Long Preston Deeps

• Walk through a Wetlands project
• Grounds of Wigglesworth Hall
• Spot roe deer early and late

No doubt there is a certain self indulgence on this walk near my home in Long Preston. The deep Ribble valley that lies between Long Preston and Wigglesworth/Rathmell has long been the subject of some controversy. The floodplain hasbeen an excellent area for farming and birdlife for centuries but it was in 2004 with the formation of the Long Preston Wet Grassland Project that it became protected (surely finishing off any plans for a bypass) and became one of the best wildlife preserves in the Dales. Working with the local farmers and part subsidised through the Rural Development Programme and the EEC various local agencies manage the project, striking a balance between the farmers, conservation and as important, controlled access to those who wish the enjoy this Area of Special Scientific Interest. It is the birdlife which has been the biggest beneficiary with mating pairs of Lapwing, Curlew, Redshank and Snipe increasing as do the numbers of wintering birds. I am no expert on birds but it is a great area to walk through and look for yourself, apparently roe deer also roam the area but I have not seen them. The walk cuts through the wetlands on the Ribble Way, passing through the grounds of Wigglesworth Hall before returning through the fields at the back of the pretty village of Wigglesworth.

Recommend: Find out more by contacting Tim Youngs or Adrian Shepherd, through the RSPB website or via the National Park.

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© Crown copyright 2010 Ordnance Survey. Image produced from the Ordnance Survey Get-a-map service. Image reproduced with kind permission of Ordnance Survey and Ordnance Survey of Northern Ireland.

OS Map:	O/S 1.25,000. OL2 Yorkshire Dales Southern & Western Area. Most included.
Start Point:	810569. There is parking at the Plough Inn. Head 100 yards west up the village and take the sign pointing to Hammerton. The path is intermittant to Hammerton but is there.
Terrain:	Concentration away from the Ribble Way is needed as there is often little evidence of a path. They are there though!
Eating & Drinking:	The Plough at Wigglesworth offers top quality food whereas the Maypole in Long Preston has a cracking atmosphere and good wholesome food.
Similar Walks Nearby:	Historic Villages near Settle Lanes of Long Preston Circuit of Stocks Reservoir
Places to Stay:	Long Preston Tea Rooms B & B Eldon Country Hotel, Long Preston