Fairy Glen, Appley Bridge
OS grid reference :- SD517109
The picturesque wooded clough valley of Fairy Glen, which is around a mile in length, is a popular beauty spot situated between the villages of Appley Bridge and Parbold in West Lancashire.
Meandering Sprodley Brook, which feeds into the River Douglas, has over time, cut down through the underlying sandstone to create the steep valley, which boasts a series of spectacular waterfalls and dramatic cliff faces.
Fairy Glen is a designated as a Biological Heritage Site due to its dense ancient woodland of oak, birch, ash and alder. The secluded atmosphere of the glen provides an ideal home for a variety of wildlife.The woodland floor is covered with a spectacular carpet of bluebells in springtime, while pungent wild garlic, delicate ferns, colourful marsh marigold and red campion are amongst the profusion of wild flowers to be be found in the valley. Walking trails from the Fairy Glen link to the surrounding wider countryside through the local path system.
A walk to Parbold Hill and through Fairy Glen
Distance- Around 4 miles
*Commencing at the lay-by on the A5209 (OS Grid ref- SD517109) situated almost across from Fairy Glen, cross a stile at the end of the lay by and head up the field.
*Turn left along the top of the field to enter the woods. Continue along the track, cross a small footbridge, then alongside a small stream and continue until the conifer plantation bends away, then turn right, and ascend the hill.
*On arriving at a tarmac track turn left, then left again down another track to arrive at a small clough. Continue along the track through the woodland to join A5209. Turn left and walk for around 100 yards then cross a stile located on the other side of the road.
*Continue down the field to reach a stile in the right hand corner. Follow the lane just to the right, pass the railway and the canal. Cross the bridge and continue in an easterly direction along the canal towpath for about half a a mile.
*Cross bridge bridge 40 and walk up the lane. Turn right in front of 2 houses and continue across fields in a straight line to enter Fairy Glen. The track goes through the glen, past a series of waterfalls, then joins to the A5209. Cross and turn right to return to the lay-by.