A walk through Middle Earth
Route facts
Waterways:
River Ribble »
Distance: 5.5 miles / 9km
Difficulty: Easy
Suitable for: Everyone
Circular route from: The Shireburn Arms (Hurst Green)
Middle Earth boasts Hobbiton, the River Shirebourne and the River Brandywine; the Ribble valley boasts Hurst Green, the River Ribble and the River Hodder. Is it possible that the inspiration for The Lord of the Rings came from the green fields around Clitheroe? Re-trace the steps of Frodo Baggins et al, on their journey from the Shire towards the Crack of Doom, and decide for yourself!
This scenic walk is within the capability of most walkers - but holds the most appeal for hard-core Tolkien fans
Waypoints
1. Through the Shire to Buckleby Ferry
Leave the Shireburn Arms (Tolkien's favourite local watering hole) by crossing the adjacent field towards the River Ribble, notice the small mounds dotted around. You will soon come to the point where the Ribble is joined by two other rivers - the Calder and the Hodder. Here, a ferry used to run passengers across the Ribble. Tolkien may have used this as inspiration for the Buckleby ferry, which Frodo and his friends used to leave the Shire and enter the Old Forest.
2. Through the Old Forest
Look across the bank and you will see Hacking Hall with the dark conifer groves of Mitton Wood behind it. Tolkien transformed these landmarks into Brandy Hall and the Old Forest. Head north along the River Hodder (or the River Brandywine) and pass the earthen mound which once swallowed up Frodo. At Winkley Hall Farm, follow the path through the farmyard and up the slight hill. You will be heading forward towards Stonyhurst College - but before doing so, why not take a quick detour to the Lower Hodder Bridge - aka Brandywine Bridge which takes the Great East Road (the B6243) across the river.
3. Tom Bombadil's House
Tolkien spent much time visiting his son at Stonyhurst College. He stayed at a grey-stone guest house named New Lodge - which enters the trilogy as Tom Bombadil's house. Take some time to admire the imposing splendour of the Elizabethan college, which boasts two chapels, ornate staircases and a gold cloak once worn by Henry VIII. Then, follow the long driveway for half a mile back to Hurst Green - or rather Hobbiton!
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