From the Raven Inn front entrance or car park, turn right on to Warrington Road and then immediate right into Hey Shoot Lane (1).
After 150 metres, turn left into Moss Lane (2) and walk 300 metres crossing the River Glaze and on until you come to a footpath sign on the left in the hedge(3).
Take this path over a footbridge and stile and head straight towards the barn beyond. Go past the barn along a cobbled track passing Lightoaks Hall on your left and on to the tunnel under the railway bridge (A).
Go through the bridge and immediately turn right alongside the Railway (4).
After 300 metres, the path veers to the left (5). Carry on across the field in the direction of the distant Pennines, towards Windy Bank Woods.
Carefully cross over the rickety stile (B) passing the Forestry England wooden post (C) and join the gravel track and turn left (6). When you reach a fork in the path, take the path to the right.
On reaching the tarmac road with the Forestry Commission sign on your right, (D) cross over the road and enter the gravel track.
You are now in Windy Bank Woods and following a circular route meandering through woodland. There are a number of benches and tables providing rest points.
After the first 800 metres, you will enter a wood for about 300 metres before entering open ground again.
At the T junction where paths cross, alongside a large marker wooden post to the right, turn to the left and immediate right over the ditch and follow the path for 450 metres where you come close to the railway line (E).
A further 150 metres brings you to a fork in the path so take that to the left. After a further 250 metres, enter a dense wood.
After 350 metres, pass through the opening in the fence to rejoin the gravel track, where you turn left.
Follow the path until you come to a red and white pole on the left where you take the short grassy path back to the rickety stile.
After crossing the stile you will now retrace your steps through the grass field towards the railway, turning left under the railway bridge (4), passing Lightoaks Hall on your right, and continuing ahead to the stile and footbridge, turning right into Moss Lane (3), then turning right into Hey Shoot Lane (2) and returning to the Raven Inn.
The Raven Inn is set in beautiful countryside and to enhance its enjoyment, a number of circular walking routes ranging from 4.5km (2.8 miles)
to 7 km (4.5 miles) have been produced, starting and finishing at the Raven Inn. They largely follow country lanes and public rights of way, where the ground in parts can be uneven, and at times muddy, so stout footwear or walking boots are advised.
The Countryside Code should be observed at all times and dogs should be kept under strict control.
Walkers follow the routes at their own risk and the Raven Inn does not accept any responsibility for personal injury.