at the Coach and Horses as Louise was interviewing the head chef Ian Moss for The Caterer. Whilst sat in their lovely bar area we were discussing looking up walks in the area to do (we had previously hiked up Pendle Hill). The waitress handed us a flyer with a nice short walk starting from the doorstep. The route looked perfect, a couple of hours we could enjoy in the countryside the next morning, following an evening enjoying the delicious tasting menu on offer.

There was nothing tricky to the walk, no steep ascents, slippery uneven terrain or scrambling of any kind, just an easy ramble across open fields enjoying the scenery and the country air.

Ribble Valley ramble route description

Stage 1 – Coach and Horses to the River Ribble

Leaving The Coach and Horses, we took a right and crossed a small bridge following the road past the parish church which is on the left. A little further along, take a right turn up a private driveway marked King Henry Mews. Continue along the drive through an avenue of trees and over a stone bridge. On a clear day, as you pass the dramatic stone outcrop on the right, you should get a clear view of Pendle Hill.

Further along, pass the stile beside the cattle grid, and then keep left. As you reach the cottages to your right, take a left at the last cottage up a rough stone track. Soon you reach a converted barn, and there is a kissing gate to your left. Go through the kissing gate and follow the way-markers across the field to the next kissing gate.

After going through the kissing gate, continue across the field to a footbridge which is just to the right side of a concrete shed. Cross over the footbridge and continue straight ahead – you will note a stumpy tree to your left. As you reach the other side of the field, there is a gate to your left with a fenced off plantation of young trees. After passing through the gate, the path rises slightly with the River Ribble to your right.

Stage 2 – River Ribble to the Coach and Horses

Head through the next kissing gate and follow the path along the edge of the field to yet another kissing gate. Heading towards Food Farm (keep the hedge to your right), and as you approach the first cottage, head through the kissing gate to your right. Follow the path around the barn and left to the next kissing gate and down some steps. Continue left and up the track to the green gate, which is located between two sheds.

After going through the gate, bear right across the field to the next kissing gate and then through the next field to another kissing gate. Continue into the larger field to the kissing gate in the top right corner of the field. Heading through the kissing gate continue down the hill, bear slightly left which leads you to the next kissing gate. Through here follow the line of what appears to be an old ditch, which also brings you past a line of old oak trees and to the final gate at the road.

Go through the gate and continue in the same direction, following the road back towards the village. Take good care on the road as there are a few bends to contend with, so ensure you are clearly visible to all traffic. You will soon pass the village graveyard on the right, and then the school and village green. Shortly after, you will pass the very start of your walk, and then reach The Coach and Horses.

If you are staying for a night or two, Ribble Valley offers so much to see and do and it is well worth exploring. We would suggest checking out the Forest of Bowland (Area Of National Beauty) page for suggestions

Where to eat and drink after the walk

The obvious choice would be The Coach and Horses (we absolutely love their bar area) to sit and have a drink in. This award-winning country inn combines relaxed charm with seriously good food, championing seasonal ingredients and locally sourced produce throughout its menus. Whether you’re after some bar snacks, a leisurely Sunday roast, or a refined six-course tasting experience, there’s something for every appetite. Expect thoughtful cooking, warm hospitality, and a cosy setting.

You are almost spoiled for options when it comes to both hiking hills and relaxing with a pint and great food afterwards. Some other notable dining destinations within half an hours drive are Eight at Gazegill (15mins) and The Inn at Whitewell (30mins).