Walks in Lancashire
Langden Dale in the Forest of Bowland
Lancashire is not usually the county at the top of ones 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.
Interactive map of the walks
| Walk | Miles | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Kirkby Lonsdale, Devil's Bridge, Ruskin's View and River Lune | 1.6 | A short and easy walk to some spectacular places in and around Kirkby Lonsdale including a view painted by JMW Turner. |
| Silverdale, Jack Scout, Jenny Brown's Point and Warton Sands | 4.0 | A lovely walk with a delightful cave, stunning coastal stretches, National Trust managed sites and deciduous woodland to enjoy. |
| Arnside, Arnside Knott, Far Arnside and Leighton Moss Nature Reserve | 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. |
| Downham, Worsaw Hill, Chatburn, Fairy Bridge and Downham Bridge | 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. |
| Whalley, Spring Wood, Read Park, River Calder and Whalley Banks | 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. |
| Burnley Arts Trail, Singing Tree, Cliviger Mill Bridge and Towneley Park | 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. |
| Kirkby Lonsdale, Whittington and River Lune | 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 | 7.3 | A walk up one of England's classic hills, the pride of Lancashire. While on Pendle Hill watch out for witches. |
| Warton Crag, Strickland Wood and Leighton Moss | 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 |
| Cross of Greet Bridge, Bowland Knotts, Raven's Castle and Cloven Stones | 7.7 | A Forest of Bowland walk to the best gritstone outcrops in the region. With great views of the Yorkshire Three Peaks. |
| Hareden, Totridge, Bleadale Water and Langden Brook | 8.0 | The climb to Totridge crosses Forest of Bowland moorland and then the descends to stunning Bleadale. |
| Wycoller, Brinks End Moor, Boulsworth Hill, Lad Law and Trawden | 8.0 | The village of Wycoller is one of Lancashires hidden jewels. The walk to Lad Law is superb and is rewarded by excellent views. Trawden is a lovely upland village. |
| Waterfoot, Cowpe Lowe, Waugh's Well, Top of Leach, Irwell Sculpture Trail | 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. |
| Windy Hills, White Hill and Piethorne Reservoir | 9.5 | The walk from Newhey visits the Windy Hills and White Hill before following a reservoir chain back to the start. |
| Todmorden, Bride Stones, Hawk Stones, Pudsey Clough and Upper Calder Valley | 9.6 | A county borders walk from Todmorden, rising to Bride Stones Moor, crossing to Pudsey Clough and down into the Upper Calder Valley. |
| Darwen Moor, Jubilee Tower, River Roddlesworth and Witton Weavers Way | 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. |
| Hollingworth Lake, Blackstone Edge and Clegg Moor | 10.1 | Starting out from Rochdale's most popular outdoor leisure spot this lake and moor walk includes spectacular Pennine country. |
| Dunsop Head, Whitendale, Hard Hill Top and Croasdale Fell | 10.3 | A walk on the fells of the Forest of Bowland which includes three miles of one of our finest Roman roads. |
| Bolton by Bowland, Sawley Abbey, Gisburn Bridge and Bolton Park | 10.7 | A superb walk in north east Lancashire with the Ribble Way, ancient monuments and modern follies to visit. |
| Silverdale, Warton Crag and Leighton Moss | 11.1 | This excellent 11 mile walk links two shorter walks featured in this section. It includes coastline, woodland, crags and wildlife reserves. |
Feedback and Suggestions:
I am always pleased to received feedback on the structure and content of the website. I also welcome suggestions on how I can improve the website which may include new areas to cover, new walks or route alterations to existing walks. To contact me with feedback and/ or suggestions please complete the Walking Englishman Feedback Form. Thank you.
(Note: Walking without proper preparation can be dangerous. Information and downloads on this website are provided free of charge; it is each walker's responsibility to check the material and use accordingly. Postscript: My walk reports are not route guides and should not be treated as such. They are written with personal reflections of my walks)
