Best waterfalls around Charnock Richard are found in the broader area surrounding this rural village. Charnock Richard itself is characterized by its agricultural landscape and proximity to the town of Chorley. While no prominent waterfalls are located directly within the village, the nearby countryside offers natural attractions. Visitors can explore walking trails with water features in the surrounding region.
Last updated: June 30, 2026
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Yarrow Valley Country Park was first established in 1987 on land previously used for bleaching, dyeing, calico printing, and mining. Once industrial activity had ended, the site lay derelict for 30 years until the late 1980's when Chorley Council acquired the site. Yarrow Valley Country Park, a 700-acre facility run by Chorley Council, includes a café (treeface) built using Heritage Lottery funds. There is a play area for children, with a dog protection order, and also an angling agreement at Yarrow Valley Country Park, which gives the fishing rights at Birkacre to Wigan & District Angling Association (WDAA). Yarrow Valley Country Park has been awarded Green Flag status since 2004. The 'park' is used by (dog) walkers, runners & cyclists. Share with care :)
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Green route, make sure follow the map as we didn’t and got lost
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This park has so much to offer beautiful lakes waterfalls many different routes which is great for the kids and dog walkers
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The land here that now forms Yarrow Valley Country Park was acquired by Chorley Council in the early 1980's. It's the site of the former cloth mills, then dyeing works and more recently a small colliery. None of the industry remains but there are interesting traces left including some of the foundation stones of the coal mines, the mill ponds and some machinery. There is a cafe and information centre on site.
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Fairy Glen is a small area of recreation land that follows the Spodley Brook upstream through ancient broadleaf woodland. There are several waterfalls where the brook has cut into the bedrock over time. It's a popular family and dog walking area which becomes busy at weekends in good weather.
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Beyond the waterfalls, the area around Charnock Richard offers diverse natural attractions. You can explore ancient broadleaf woodlands at places like Fairy Glen Waterfalls, or enjoy lakes, forests, and rivers within Yarrow Valley Country Park. There are also gorges and grasslands, particularly around historical sites such as Lead Mine Clough.
Yes, several waterfalls in the area are popular with families and dog walkers. Fairy Glen Waterfalls is known for its ancient woodland and is a popular spot. Similarly, Yarrow Valley Country Park offers various routes suitable for both families and those with dogs, featuring lakes, forests, and waterfalls.
While there's no single 'best' time, many visitors find the waterfalls most enjoyable during good weather, especially on weekends. Early mornings are often ideal to avoid crowds at popular spots like Fairy Glen Waterfalls. After rainfall, the waterfalls tend to be more impressive, but paths can become muddy and slippery, so appropriate footwear is essential.
Yes, the area combines natural beauty with historical interest. Lead Mine Clough is an old mining area featuring several waterfalls and well-maintained paths, offering a glimpse into the region's industrial past. Yarrow Valley Country Park also has traces of its industrial past, including foundation stones of former coal mines and mill ponds.
The difficulty varies. Some areas like Fairy Glen Waterfalls and Yarrow Valley Country Park offer relatively easy, well-maintained paths suitable for most. However, trails to Waterfalls at Limestone Brook and Lead Mine Clough can be intermediate to challenging, with uneven, slippery, and sometimes narrow sections, especially after rain. Always be prepared for muddy conditions, particularly at Hatch Brook Waterfall.
Given the varied terrain and potential for mud, especially near waterfalls like Hatch Brook Waterfall or Waterfalls at Limestone Brook, sturdy waterproof footwear with good grip is highly recommended. Layers of clothing are advisable to adapt to changing weather conditions, and waterproof outerwear can be beneficial.
Yes, the broader area around Charnock Richard offers various mountain biking opportunities. You can find routes like the 'Ice Cream Chute Downhill Trail' or loops around Rivington Pike and Yarrow Reservoir. For more details on MTB trails, you can explore the MTB Trails around Charnock Richard guide.
Absolutely. The region provides several running trails that pass through scenic natural areas. Examples include loops through Duxbury Woods or routes offering views of Sparrow Hill and Parbold Hill. For a comprehensive list of running options, refer to the Running Trails around Charnock Richard guide.
Visitors frequently praise the natural beauty and variety of the landscapes. They appreciate the peaceful ancient woodlands at places like Fairy Glen Waterfalls, the well-maintained paths and historical context of Lead Mine Clough, and the diverse offerings of Yarrow Valley Country Park with its lakes, forests, and waterfalls. The opportunity for family and dog-friendly walks is also a big draw.
While popular spots like Fairy Glen can get busy, especially on weekends, exploring areas like Waterfalls at Limestone Brook or Hatch Brook Waterfall might offer a more secluded experience. These spots are often nestled deeper in the woods and can involve more challenging, less-trafficked paths, providing a sense of discovery.
The area around Charnock Richard offers gravel biking routes that traverse diverse landscapes, including some that might bring you close to water features. Routes like those around Rivington Pike or along the Leeds and Liverpool Canal provide scenic rides. For detailed gravel biking options, check the Gravel biking around Charnock Richard guide.


Happy to travel a little further afield? Then browse these guides for the best waterfalls around Charnock Richard: