VISITOR GUIDE - The Estate Grounds at Stirk House
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The Estate Grounds at Stirk House
22 Acres to Explore • Refreshments Available • Nature Trails • Wildlife • Ancient Forest
Breathtaking Views • Gardens • Gentle to Moderate Walks • Historic Setting • Picnics
Then Now
© Image by Jessica Lang Photography
VISITOR GUIDE
Stirk House Hotel, Gisburn, Clitheroe, Lancashire, BB7 4LJ
www.stirkhouse.co.uk • Telephone: 01200 445581 • Email: reservations@stirkhouse.co.uk
Safety Guidelines for the nature trail,
walks & exploring the grounds
Before you set off on your walk, please take a moment
to read the following safety guidelines:
Slips, Trips and Falls
Welcome to the Estate Grounds • Our nature trails are in the natural environment and therefore
suitable footwear and clothing is recommended.
at Stirk House • Keep to paths where possible and avoid long grass.
• Please take care as the ground will be uneven in places.
“My family have owned Stirk House with particularly harsh weather meant and further afield) about our beautiful • Take care on unstable or wet surfaces.
for over 18 years and during that time they have moved on from our land) and grounds and to encourage them to • Please do not run on uneven ground.
we have invested in our beautiful wild flower meadows to support bee come and enjoy it. Therefore, we have
historic building which is a magical populations. taken the decision to formally “open”
Getting lost
setting for wedding and events, and is our estate grounds and invite people
a popular destination for visitors and And this is the way the land has been to come and enjoy our beautiful
residents who come to enjoy delicious managed for the last 15 years. grounds.
food and comfortable surroundings,
whilst being looked after by our The main focus over recent years We are doing this in small steps, both • Tell someone where you are going.
excellent staff teams. has been the hotel and weddings so to allow the work in the grounds time • Plan your route.
we have not spent huge amounts of to continue and develop, but also to
• Always carry a map.
Whilst our wedding couples and hotel time on the land other than simple keep in step with the Government
guests will know we have beautiful maintenance in line with the wildlife restrictions to minimise the spread • Please ensure children are supervised at all times.
gardens and grounds at Stirk House, and nature plan. of Coronavirus with social distancing
and limited gatherings.
Flora and Fauna
they are perhaps less well-known, but
we are fortunate to have 22 acres of But, the COVID pandemic has given
beautiful Ribble Valley countryside us that time, and a small team have In time, we will add more features to
within our estate. spent many hours on the land clearing the grounds – all in keeping with the
fallen trees (Ash Dieback disease has original philosophy of wildlife and • Please respect our wildlife and stick to the paths.
Back in 2002, the grounds were taken its toll on our woodlands to quite nature but with the comforts and
• Please do not pick plants – some may scratch, sting or be poisonous.
farmed for sheep grazing and gradually an extent, as well as natural declines), luxury we like to enjoy within the
the land was “reclaimed” for use by tending to trees and creating more hotel! • Please do not touch frogs/toads/birds/any other wildlife.
the hotel, initially as grass parkland. spaces for the area to be enjoyed. • Dispose of your litter in a bin or take it home.
Whilst with us you can enjoy a gentle
• Keep dogs on a lead to avoid disturbing the wildlife.
In 2005 my father, Paul Caddy, had a In those weeks, we have realised that stroll around the estate through the
vision of creating a woodland setting the land and environment we have is clearings and woodlands or simply
General Safety
which would enable wildlife and very special and wildlife truly lives in rest to enjoy the views and the sounds
nature to flourish and develop, and each and every corner – you may have of the countryside, and of course a
from that point over 5000 indigenous to sit patiently or look more closely, tasty picnic. If you are feeling more
trees were planted across the estate but it is there all around! adventurous you can use our Estate
and maintenance of the land revolved as the starting point to set out along • Please supervise children at all times.
around wildlife – with “corridors” of The easing of lockdown has left many the Ribble Way for a challenging walk. • Keep clear of pond – Please supervise children carefully near the pond!
