A Journey in the South Pennines on the Mary Towneley Loop Bridleway.
Looping the Loop follows the Mary Towneley Loop, a 48 mile spur off the long distance trail, the Pennine Bridleway.
It is circular, dipping in and out of Lancashire and Yorkshire on the outskirts of Burnley, Rossendale, Rochdale and Calderdale. Using ancient packhorse trails and bridleways it visits hidden villages and hamlets in the South Pennines, taking you through spectacular scenery, across wild moorland into green wooded valleys and cloughs.
It features aspects of local culture met along the way, such as the mysteries of black pudding making in Waterfoot and the exotic alpine garden at Land Farm, Colden.
Local history is explored, including the sunken village of Watergrove and the use of "Hushings" in the limestone industry in Shedden Clough.
Designed for horse riders, cyclists and walkers, The Loop is dedicated to Mary Lady Towneley MBE, who campaigned tirelessly for the re-establishing of packhorse trails and bridleways.