River Hodder

The River Hodder rises on White Hill in Lancashire and flows for about 23 miles to join the River Ribble, making it the largest tributary of the Ribble. Almost its entire course lies within the Forest of Bowland Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, a scenic landscape of moorland and valleys. The upper reaches feed Stocks Reservoir, which supplies water to the Fylde coast. After leaving the reservoir the Hodder turns south, gathering tributaries such as Croasdale Brook, Easington Brook and the River Dunsop. Near the end of its journey it passes close to Stonyhurst College and the former preparatory school Hodder Place, giving its name to the school’s youngest pupils’ house. The river’s name may come from a Brythonic word meaning ‘pleasant stream’ or ‘boundary’, hinting at the ancient county line it once marked. For much of its length the Hodder forms the historic border between Lancashire and the West Riding of Yorkshire within the ancient Lordship of Bowland. Its course once ran west of Longridge Fell before geological changes redirected it eastward to its present channel. The valley’s relief drops from over 400 metres above sea level to 99 metres within 15 kilometres, creating varied scenery. Visitors can walk quiet riverside paths through Bowland’s valleys and moorland, enjoying views of the Hodder’s clear waters and wooded banks. Villages such as Slaidburn, Newton, Dunsop Bridge and Whitewell lie along the river, offering places to stop and explore. Near Great Mitton the Hodder meets the Ribble close to where the medieval Mitton Hoard was discovered in 2009. The river’s gentle meanders and surrounding landscape provide a peaceful setting for walking, nature watching and appreciating the area’s natural beauty.