long grasses for small vertebrates to people feeling desperate for access
• Please sanitise hands after being outdoors and before picnics.
pass along, development of habitats to countryside spaces for relaxation, Enjoy!”
for predators, most notably Owls (we leisure and to just enjoy, and that has • Please escort children in the car park and driveway area.
had resident Barn Owls for a number really made me realise that we need Helen Kay • Please plan for extreme/adverse weather – Sunscreen, sunhat, waterproofs, carry a drink.
of years but sadly a series of winters to do more to tell people (both local Stirk House Director • When exploring off-site be aware of and follow The Countryside Code.
The Nature Trail: Easy access & walking, Approx. 1 MIle
Little Explorers at Stirk House!
Can you spot any of the following on your walk
around our grounds? Use your magnifying glass to help!
Can you see... It looks like… Can you see any?
Oak Leaf
Nettles
(Don’t touch them though!)
What colour was it?
Butterfly
Ladybird
Hare
START:
re-creating original meadows that Whilst a variety of species of
existed in ancient Bowland areas. wildflowers were planted, it is the
Can you see any creepy crawlies living there?
daisies which have thrived and
Go to the small patio by the side of continue to be of great interest to
Log Pile
The Lodge overlooking the land. Turn pollinating insects, and they add a
left down the grass ramp and proceed natural beauty to the planted area.
into the fields. In the distance on a
Post 2: Planted shrub Border
clear day you can see Pen-y-Ghent
up above Settle.
Bee Hotel
Post 1: Wildflower strip
These are pretty to look at, but Under the shade of the Lodge
more importantly, vital as feeding there is a planted border consisting
places for many pollinating insects of shrubs and some herbaceous
This small strip of wildflowers – especially Honeybees which are perennials which provide breeding
Earthworm (notably daisies) was prepared several in serious decline due to overuse of locations for a whole host of insects
years ago with a variety of indigenous insecticides, so flowery meadows are and smaller animals such a rabbits
wildflowers and natural grasses of great importance. who live within the shrub roots.
The Nature Trail Post 12: Tawny Owl Box
Woodpeckers, Robins, Chaffinches near here in 1904 and quickly made
and Blackbirds. themselves at home in Gisburn Forest
next to Stocks Reservoir and they are
Sit a while and see what you can When you leave the Hide turn right regularly seen in our grounds.
spot! The posters inside the hide may and continue along the cut path,
help you identify the birds, flowers following the hedge on your left.
and trees you may see on your walk Soon, just inside the Big Wood, you
around the grounds. will see an odd-looking large nest
box lying along a tree branch like a
Post 10: THE Dead Tree
wooden chimney on its side.
This is a Tawny Owl box, but if you
look at the base nearest the tree
When standing at the post, look away trunk, you will see that it has been
from the hide into the OLD WOOD forced open by a mass of twigs –
and you will see a dead tree trunk with it has been taken over by a Grey
a flat top sawn off in days gone by. Squirrel!
around the grounds to help ensure Oak creating an array of habitats,
Post 3: The Orchard the butterflies flourish. bird nesting sites, breeding sites for
insects, and not to mention breakfast Post 13: Kestrel Box
Whilst we love to catch glimpses
of the deer in the land (they pass
through so peacefully and elegantly),
Post 5: Banking area
sites for the deer that come and
Comprising of many forgotten they do create problems by damaging
wander through the grounds and eat At the end of Big Wood turn left and
northern fruit varieties of apples such the young trees and you may notice
our precious trees! These trees are walk into the Meadow ahead of you.
as “Red Devil” and “John Downie”, some damage marks as you explore
This is an area which we would also a sustainable fuel source for the In another dead tree on your left – at
and Mayweather Damsons plus other the grounds (the bark appears
describe as “work in progress”! long-term future. the edge of Big Wood, you will see
varieties of apples such as Spartan chewed and damaged, and they lean
and Russet. As yet, we do not have an open-fronted Kestrel nest box we
Post 8: Big Wood
This area had become overrun with on the trees pushing them over).
