Wycoller (from the Anglo Saxon Wic-Alr, meaning dairy farm among the alder trees) is a delightful Lancashire village, approximately 4 miles east of Colne, and is slowly being brought back to life after virtual abandonment. From the 15th century the Wycoller area was a sheep farming and weaving community, but the invention of power looms eventually led to the village's decline. In the 1890s there were plans to create a reservoir by damming Wycoller Beck, but fortunately the plan never materialized. 'The Friends of Wycoller' were established in 1948 in an effort to preserve Wycoller Hall and the village. Lancashire County Council bought the land from the Water Board in 1973 and the village and surrounding countryside were designated a Country Park.
Wycoller's population peaked at 350 in the year 1820 but weavers later moved to live in nearby towns, close to the developing mills. Thirty five dwellings have been lost since that time. Houses that remain have been restored, as evidenced by the superb properties above. Wycoller Cafe and Craft Centre (picture 4 above) has pleasant proprietors and serves good meals at reasonable prices.
"Trampers" can be booked by calling 01995 640557. Trampers are all terrain buggies, specifically designed to cover rough ground, mud and grass. They are available for use by people with limited mobilty, free of charge, at two of the Countryside Services most popular parks, Wycoller and Beacon Fell, for use on the Tramper trails.
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