Top 10 Walks in Lancashire

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With its moorlands, quaint villages and stretches of coastline, Lancashire offers no shortage of spectacular settings to explore on foot. In the Forest of Bowland National Landscape, discover hills covered in heather moorland and dotted with peaceful villages. 

Or why not enjoy far-reaching views from the summit of iconic Pendle Hill over patchwork fields and winding rivers? 

The county also stretches over the coastline fringing the Irish Sea. In Silverdale and Arnside, walk through woodlands before emerging at the water’s edge to admire views extending across the sands of Morecambe Bay to the Lake District beyond.

From family-friendly rambles to more challenging treks across breathtaking landscapes, we’ve rounded up 10 of the best walks in Lancashire 2024.

  1. Pendle Hill

One of Lancashire’s most iconic landmarks, Pendle Hill provides panoramic views across the county from its 557m summit. Located in the National Landscape of the Forest of Bowland, the walk takes around 3 hours and passes reservoirs, rivers, farms and villages along the route.

  1. Silverdale and Arnside Circular

Discover two picturesque villages and the natural beauty of Arnside and  Silverdale on this peaceful 10km walk. Taking around 3.5 hours, the varied trail encompasses woodland, wetlands and coastal paths with views over Morecambe Bay.

  1. Rivington Pike

Just an hour drive from Manchester, Rivington Pike offers a great escape to the Lancashire countryside. Located within Rivington Country Park, the 7km route to the hilltop provides far-reaching views across the West Pennine Moors.

  1. Singing Ringing Tree Panorama Walk

One of Lancashire’s quirkiest landmarks, the Singing Ringing Tree sculpture makes an intriguing backdrop for walks in the Pennine hills. This 8km route from Towneley Park ascends to the artwork and continues across the moors towards Burnley for sweeping views.

  1. Beacon Fell Country Park

With a range of trails and family-friendly facilities, Beacon Fell Country Park caters for all ages and abilities. The figure-of-eight walk combines woodland, moorland and countryside, ascending to the Beacon Fell summit, which is 266 metres (873 feet) above sea level and offers panoramic views of the Forest of Bowland and Morecambe Bay.

  1. Lancaster Canal Walk

Running for several miles across Lancashire, the tranquil Lancaster Canal provides the perfect, traffic-free walking and cycling path. Linking Lancaster city centre to the countryside beyond, a linear route in either direction allows you to walk as far as you wish.

  1. Clitheroe Castle to Stonyhurst College

This lovely 7km walk from Clitheroe town centre first takes in the ruins of Clitheroe Castle before following the River Ribble through the scenic Ribble Valley countryside to Stonyhurst College. You can then continue across farmland back to Clitheroe.

  1. Pendle Sculpture Trail

Combining art, history and scenery, the Pendle Sculpture Trail links villages associated with the famous 17th century Pendle Witch Trials via a series of intriguing sculptures. The trai is roughly 1 mile long and is a short walk from the village of Barley, which is situated at the foot of Pendle Hill in Aitken wood. 

  1. Wyre Estuary Country Park

Encompassing the coastal marshes and mudflats where the River Wyre meets Morecambe Bay, the Wyre Estuary Country Park provides habitat for diverse birdlife. A peaceful trail here combines views over the estuary with the backdrop of the Lake District fells.

  1. Leighton Moss Nature Reserve

Managed by the RSPB, Leighton Moss nature reserve near Silverdale protects some of Europe’s rarest breeding birds amongst reedbeds, woods and pools. Several waymarked trails here explore the habitats and wildlife.

Stay in Lancashire with Holgates Cottages Collection

With routes to suit all ages, fitness levels and interests across Lancashire’s countryside, villages, canals and coastline, walks here offer the perfect way to appreciate the county’s landscapes and heritage.  

After adventures exploring the finest walking routes the county has to offer, retreat to one of Holgates Cottages Collection’s idyllic self-catering cottages. With beautiful properties dotted around the county, Holgates offers cosy cottages from which to discover the great outdoors. 

Expect country cottages with stone fireplaces and pretty rural views. Each self-catering cottage boasts contemporary comforts like TVs and WiFi blended effortlessly with heritage features. 

With easy access to attractions in the Forest of Bowland, Ribble Valley and Lancaster and beyond, Holgates Cottages Collection provides the perfect base for exploring the Lancashire countryside.

Book Your Lancashire Cottage Today

Check availability, prices and book your dream cottage online today or call to chat through your perfect walking holiday accommodation.

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