Looking at White Coppice today it looks like a Tudor village which has not been disturbed since apart from the construction of a cricket ground with its magnificent pavilion.

Situated in a cul-de-sac White Coppice did flirt with industry and had a cotton mill in the early days of the Industrial Revolution.

It also had its tranquility disturbed during the 19th century when reservoirs were built to slake the ever thirsty King cotton.

1. Begin by a slow exploration of the hamlet with a pretty small stream with old cottages set around it.

Look for the old mill lodge now a popular haunt of birdwatchers and especially anglers.

Those interested in the early history of the cotton industry should not miss this area.

Before the mill lodge was built to provide water for the steam engine the machinery was powered by a waterwheel on the stream.

Around 1900 the owner of the mill was owned by Alfred Ephraim Eccles who must have been a bit of a stickler.

He operated from his home at Northwood and was a fearless or should I say fearsome supporter of the Temperance movement.

Approach the cricket pavilion on the left and bear right to cross the bridge over the goit. Pass Black Coppice and then a conifer plantation on the left to reach Moor Road and Anglezarke reservoir.

2. Turn right for a short way along Moor Road and then see a footpath and turn left. Look across the Anglezarke reservoir to see the waterman's cottage.

Here, especially in the winter is an ideal time to look out for a variety of wildfowl. There is now a steep climb and then cross a stile.

Continue to follow the obvious track and stroll up a steep incline to see a cairn which marks the summit of Healey Nab.

This is at 682 feet and is sometimes called Chorley Nab.

3. The path here sweeps to right through an area of conifer woods.

Southport and Blackpool can both be seen as can Chorley and Parbold. Follow a wide and obvious track and then begin a steep descent through the woodland.

Bear right to reach a stile and then pass through meadowland to reach Higher House Lane.

4. Turn right along Higher House Lane and around 200 yards look for a footpath sign.

Turn left and cross a stile and into a field. Bear right to another stile and continue forwards.

At the road junction turn right and return through White Coppice to the starting point.

How to get there From Blackburn follow the A674 road to Chorley and Whitnell Fold and look for the sign to White Coppice. Turn right into the village from the Railway pub, there is parking in the village.

Refreshments Check the Railway but take a picnic

Length of walk 3 miles <</p>

b>Time Allow 2 hours