Whittingham – Discover History and Walking Trails

Whittingham offers two clear areas of interest for planning a trip: architectural and local history, and walking. Chingle Hall, Dun Cow Rib Farmhouse and St John's Church each offer a different historical perspective; a walking trail in the parish of Whittingham passes Chingle Hall. If you are looking for a hotel, you can first consider whether you are more interested in historic architectural styles, local traditions or a walking route.

Chingle Hall and Historic Traces

The moated site at Chingle Hall comprises a slightly raised, rectangular island measuring approximately 44 by 40 metres. These dimensions make it almost square. A tree-lined, water-filled moat runs along the west side and most of the south side; it is approximately 7 to 9 metres wide. The shape of the island and the course of the moat are two specific features to consider when looking at the site. Chingle Hall is protected as a Scheduled Monument and was first mentioned by name in 1354. The landscape features and the historical reference offer different clues for understanding this place.

Architectural History and Local Tradition

The date 1616 is inscribed on the lintel of Dun Cow Rib Farmhouse. An old local legend also links the house to a ghostly giant cow. Here, a specific architectural detail and a story from local tradition come together. If you are interested in the history of a place, the farmhouse offers both a glimpse of a particular architectural detail and an insight into Whittingham's world of legends.

St John's Church was built in 1873 for Whittingham Mental Hospital. It has a rectangular plan, an apsidal east end and a tower at the northeast. “Apsidal” describes an end shaped like an apse; together with the tower, this helps describe the church's distinctive layout. The church has not been in use since Whittingham Mental Hospital closed in 1995. Do not assume there is public access for a visit, and check in advance whether access is possible.

The hospital itself is also part of the area's history: at its peak, Whittingham Mental Hospital had more than 3,000 patients. The history of the parish is a separate matter. The parish of Whittingham is mentioned in the Domesday Book, which was published in 1086. The reference to the parish and the history of the hospital offer two distinct historical points of reference for the area.

Walking Trails and Planning Your Time

There are two walking trails in the parish of Whittingham that use public rights of way: the Pudding Pie Fire Walk and the Cumeragh Canter. The Cumeragh Canter starts at the Grapes Inn next to St Mary the Virgin Church. This named starting point helps you identify the trail when planning your walk.

A walking trail in Whittingham is five miles long and takes about two and a half hours. Its length and approximate walking time give you a concrete indication for planning your day. A walk in Whittingham may also include distant views of the Bleasdale Fells and Beacon Fell.

Route conditions and diversions may change. So check the route conditions for your planned walk before setting out.

Discover more destinations: St Michael's On Wyre, Preston, Haslingden, Scarisbrick, Southfield, Morecambe, Newchurch, Silverdale

For the broader travel overview: Lancashire.