ALTHOUGH this is a short walk there is so much to see that it simply cannot be rushed. I began by exploring the Alms Houses overlooked by a row of old cottages. The Alms Houses are set around a green which still has the old pump in the centre.

The houses are still occupied and the privacy of those who live there should be respected.

The Parker Almshouses were once known as Waddington Hospital and were rebuilt by the founder Robert Parker of Marley Hall in Yorkshire and the entrance gate bears an inscription dating to 1706. Until the boundary changes of 1974, Waddington was in Yorkshire and many of the locals still retain the connection. The old country boundary was the nearby River Ribble.

There is proof of Waddington's beauty in the form of plaques given by the Lancashire Best Kept Village judges. It is probably unique as there are also plaques given to Waddington as Yorkshire's Best Kept Village prior to 1974. All these awards are proudly maintained.

Waddington Hall, my next viewing point, has strong links with the War of the Roses. Once again the hall is in private hands but enough can be seen of it during this stroll to prevent giving offence to residents.

Much of the medieval building would be recognised by Henry VI and his followers. They took refuge at the hall following their escape from the battle of Hexham in 1464. Even then, parts of the hall would have been regarded as old. Historians believe that the Monks Room could date to the 11th century. The Waddington family remained in residence until John Waddington died without heirs in 1935.

How old is the village itself? According to legend the area was settled by an Anglo-Saxon chief called Wade or Wadda. The Anglo-Saxon chronicle states that Wadda was implicated in the murder of Aethelred, king of Northumbria, in AD 794.

Four years later Wadda got his comeuppance. During a huge battle at Billangahoh (Billington, near Whalley) a large number were killed on both sides. Wadda lost and died in battle.

Before the battle Wadda camped on a hill, a site now occupied by Waddow Hall, a camp base for Girl Guides. This hall is situated within easy walking distance of Waddington but not on the present circular stroll.

The church, which has undergone some restoration in 2003, is one of the most fascinating in the area and overlooks the magnificent Coronation Gardens. These were laid out in 1953 and have picnic seats alongside the stream which runs clear and unpolluted. Here is the haunt of grey wagtail and dipper. There is also a pleasant mix of planted and wild flowers.

St Helen's Church is ancient, but the present building dates mainly to 1901. The architect, however, retained the tower dating to 1501 and kept to the medieval blueprint. The church is usually kept open. The history of the village is told in the West Window. Stained glass windows were used as a sort of visual aid in the days when most people could not read or write.

This window tells the story of Wadda, of Henry VI and of course the patron saint of the church, Helen, mother of Constantine, the first Christian Roman Emperor. Helen was a British Princess and her son was born in York in AD 274.

Apart from medieval stained glass removed from the old church there is also a 15th-century font inscribed with the crown of thorns, pierced hands, nails, hammer and pincers.

The peaceful church contrasts with what can be seen on the route out towards the centre of the village. Look to the right at a set of ancient stocks -not all those living in old Waddington led blameless lives!

There is still plenty of good spirit in this old border village, however, and I enjoyed a delightful snack and one of the best cups of tea I've had in a long time.

The Higher Buck, a friendly place with its low beams and excellent cuisine, has an ancient feel. The name implies that deer once roamed free in the frosted area which once surrounded the village. Many trees have gone but Waddington was and still is high quality farming country. Those who inspect the menu should choose local produce and help in the recovery much needed by local farmers.

START from the Higher Buck, Waddington.

1-mile circular. Allow 1-2 hours.

Waddington is on the B6478 road from Clitheroe.

From the Higher Buck follow the road towards West Bradford for a short distance. Alms houses on the left.

Then retrace your steps for a short distance and turn left. Follow the stream on the right and then along the Clitheroe road. See Waddington Hall on the left. Pass the Coronation memorial gardens overlooked by the church on the right.

Cross a small bridge over the stream and turn right keeping splendid old cottages to the left. Just before the Coronation Gardens turn left up a set of stone steps. One stile leads into the churchyard but take the stile leading over the fields. This path reaches the road leading to Bashall Eaves. Turn right and pass the Lower Buck Hotel on the left. Keep going until the historic church is reached.

Continue on to the road from Clitheroe. Turn left and return to the Higher Buck.