any Pear varieties, but they will be have erected in the hope of enticing
nettles, thistles, brambles and a
Post 15: Bottom Meadow/
planted in times to come. our regular visiting male Kestrel to
whole host of weeds, and whilst this find a mate and nest there. No luck
provides benefits to many species This mature wood to your left does
Raptor Perches / Hare Fields
Pollination in spring is taken care Can you notice the woodpecker yet, possibly down to that pesky
of wildlife and insects, we felt this not belong to the Stirk House Hotel
of by the insects using the various feeding signs and their many perfectly Squirrel taking a shine to the box too!
area could be better managed as but gives us a chance to show you
gardens and borders around the the effects of livestock grazing on round nest holes on the trunk? These
Post 14: Sika Deer
a steep-sided habitat and we have The grass and ground coverings in
hotel. wildlife. Look carefully and you will are the work of our Great Spotted
undertaken the hard work of clearing this meadow have been left long
see that regular grazing by sheep Woodpeckers which can sometimes
it and beginning to re-plant it with a so as to encourage many types of
Post 4: The Buddleia Garden and cattle has resulted in a complete be seen or heard in the wooded areas
variety of plants and flowers which Walk a little way down the left-hand wildlife, most notable the Field Voles
absence of an understorey of shrubs, of our estate.
will attract a more diverse range of cut track and look ahead to the field which are the main sources of food
insects and wildlife. young trees or flowering plants. across the valley. You may be lucky
Post 11: Small Bird Boxes
Buddleia bushes are one of the best for Barn Owls.
and see some dark brown animals
ways of attracting some of our most As a result, it is useless for small
The dis-used steps have been re-used amongst the sheep and cows in the You may notice some small round
spectacular butterflies such as the birds which require cover for their
as planting beds for alpine plants and Along the hedge behind the Hide we grazed fields. holes in the ground as you walk on
Small Tortoiseshell, Red Admiral, nests and a good food supply.
we will continue to work on this area have erected some ‘small hole’ bird the paths, and these holes are made
Peacock, Comma, Little Blues, Mid Unless livestock is excluded by
over the coming weeks and months. boxes. These are ideal for many of the These are Sika Deer, native to Asia by the voles!
Blues, Field Fritallaria and Painted fencing the wood off, the lack of birds which visit our bird feeders and but introduced into Britain in 1874.
Lady which cannot resist the highly natural regeneration means that
scented flowers of the various
colours of Buddleias.
Post 6: The Compost heaps! this wood will one day disappear
completely when the old trees die.
will be the perfect place for nesting
and raising their chicks.
The ancestors of those you are
hopefully looking at, were released
The perches you can see in this area
in the shape of a ‘T’ are called “Raptor
An important area in any garden!
Post 9: Bird Hide
Our original Buddleia trees were
Where our gardening waste
planted back in 2012 and whilst a
undertakes a magical cycle to become
couple remain in position, several
nutritious and valuable material to be
have suffered damage from the harsh This Hide is free for you to use.
re-used across the estate.
wet winters so we have added to
the garden this spring – we hope Open a hatch, sit quietly, and keep
they flower this year and add to this Post 7: New Forest your eyes on the feeders. Try not to
Plantation
delightful area of the grounds. talk and do not stick your hands or
arms out of the viewing hatches. If
Whilst the Buddleias are required by you do, this will scare everything off
the adult butterfly, their caterpillar This is where the whole project for some time.
young feed on nettles and thistles, started. We planted over 5000
which is why we have deliberately indigenous species of trees including We regularly see Blue, Great and Coal
left areas of these plants in and Ash, Rowan, Holly, Crab Apple and Tits, Nuthatches and Great Spotted
The Nature Trail who hid themselves in the thick
undergrowth, protected by nettles
and thistles.
area of a sunken pond and this supply
of water has helped them and the
trees in this area flourish and they
appear much more advanced than
and sadly they have not returned to
nest, although they are occasionally
spotted flying in the area.
