The river rises near Fiendsdale Head in the Forest of Bowland and flows first westwards then southwards through the villages of Oakenclough and Calder Vale before passing under the M6 motorway, West Coast Main Line and under the Calder Aqueduct on Lancaster Canal.
The river originates near Fiendsdale Head in the Forest of Bowland and flows initially westward before turning southward through villages like Oakenclough and Calder Vale. It then crosses under significant roadways including the M6 motorway, West Coast Main Line, and the Calder Aqueduct on Lancaster Canal.