Guide

Things to do in the UK: Best Walks in Lancashire - Our Favourite Walking Routes and Trails

Lancashire is known as a favourite spot for walkers, with wide, atmospheric moorland, green river valleys and a dramatic coastline. From short, gentle strolls to more challenging long-distance terrain, there are plenty of options to suit every walker’s taste.

Here are some of our favourite walking routes and trails in Lancashire. 

Circular Walking in Lancashire
Anglezarke Reservoir loop
An easy ramble perfect for any fitness level, the Anglezarke Reservoir loop promises beautiful views across the reservoir (4.32 mi). The loop begins at the Anglezarke Car Park, taking you around the reservoir, past the northeastern shore and back to the car park. 

The paths are easily accessible, and there is plenty of free parking on site. The walk 
typically takes just under 2 hours.

Walk rating: easy. 

Silverdale to Arnside loop
Take in stunning countryside views, beachfront vistas and historic remains on this 
beautiful Silverdale to Arnside loop (11.0 mi). Beginning at the Silverdale AONB car 
park, the route takes you to the beach at Silverdale, the estuary with clifftop views 
across Morecambe Bay and past the Arnside Tower ruins before bringing you back to the car park. 

The paths are mostly accessible, but sure-footedness is required, and there is plenty of free parking on site. The walk typically takes just under 5 hours.

Walk rating: moderate. 

Short Walks in Lancashire (under 2 hours)

Calf Hey Reservoir Circular Walk
A popular trail that is perfect for the whole family, Calf Hey Reservoir (2.3mi) offers a 
little bit of everything, from trickling streams and glassy lakes to picturesque waterfalls, lush forests and plenty of wildlife.

The trail is open year-round and can get muddy in places, so suitable footwear is 
recommended. There is a free car park available at the trailhead but spaces are limited. The walk typically takes around an hour to complete.

Walk rating: easy. 

Darwen Hill and Jubilee Tower
A 1.4mi out-and-back trail near Darwen, this scenic route climbs Darwen Hill taking you up to the Jubilee Tower (officially known as Darwen Tower), built in 1989 to 
commemorate Queen Victoria’s Diamond Jubilee, with breath-taking views across the surrounding moorland.

The trail takes around an hour to complete and follows a designated footpath. Parking is available on Earnsdale Road, or at one of the pay-and-display car parks in Darwen.

Walk rating: moderate. 

Long Walks in Lancashire (over 2 hours)

Tolkien Trail, Hurst Green
See the areas that captured the imagination of esteemed author J.R.R Tolkien, this trail is a must for any Lord of the Rings fan. Stretching 7.45 mi, the circular trail begins and ends at The Shireburn Arms, with a variety of beautiful countryside landscapes, woodland and riverside views to discover along the way.

The trail takes just over 3 hours to complete and follows mostly flat terrain and 
pathways. Parking is available outside of the Shireburn Arms or on Avenue Road.

Walk rating: easy-moderate. 

Wolfhole Crag and Wards Stone Walk
Explore Wolfhole Crag, the third-highest summit in the Forest of Bowland, as well as the highest point, Wards Stone. A 13.9mi out-and-back trail that boasts some of the finest views of the Lancashire coastline, the trail also takes you across the geographical centre of the UK!
The trail takes between 5 and 7 hours to complete. Parking is available at a small car park on the road that leads to Tarnbrook.

Walk rating: moderate. 

Lancashire Walks with Pubs on route

Guild Wheel
The Guild Wheel is a 21-mile walking and cycling route that encircles the city of 
Preston, beginning and ending at the Pavilion Café by the River Ribble. Stop off along the way at The Continental, the Ancient Oak or the Final Whistle. 

Parking is available at The Pavilion Café.

Walk rating – easy.

Eccleston and Larbreck Circular
A 4.1mi circular route, the trail begins at the village square, before heading down by the River Wyre, past the historic Cartford Inn pub where you can stop off for a refreshment before coming back around to the starting point. 

The route takes around an hour and a half and parking is available close to the village square.

Walk rating: moderate.

Dog-Friendly Lancashire Walks

White Coppice and Great Hill Circular
A challenging 4.0mi route, this circular trail is the perfect chance for you and your 
pooch to really immerse yourselves in nature, with waterfall scrambles and rocky paths through rugged terrain.

The route takes around 2 hours to complete. Parking is available next to the cricket 
pitch where the trail begins and ends.

Walk rating: hard.

Brock Bottom
A short 1 mi hidden gem in the Forest of Bowland, the Brock Bottom walk can easily be completed in an hour, with peaceful watersides and woodland trails to discover.

Parking is available at the picnic site on Brock Mill Lane where a waterside footpath 
heads south along the River Brock to Brock Bottom.

Walk rating: easy.

Lancashire Autumn walks

Mitton Hall
A winding trail across 4.75 mi, the walk takes you past idyllic churches, across old 
bridges and through lush open fields where the autumnal colours illuminate the 
scenery, before ending at the Aspinall Arms.

The walk takes around 2 hours and parking is available at The Aspinall Arms.

Walk rating: moderate.

Pendle Hill
A popular circular route, the Pendle Hill route stretches over 5.0 mi, beginning in Barley, and taking you across bracken-covered moorland up to the peak of Pendle Hill, known for its 16th-century witch trials.

The walk takes around 4 hours and parking is available at the pay and display car park in the centre of Barley.

Walk rating: moderate. 

Lancashire Winter walks

Fairy Glen
A peaceful winter walk for all the family, this 4.0mi trail boasts scenic paths and 
cascading waterfalls, trickling streams and dramatic cliff faces, starting and ending at Parbold train station.

The walk takes around 1 hour 45 minutes and parking is available at Parbold train 
station.

Walk rating: easy.

Sunderland Point and Sambo’s Grave
A circular headland walk that’s certain to blow away the winter cobwebs, this 5.0 mi 
trail is filled with unique tidal landscapes, taking you across the peninsula where the 
River Line meets the Irish Sea.

The walk takes around 1 hour 45 minutes and parking is available in Overton at The 
Globe Pub.

Walk rating: easy

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