Walks in Lancashire
My selection of classic walks in Lancashire, ranging from short lowland ambles to full moorland days across the Forest of Bowland and surrounding fells.
Lancashire is not usually the county at the top of one's list when mentioning the most celebrated regions for walking in Great Britain, but do not let its modest reputation fool you — Lancashire has much to offer. By being surrounded by the National Parks of the Lake District, Yorkshire Dales, and Peak District to the north, east, and south, most walkers and hikers pass the county by without taking time to have a closer look at what is available. And that is both a shame and a blessing — a shame because many do not get to enjoy the rich tapestry of natural and manufactured landscapes, and a blessing because those who do can enjoy new discoveries and fascinating walks without the crowds who have flocked to the neighbouring National Parks. In this chapter of my walks in Lancashire you will find ones to suit everyone, from short lowland ambles to full moorland days. The range covers walks in seaside, valleys, woodland, flat and rolling countryside, and also more adventurous walks including climbs to crags, cliffs, and moorland. I have found my walking in Lancashire to be special and the people are most welcoming, so why not join me in discovering this much underrated county.
Lancashire Walking Routes Index
| Walk Route | Miles | Description |
|---|---|---|
| 1.6 | A short and easy walk to some spectacular places in and around Kirkby Lonsdale including a view painted by JMW Turner. | |
| 4.0 | A lovely walk with a delightful cave, stunning coastal stretches, National Trust managed sites and deciduous woodland to enjoy. | |
| 5.0 | A walk of just five miles but with lots of diversity. Enjoy woodland trails, coastal paths and nature reserves on this stunning walk. | |
| 5.2 | A delightful walk in lush Lancashire countryside. On the way around the walk visits a fairy tale bridge and crosses limestone reef knolls. | |
| 5.8 | A walk in the countryside surrounding the picturesque village with a visit to Whalley Abbey and a walk through the popular village too. | |
| 5.9 | A mix of moorland, woodland and paths on the edge of Burnley. On the walk there are many arts and heritage sites to enjoy. | |
| 6.0 | From Devil's Bridge the walk follows the Lune to Kirkby Lonsdale via Radical Steps, crosses country to Whittington and returns by the riverside. | |
|
Pendle Hill
Moderate
|
7.3 | A walk up one of England's classic hills, the pride of Lancashire. While on Pendle Hill watch out for witches. |
| 7.3 | A walk of opposites. First Warton Crag, managed by the local wildlife trust and then to the wetland nature reserve at Leighton Moss. | |
| 7.7 | A Forest of Bowland walk to the best gritstone outcrops in the region. With great views of the Yorkshire Three Peaks. | |
| 8.0 | The climb to Totridge crosses Forest of Bowland moorland and then descends to stunning Bleadale. | |
| 8.0 | The village of Wycoller is one of Lancashire's hidden jewels. The walk to Lad Law is superb and is rewarded by excellent views. Trawden is a lovely upland village. | |
| 8.3 | This walk climbs from Rossendale to the south hills before returning to the valley and following the Irwell Sculpture Trail back to Waterfoot. | |
| 9.5 | The walk from Newhey visits the Windy Hills and White Hill before following a reservoir chain back to the start. | |
| 9.6 | A county borders walk from Todmorden, rising to Bride Stones Moor, crossing to Pudsey Clough and down into the Upper Calder Valley. | |
| 9.7 | A climb to Jubilee Tower on Darwen Moor before crossing to the River Roddlesworth, visiting ruins of a hall, returning to the moor and Sunnyhurst. | |
| 10.1 | Starting out from Rochdale's most popular outdoor leisure spot this lake and moor walk includes spectacular Pennine country. | |
| 10.3 | A walk on the fells of the Forest of Bowland which includes three miles of one of our finest Roman roads. | |
| 10.7 | A superb walk in north east Lancashire with the Ribble Way, ancient monuments and modern follies to visit. | |
| 11.1 | This excellent 11-mile walk links two shorter walks featured in this section. It includes coastline, woodland, crags and wildlife reserves. |