Visit Gib Hill Nature Reserve
On this page you will find all the information you need to visit our wonderful nature reserve!
Things to look out for in October
Hazel Nuts
The hazel nut is the fruit of the hazel tree. A hazel nut cob is roughly spherical to oval, about 15–25 millimetres (5⁄8–1 inch) long and 10–15 mm (3⁄8–5⁄8 in) in diameter, with an outer fibrous husk surrounding a smooth shell. The nut falls out of the husk when ripe, about seven to eight months after pollination.
The seed is edible and consumed raw, roasted or ground into a paste. The seed has a thin, dark brown skin, which is sometimes removed before cooking.
If you spot any wildlife when visiting the nature reserve, please submit a wildlife sighting.
Photo attributions: top:Guilhem Vellut from Annecy, France, CC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons. Bottom left:Rita Willaert from 9890 Gavere, Belgium, CC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons.
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How to Find Us
Gib Hill Local Nature Reserve is within walking distance from much of Colne and Nelson, and access on foot is encouraged.
By Foot: The Main Entrance is at the end of Liddesdale Road. Pedestrian access is also available at the end of Gibfield Road and the end of Gib Hill Road, and via the public footpaths from Briercliffe Avenue and Wackersall Road.
By Public Transport: Bus Route 60 / 60A stops at Liddesdale Road. Alternatively it’s only a short walk up Gibfield Road from the Bus Stops on Burnley Road (ASDA). Train: Colne Railway Station is 1 mile away.
By Car: Car Parking is available only at the Liddesdale Road entrance on the Nelson side. (For Sat Nav use BB9 8LA). Please be considerate to residents and only use the marked spaces.
what3words location: ///hostels.lingering.cooked This what3words address refers to a 3 metre square location. Tap the link or enter the 3 words into the free what3words app to find it.
Visitor Information
Please note there are no lavatory facilities on the site.
Circular Walk
There is a circular walk through the Nature Reserve and up to the ancient hill fort at Castercliff. The route is approximately 3.6 km and takes around an hour.
Starting at the Liddesdale Road car park, following the gravel path into the nature reserve, then a gentle walk through the woods and small meadows of the reserve. Crossing the far edge of the golf course, the path then climbs up to the foot of Castercliff. It’s a bit of a climb to get onto the top of Castercliff, and this can be bypassed. Decend back down through the golf course and reserve back to the car park. Look out for vehicles on the way back down, the access road to Little Gib Hill Farm can be a hazard. Please note the ground can be muddy and walking boots are recommended.
If you click on the map below, it will take you to the Outdoor Active website which has further information about the walk.