As you emerge into the clearing area other areas in the grounds. The nesting box is still in place in the
with the bench seating, take the left- large sycamore tree behind you in
hand pathway along the fence line. Sadly, the Ash trees in this area case they ever wish to return.
however (and the rest of the site) are
Post 21: Open Farmland suffering from Ash Dieback disease
and we will in time end up with Post 25: Our Magical tree!
natural clearings within these areas.
The Open Farmland (which does not This beautiful tree is a different kind
belong to us) does not have many of feature from those you have seen
Follow the pathway loop back to the
features to encourage wildlife aside so far and it is an important spot for
clearing. Cross the clearing to take
from the hedgerows at the edges our wedding parties for photographs
the narrow path at the opposite side
of the fields but it is a good area to and videos.
Perches” and they are designed to and ‘gappy’. It is also a fine example through the ancient hedgerow back
view some of the larger animals as
allow predator birds such as Owls, of what hedgerows used to look like. towards the hotel.
they move into and out of our Estate It has an extra secret in that it is
Buzzards and Kestrels to hunt from – they are well hidden on our land draped with thousands of fairy lights
a resting position high above the
grasses.
Hedges such as this not only provide
shelter for livestock and larger
with the trees and long grasses but Post 24: Barn Owl to create a stunning back drop for
Nesting Box
much more visible once in the open romantic night-time photographs!
animals, they also provide nesting farmland. Hares, rabbits, and deer
Buzzards can often be seen circling As you emerge out of the wood, places and blossom for insects, are frequently seen in this area
high overhead in groups of 2 or 3, follow the path near the fence line. which then results in winter food Back in 2012 we installed a nesting
so keep watching!
sometimes calling to each other and (berries) for many bird species and box specifically for Barn Owls and we
sometimes silently gliding on the
thermals. Continue along the cut
Post 18: Butterfly Food small mammals. We have therefore
plugged the gaps in our hedges with Post 22: Access to join
were delighted when a breeding pair
took up residence and successfully
path in a clockwise direction and as
you approach a grazed field, keep
Patch and Bee hotel berry-bearing shrubs such as Guelder
the Ribble Way
raised a family of 3 chicks.
Time for a cup of tea
Rose, Hawthorn, Holly, Rowan and
your eyes open for Brown Hares and You will pass a rather scruffy border Blackthorn (Sloe).
Rabbits which both like this field. of thistles and nettles. This is the one This stile links the hotel grounds
and a piece of cake!
In springtime you can sometimes of the food areas for the caterpillars Our nature trail now continues directly to the Ribble Way and from
see the famous ‘Mad March Hare’ of the butterflies we mentioned at across the Estate but please feel here you can walk on several public
behaviour. Post 4 and has been deliberately left free to explore this area some more footpaths and bridleways and
explore the wider area. Follow the footpath back up to the
rough for them. – the area located within the centre
hotel and come and enjoy a well
Post 16: Small Wood of the paths you have followed is
a beautiful space so why not stay
Post 23: Willow Trees
earned drink and something to eat
– we have plenty to tempt you and
a while and see what you can see
Walk back clockwise to the point help rebuild your energy levels!
and hear? We have positioned some
where you entered the meadow field The large willow trees which you can
picnic benches for the perfect spot
and turn sharply left into the small see here were planted as part of the The winters which have followed We hope you have enjoyed our
to sit and relax.
wood corridor on your left. Follow original tree planting scheme. were exceptionally wet have created nature trail and the Estate grounds,
the path through the middle and look They were planted within a boggy difficult conditions for Barn Owls please come and visit us again soon!
out for signs of Badger scrapes where
they have rooted for Bluebell bulbs
When you are ready to explore
and grubs. some more, return to post 19.
