Looking at my walking diary of the summer of 2009 I see I was struggling with almost continuous rain.

How different things are in 2010. Things may change but in late May I loved the sun on my back as I strolled through one of my favourite villages, which is Chipping.

From the car park turn left along Church Raike. Where the narrow road forks, bear right and descend along a steep road. Look out for the former chair and furniture works situated in a dip through which runs Chipping Brook.

Look out for a set of stone steps leading down to the stream and which allowed local people to do their washing. The associated cottages were built for workers in the cotton mill, which was once powered by a waterwheel which still exists. The old mill has more recently been used as a sawmill.

Pass the sawmill on the left and ascend to the old mill lodge, which is full of wildlife and is an impressive nature reserve. Look left to see the mill lodge and the mountings of the old water wheel.

Look carefully to the right about halfway along the lodge path. There is a signpost, at this time of year almost hidden by vegetation. Turn right and almost immediately look for a stile with an arrow inscribed upon it. Cross the stile and bear right.

The next two miles is a visual joy and leads to an area know as Burnslack. Initially the track rises steeply and the obvious hedgerows should be followed closely, ignoring a number of farm gates.

Look out for views of Parlic Pike, which was once on the chain of beacon hills on which bonfires were lit to warn of invasions. The path leads through a hollow and then up an incline towards Birchen Lee (Birch Wood) Farm. Cross a footbridge to Burnslack.

At Birchen Lee Farm turn sharp right and follow the obvious track to Chipping Lawn.

Turn right and follow the clear track through the grounds of Leagram Hall, which is visible on the right.

Descend from Leagram down to a narrow road and turn right and then right again into Chipping Village. Look out for the old post office and examine a wall plaque. This records that John Brabin once lived in this house. He made his fortune from textiles and used his profits to found a school and almshouses in 1683.

Continue through the village and turn left along the narrow and well named Windy Street. Here are the Brabin alms houses and the old school are found on the left. The alms houses are now privately owned and are kept in fine condition. Return along Windy Street and turn left.

Approach the church on the right, which is set on an incline and reached via a set of stone steps and a metal gate.

St Bartholomew’s is one of the most interesting churches in Lancashire and actually dominates the architecture of this fascinating village.

There was a church on the site from at least 1041 but the main construction periods date from 1240.he solid looking tower was built in 1540.

Inside the stained glass is both ancient and modern with a recent window dedicated to the Berry family who ran the chair and furniture works.

From the church return to the car park via the Cobbled Corner cafe.