Just a short amble in the centre of the British Isles today. Or one of them! 😁
We in Lancashire’s Ribble Valley like to think that the tiny village of Dunsop Bridge is the closest civilization to the geographical centre of the UK. Though interestingly Halt whistle in Northumberland also claims the same.
Dunsop Bridge lies within the beautiful Forest Of Bowland AONB and there are miles of stunning countryside to explore by foot, by bicycle, with your dog, with a pair of binoculars. Such a peaceful gorgeous place.
We parked on the pay and display car park in the village and walked a few yards before turning right just after Puddleducks Cafe. The concrete path takes you up into the Dunsop Valley and you can walk for some miles without getting muddy feet. Its an excellent pram walk and tramper trail too.
As our labrador is still on shorter walks only, we didn’t walk too far into the valley. He definitely enjoyed his dips in the stream though and we spied so much wildlife including pheasants, partridge, dipper, tree creeper and goosander. There are sheep in the fields, so it’s always best to be mindful of livestock when doing this walk.
Last time I visited Dunsop Bridge, the cute cafe was serving take-out only, so it was good to see that Puddleducks is up and running as a proper cafe again. A roaring fire greeted us inside and their breakfast baps went down a treat.
There are lots of great walks to be done from Dunsop Bridge. I’m sure we will return to the centre of the British Isles soon.
sunshine and celandines 
It’s years since I was out that way, I really must make the effort to revisit before too long. I love the last photo, is that a private driveway?
It’s the driveway to Thorneyholme Hall and you can walk up it and take footpaths either way. X
Thanks, that’s nice to know for if I ever do manage to get out that way.
It looks cold! Hat & gloves I suppose! The breakfast bap looks tasty, with tea, of course! 😋🙋♂️
It was a bit chilly but bright and sunny at least. The cafe is lovely and inviting.
One can always rely on you for some appetising food picture. Always stop at Puddle Ducks for a brew, tip – you can park free there also. That little stream nearly always has Dippers in it.
See that you also walked across to Thorneyholme which has an interesting history around race horses.
Did you spot the famous phone box?
Dunsop Bridge – centre of the world, never mind the British Isles.
Thanks for the parking tip.
We do have a parking permit which includes alot of local carparks. Otherwise, that’s good advice.
Saw a couple of dippers. Great area for wildlife. I did see the phone box and totally forgot to take a photo!
Thorneyholme has those otter sculptures too, which are quite striking. Wasn’t sure if going up to them would be trespassing though. Have took a photo a few years ago but I think the hall may have been empty at the time.
Just follow that red hat and you won’t get lost 😉 Lovely to find a cafe after a winter’s walk.
Haha, yes I do follow that red hat quite a bit! 😁
This looks like a beautiful area to hike during the spring. I am also impressed with the gorgeous birds that greeted you on it! It is always neat to see wildlife enjoying their environment.
It was lovely to see and hear all the. birds enjoying a touch of Spring. 😊
What a lovely cosy cafe! I don’t know the area but it looks great.
Looks lovely. I remember writing about Haltwhistle being the centre of Britain and looking at other claims, and from what I remember it depends on how you choose to measure it.
Yeh that is true, both have good grounds. And Haltwhistle does it well. Been a couple of times and every shop has a sign saying it’s in the centre of Britain. 😁
My place of birth, though I left aged 5 so I don’t remember if it made those claims then. I never heard mum and dad mention it though, so I suspect not.
I do recall you saying your connection when I wrote the Haltwhistle post. Lovely part of the world. 😊
Nice walk. I thought it was Haltwistle in the middle. Let’s say there were several middles 😉.
Absolutely 😁
Wonderful walk and my mouth is watering at the sight of the breakfast bap!
Got to love a cafe that opens for a Sunday morning breakfast. 🙂