When thinking of walking destinations in the North West, the Lake District is usually the first place that springs to mind.
Often overlooked however, Lancashire’s stunning countryside is both rich in history and home to some of the most scenic walks around.
Not being as well known also means the county lacks the hustle and bustle you’d find at some of the more popular walking sites; on the right day you may even get the trails largely to yourself!
With that said, here’s our list of the top 5 walks in Lancashire for 2021. Perfect trips for a day out, these walks are great fun and suitable for nearly all walking abilities.
Best Walks In Lancashire
Pendle Hill Walk – Barley
Infamous for the Pendle Witch trials of 1612, the Pendle Hill walk is not only historic, but also offers one of the most spectacular views in the whole county.
With several routes to choose from, we usually opt for the classic circular route that starts and finishes in Barley. Perfect for a shorter stay, this should have you up and down in around 2 hours 30 minutes.
Overlooking Lancashire and into the Yorkshire Dales, the steep climb is undoubtedly worth the rewarding views; and there’s always the Pendle Inn pub at the end of walk for those who fancy some grub and a pint (or two) to recoup.
Tolkien Trail – Hurst Green
Walking through the same rolling pastures that captured J.R.R. Tolkien’s imagination, this trail should be on the bucket list for every Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit fan.
Starting at the Shireburn Arms Hotel (The Shire anyone?) in the small village of Hurst Green, this circular route takes you through a variety of scenic greenery, scattered woodland and picturesque riverside views.
You’ll also pass Stonyhurst College, the distinguished boarding school where Tolkien regularly stayed. It’s been said that Tolkien penned some of his most dark and dramatic chapters for Lord of the Rings here during the midst of the Second World War.
The 10 kilometre Tolkien Trail is mostly flat terrain and easy-to-follow pathways, so it’s doable for most and can be completed in just over 3 hours at a steady pace.
Peel Tower & Holcombe Moor Walk – Ramsbottom
While nowadays technically classed as Greater Manchester, this historically Lancashire sight couldn’t not make the list.
Located in the quaint town of Ramsbottom, this 9 kilometre circular route takes you up to Peel Tower and over Holcombe Moor, giving the perfect vantage point to take in the magnificent views of both Lancashire and Manchester.
Built in 1852, the tower was erected after the death of the Bury-born Prime Minister, Sir Robert Peel; credited with creating the London Police Force in 1829. Look out for the flying flag on top of the tower which indicates the tower is open to the public.
The Wayside Arts Trail – Burnley
Stretching from Towneley Hall all the way up to Crown Point and back, this artsy and heritage themed walk is perfect for a family day out.
Developed between the Land and the Forest of Burnley in 2004 & 2005, the 9.5 kilometer trail features a variety of imaginative way-markers inspired by the local wildlife.
Created by Lancashire artists Martin Bednarczuk and Julie Miles, with the help of students from Myerscough College and St John’s Junior School, the carvings are dotted throughout the trail and spotting them is always a favourite with the kids.
Follow the way-markers to work your way up to Crown Point. From there, take in the magnificent views while listening to one of the strangest musical sculptures around; the Singing Ringing Tree.
Haslingden Grane Circular – Haslingden
One of Lancashire’s hidden gems, the Haslingden Grane walk takes you through quarries, woods, farmland and around three reservoirs all in the space of just 9 kilometers.
Before the reservoirs were built in the 19th Century, the area was home to Grane Village, a small settlement known for its quarrying and notorious for its illegal whiskey distilling (more locally known as ‘whiskey spinning’).
While very little of Grane Village remains today, the trails do include several information waypoints that shed more light on the history of the settlement.
With the walk starting and finishing at Clough Head Visitor’s Centre Café, we’d definitely recommend getting there early since the carpark is small and fills up very quickly.
Full route info here.
Clowbridge Reservoir Walk
Originally built in 1866 which resulted in the de-population of the historic Gambleside village, Clowbridge Reservoir today is enjoyed by both walkers and water sport enthusiasts alike.
The relaxing 3-kilometre footpath located in Dunnockshaw, Burnley, loops all around the glistening reservoir, and along the way you very well may spot a variety of sailors, windsurfers and even fishermen dotted along the body of water.
For those hankering for a longer route, there are a also number of off-shoot trails which can through the nearby woodland and over the stunning hilly moors.
One of my personal favourite routes is the walk to the iconic Singing Ringing Tree, which guides you up to the sculpture via the Memorial Forest and Dunnockshaw Community Woodland.
For more information on this ramble, click through to our ‘Singing Ringing Tree Walk’ post!
Turton and Entwistle Reservoir Walk
Nestled on the cusp of Lancashire in the charming town of Edgeworth – there’s good reason as to why Turton and Entwistle Reservoir continues to be a walking hotspot.
With the standard route being a relaxing 4-kilometre loop around the sparkly lake, there are also several extra trails for those who wish to explore further afield in the surrounding woodlands.
You could even stretch out your ramble to incorporate the neighbouring Wayoh Reservoir which is equally as picturesque!
With plenty of spots to admire the gorgeous waterside views or maybe even stop for a picnic break – the walk is great for all the family and keeps visitors returning time and time again.
Full route info can be found here.
Forest of Bowland Waterfall Walk – Gisburn Forest
What’s not to love about the Forest of Bowland?
With a plethora of stunning nature trails to explore, many visitors are unaware the forest is also home to this stunning and secretive waterfall spot.
Staring from Stocks Reservoir Car Park and coming in at under 4 miles in length, the Forest of Bowland Waterfall Walk is a great choice for ramblers of all abilities.
Nevertheless, while sticking to the trail is an easy walk, the actual scramble segment down to the waterfall can prove somewhat hazardous and should only be attempted by those who are confident in their climbing ability.
For those who don’t wish to navigate their way down through the thicket however, staying on the regular footpath is still a cracking ramble and provides some absolutely splendid views of the ancient woodlands.
Full route info here.
More Resources
While you’re here…
Why not discover more outdoor inspiration and click through to the Lancashire section of our blog? I’m sure there’s something that’ll tickle your fancy!
Happy walking 🚶🚶