River Loud

The River Loud rises on Parlick in Lancashire and winds through the parish of Chipping. It first flows south-west, then turns south-east, and near Gill Bridge by Withinreap Farm it heads east. After passing Hesketh Lane it collects Chipping Brook and continues north-east, running roughly parallel to Longridge Road. Finally it joins the east-flowing River Hodder at Doeford Bridge. Geologists note that the lower Loud once carried Hodder water westward from Doeford Bridge to the Derby Arms north of Longridge. This reversed the modern eastward flow, taking it south-west through Halfpenny Lane on Longridge’s west side. From there it could have joined Blundell Brook past Broughton church and Woodplumpton to reach the River Wyre, or flowed via Savick Brook through Fulwood to the River Ribble. Today the Loud’s gentle bends and quiet banks offer a peaceful walk through rolling countryside. The river’s changing direction and varied geology make it a place where walkers can follow its twists from Parlick down to the Hodder. Chipping Brook adds fresh water as the stream passes Hesketh Lane, and the old westward route can still be traced near Longridge.