Yarrow Valley Country Park

Riverside Trails and Woodland Wonders: Yarrow Valley Country Park, Lancashire

Location: Yarrow Valley Country Park, Birkacre Road, Coppull, Chorley, Lancashire, PR7 3QL.

Parking: There is a dedicated, free car park at the Yarrow Valley Country Park Visitor Centre. It's a large car park but can get very busy, especially on weekends, sunny days, and during school holidays. Arriving earlier or later in the day is recommended.

The Walk:

This suggested walk offers immense flexibility, allowing you to create a route from approximately 2 to 5+ miles, combining riverside exploration with woodland adventure.

1. Starting from the Visitor Centre/Car Park: Begin your walk from the Yarrow Valley Country Park Visitor Centre. Here you'll find facilities like toilets and a cafe (often dog-friendly outside). Head out onto the main paths.

2. Riverside Rambles along the Yarrow: A highlight of the park is the River Yarrow. Follow the paths that run closely alongside the river. This offers a peaceful atmosphere with the sounds of flowing water and plenty of interesting scents for your dog. You'll pass cascades and calmer sections. Keep your dog on a lead near the river's edge due to currents and potential drops.

3. Explore the Woodland Trails: Venture into the extensive woodland areas that line the valley sides. Look for paths that wind through the trees, offering shaded trails, varied scents, and a different walking experience. These areas often provide opportunities for well-behaved dogs with excellent recall to enjoy some off-lead time. The woodlands are home to diverse tree species and undergrowth.

4. Discover the Lakes and Ponds: The park also features several small lakes and ponds, remnants of its industrial past. Paths often lead around these bodies of water, offering different views and wildlife spotting opportunities. Keep dogs away from the water's edge here to protect waterfowl.

5. Enjoy the Undulating Terrain: The park is set within a valley, so expect some gentle to moderate slopes as you move between the riverside and the higher woodland paths. These provide a good workout for both you and your dog.

6. Seek Out Quiet Corners: Despite its popularity, Yarrow Valley is large enough that you can often find quieter, less-trodden paths if you delve deeper into the woodlands, especially away from the main visitor areas.

7. Choose Your Loops: The park has a well-developed network of interconnecting paths. You can easily create various loops, from a short circuit around a lake to a longer trek combining river, woodland, and valley sides. Use the park maps (often available at the visitor centre or on information boards) to guide you.

Points to Consider:

• Lead Etiquette: While off-lead walking is popular, dogs should be kept on a lead near the Visitor Centre, play areas, busy sections of path, near the river's edge, and whenever passing cyclists or other park users.Ensure excellent recall, especially where paths are shared or near roads.
• Water Safety: The River Yarrow can have currents, and the lakes/ponds are deep. Keep your dog away from the water's edge and do not allow them to swim due to potential hazards, cold water, and to protect wildlife.
• Mud: Be prepared for mud! Even the main tracks can be wet, and the smaller trails often have standing water.
• Water for Dogs: Bring plenty of fresh water for your dog, especially if you're undertaking a longer walk. The cafe may have bowls but don't rely solely on it.
• Dog Waste: Please be a responsible dog owner and always clean up after your dog. There are bins available throughout the park.
• Shared Space: The park is popular with a wide range of users, including families with young children, runners, and cyclists. Be courteous and share the paths respectfully.
• Wildlife: The park is a haven for birds and other wildlife. Keep your dog under control and from disturbing any animals.

Why Your Dog Will Love This Walk:

• Vast & Varied Scents: The mix of river, woodland, and open spaces provides a continuous sensory feast.
• Diverse Terrain: A great mix of flat riverside strolls, undulating woodland paths, and open areas keeps the walk exciting.
• Freedom to Roam: Excellent opportunities for off-lead play (with vigilant owner supervision and adherence to rules).
• Natural Shade: The woodlands offer cool, shaded routes on warmer days.

Overall:

Yarrow Valley Country Park offers an outstanding and incredibly varied dog walking experience in Lancashire. With its beautiful riverside setting, extensive woodlands, and diverse network of trails, it's a fantastic destination for a memorable and invigorating outing with your four-legged companion. Just remember to be a responsible owner and share the space thoughtfully to ensure a great time for everyone.