Chipping and the Fells of Bowland

The village of Chipping, where the walk begins, is on the edge of the Forest of Bowland. Its name has had many changes of spelling and was originally 'Chepyn' from the Old English word meaning marketplace; it became a market for the surrounding area as far back as Roman times. During the 17th century Chipping was a prosperous centre for the wool trade, where sheep were reared on the fells and their wool was used for cloth sent to nearby towns such as Clitheroe and Preston.

Present-day visitors are attracted by cobbled pavements and courtyards, pretty cottages, and almshouses. Most of the village is still laid out on its original 17th-century plan, and the main street, Windy Street, is known for its original and beautiful buildings. The corn mill is also standing and is now the Waterwheel commercial premises.

Local industry still thrives at Berry and Sons, the Chipping chairmaking firm which has been in business for over 150 years. The walk passes through the chair factory grounds and past Kirk Mill Dam, whose head of water provided power for the works until 1941. The village church, St Bartholomew's, has 'Berry' chairs in the sanctuary and a stained glass window commemorating the life and works of John Berry, who died in 1966.

Once beyond the village there are magnificent views where the atmosphere and spirit of the uncluttered landscape can be appreciated in full. The fells — Longridge, Parlick, Wolf, and Saddle — stretch into the distance, and the skyline of Chipping can be seen in the valley. Another striking landmark, Pendle Hill, is also known as 'Witches Hill' after the witches of Pendle who were tried for sorcery in 1612.

Acknowledgment: Text derived from the Out and Out Series; Discovering the Countryside on Foot. Pictures courtesy of Wikipedia.