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Main Instructor:

Susan Spall

Hosted By:

Susan Spall

Walk Description:

 

  

 Join us for another walk in the Abbeys and Priories series for 2026. 

 

Join us on a 5km walk from Spring Wood which was the deer park to Whalley Abbey, also has signs of past quarrying, down the main road of the town looking at some of the old buildings before getting to St Marys Church and the Abbey.

lunch and time to explore before heading under the impressive Whalley viaduct, over the River Calder, before heading back round to the wood again. 

Spring Wood – was once owned by the monks of Whalley Abbey and was originally called Oxheywoode, which formed part of a deer park in the 1530’s.

 St Marys Church – existed in 596 in the doomsday book. Many parts of the church now incorporated within the church. Was mother church for the whole area. The organ was originally for Lancaster priory

 Whalley Abbey – former Cistercian abbey. In 1296 monks moved from Stanlow Abbey. The move caused concern to Sawley abbey, the monks there complained they had lost some of their income. Abbey closed in 1537 as part of the dissolution. Abbot Paslew was executed at Lancaster castle for treason. Has had many owners since then. 

Whalley viaduct. - completed in 1850, arches 12 and 13 collapsed killing 2 men. Two arches designed to reflect the abbey.

Walk speed guide:

Gentle stroll - Gear 1 - Nice pace that you can do for extended periods. 2-2.5mph (these generally are our Wellness walks)   Easy walk - Gear 2 - Faster pace gained through technique. Expect Gear 2 at times throughout the walk with occasional photo stops. 2.5mph (Most of our 1-hour Explorer walks)   Moderate walk - Gear 2/3 - Faster again using technique and with less recovery. Very little stopping. 2.5mph-3mph+ (these are generally Total Body Walx, but also explore this pace on our Explorer and Adventure walks)   Strenuous walk - gear 3/4  (these are generally Total Body Walx, but also explore this pace on our Explorer and Adventure walks).

You are asked to contact your WALX Guide by phone, leaving a voicemail or sending an sms text to the number listed below, if you are likely to be delayed as we do start classes promptly.

Whilst we do understand that sometimes it is not possible to make a class, please be aware that we do operate a no refund policy if you give us less than 2 hours’ notice.

All activities are undertaken at your own risk. We cannot be held responsible for any injuries or accidents incurred. We undertake to deliver all classes with qualified staff and have made every effort to risk assess all WALX. On occasions it is necessary to make dynamic risk assessment decisions when there is a localised incident such as trees fallen en route, flooding, traffic changes, etc.

Please ensure your PARQ is up to date and notify us in writing if you have any change to your medical records, or physical or mental wellbeing. This should include any surgery, falls, knocks, or accidents. Thank you.

Contact details (only contact to notify if late or cancelling)

Matt 07530 813225

 

Location Notes:

PLEASE USE W3W’s for location as more accurate than postcode. Car parks entrance is at the traffic lights on the main A671 Accrington road. Car Parking – £1.20 pay and display Toilets are available at car park What 3 words location: talents.commuting.awkward