Post 17: Log piles Mounted on the fence is a “Bee
Continue past Post 19 into the open
field area with the hotel up to your
Hotel” – this array of holes is the right. Keep to the foot of the hill and
Near the end of the wood you will perfect nesting site for female continue almost straight across to
see various old log piles which have solitary bees – such as red mason the next area of trees. Follow the cut
been left in position for several years bees and leaf cutter bees. These path through the hedge.
and will now be the ideal habitat for “hotels” are also used by ladybirds
many different types of insects and
Post 20: Mature Hedgerow
during winter periods.
invertebrates – have a careful look
Post 19: Mature Hedgerow Post 25
and see what you can spot (although
try not to disturb them too much!). As at Post 19, this old hedgerow
provides a great habitat for many Our m
There is the start of a den being built ag
This is a beautiful old hedgerow creatures and has been the site of a beau ical tree on
Decem tiful frosty
too – can you add a bit too it?! which had become a bit neglected nesting pheasants in recent years ber m
orning
!
Round Walk:
Approximately 2.5 miles
(1 Hour, 30 Minutes)
Explore the surrounding countryside and see the River Ribble
by following a series of public footpaths and bridleways before
returning to Stirk House.
Please note there is an extremely steep section which requires extra
care and be aware that you will be passing through farmland and
Mixed Terrain with one very farmyards where you may encounter livestock, machinery and other
obstacles and dangers.
steep section by the river. Observe the Countryside Code throughout your walk.
Good walking shoes If you have a dog, please keep it on a lead so as not to disturb ground • Turn right (up-stream) at the bottom of the steps (which gives
nesting birds and young hares. you a beautiful setting by this lovely river) and follow the bank of
or boots recommended. the River along the Ribble Way, which then moves away from the
river up to the right, rising up the side of the valley.
Please take extreme care Round Walk Directions • Continue and then over a stile into a woodland plantation and
turn left over a small stream. Continue up the rise and over
on the steep section. • Leave the Hotel Car Park through the stone pillars and cross the
stile in the hedge immediately on your right.
another stile and then continue on the Ribble Way following the
fence line on the right.
• Follow the path with the fence on your left (due West) to the field • Continue until you pass through the small wooden pedestrian
corner through a metal gate and over a footbridge. Continue to gate. Our walk now leaves the Ribble Way as you enter this field
follow the left field edge until you come to the bridge over the - turn right immediately and follow the fence line up the field to
railway. the railway fence at the top of the rise.
• Cross over the Bridge and keeping the fence on your left, head • At top of the field turn left and follow the fence until you reach
up to the farm and through the gate at the entrance to the farm. the railway bridge on the right.
Go through the farmyard onto the rough road, keeping the
farmhouse on your left, then down a slight slope in the track, up • Pass through the gate, over the bridge and turn right to follow
a little rise and join the “Ribble Way” at that point. Cross the stile the field perimeter fence all the way to the tarmac track.
into the field to the right then continue from here following the
Ribble Way Footpath. • Follow this road to join the A59.
• Continue with the fence on your left straight ahead and over a • Turn right to follow the A59 for about 200 yards back into Stirk
stile which leads you to a very steep stepped path down through House drive and grounds.
the woods to the River Ribble (This steep descent must be taken
with care!) • Return to the hotel for a well-deserved cup of tea!
Circular Walk: a) Left for the scenic route round by the River, passing Bolton Hall Farm then
Approximately 11 miles (5-6 hours)
on to Bolton Park leading to the beautiful village of Bolton-by-Bowland.
b) The other way is across the fields towards Cow House Hill. Over the stile on
(With an option for an alternative path) to the road then turn left along the road, down the hill into Bolton-by-Bowland.
Walk through the village to the Coach and Horses which serves good food and
quality ales etc.
The footpath to Sawley starts at the end of the village just over the bridge down a
Tarmac road on your left towards the farm in the distance. Just before you reach
A lengthy walk from Stirk House meandering through beautiful countryside, the farm, cross over the stone stile to the right and then follow the Footpath signs
scenic villages and along sections of the River Ribble and its tributaries all the way to Sawley.
following public footpaths and bridleways.
When you reach Sawley, turn left and cross the bridge over the River and the
Please be aware that you will be passing through farmland, farmyards, villages Spread Eagle is here to your right for good food and refreshing drinks.
and along lanes and roads where you may encounter livestock, machinery,
traffic and other obstacles and dangers. From the Spread Eagle, head back towards the river across the sharp corner of the
road and follow the river “Up-Stream” along the road. After a couple of hundred
Observe the Countryside Code throughout your walk. yards, find the Ribble Way, which is on your right through a gate. Follow the signs
for the Ribble Way, up the long hill and through the middle of the “Long Farm
If you have a dog, please keep it on a lead so as not to disturb ground nesting Yard” all the way to the top then continue along the Ribble Way to “Huggan Ing”.
birds and young hares. The path now encounters a series of stiles and bears right towards Gisburn Coates
Hall. Carry on along the road over the railway; turn left to Gisburn Coates, then
Directions: left and back over the Railway again towards Long Holme Row.
Leave Stirk House by the front entrance at the end of the drive and turn left Continue to follow the Ribble way down the very steep steps down to the river
along the side of the A59 towards Gisburn Village. (TAKE CARE), turning right at the Riverbank and then along the river, up-stream
towards Gisburn. The path leaves the riverbank and rises up the side of the valley
After 200 yards take the second driveway sign posted “Public Footpath”. Follow getting closer to the Railway, which you may see on your right further up the side
the Tarmac road past the buildings on your left (which are now offices) and of the valley.
immediately after leaving the farm area, leave the Tarmac Road and follow the
perimeter fence on your left, all the way to the Railway fence. Turn right along Continue and then over a stile into a woodland plantation and turn left over a
the railway fence and then cross over the Railway at the first bridge. small stream. Continue up the rise and over another stile and then continue on
the Ribble Way following the fence line on the right.
On entering the field immediately after crossing the bridge, proceed left to
follow the railway to the hedge and then turn right to the bottom of this rise Continue until you pass through the small wooden pedestrian gate – you are now
and join the “Ribble Way” by taking a right turn (please keep to the hedge and back to your starting point on the Ribble Way.
paths rather than walking across the centre of this field
Our walk now leaves the Ribble Way as you enter this field - turn right immediately
Continue on the Ribble Way towards Gisburn following the Ribble Way markers and follow the fence line up the field to the railway fence at the top of the rise.
until you come to the public road leading from Gisburn. (About 1/2 mile). At top of the field turn left and follow the fence until you reach the railway bridge
on the right.
Turn left along the road leading away from Gisburn up the hill, then down to
the River and across the bridge and up the other side and then on past the Pass through the gate, over the bridge and turn right to follow the field perimeter
Hunt Kennels (on your right). Continue to a sharp “Right Angle” corner in the Images, above:
fence all the way to the tarmac track.
road by the entrance to Park House Farm (about 1 mile) © The Spread Eagle, Sawley
Follow this road to join the A59.
Leave the road and walk down the farm drive and cross the stile on the right
just by the Farm entrance and follow the Public Footpath signs which then lead
Circular Walk
Turn right to follow the A59 for about 200 yards back into Stirk House drive and
to Fooden Hall Farm. grounds.
Map Overleaf...
From Fooden Hall, there are two options to take leading to Bolton-by-Bowland. Return to the hotel for a well-deserved cup of tea!
Stirk house Circular Walk Map
The Estate Grounds at Stirk House
VISITOR GUIDE
Stirk House Hotel, Gisburn, Clitheroe, Lancashire, BB7 4LJ
www.stirkhouse.co.uk • Telephone: 01200 445581 • Email: reservations@stirkhouse.co.uk
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