Here are the 7 best places in Lancashire for Autumn walks

It’s the season of cosying up to binge-watch a series or your favourite comfort films with a hot drink and warm blanket.

But despite the colder weather, it’s the perfect time to explore the nature outdoors, as the seasonal change creates a stunning backdrop for walks in our lovely countryside.

We’ve compiled a list of the seven best walks in Lancashire that you should try out this Autumn, as voted by our readers.

1. Darwen Tower

Views from Darwen Tower. Photo: Ellie Smith (Image: Ellie Smith)

A hike up to the Jubilee tower offers a challenging amount of exercise as well as a lesson of Darwen’s heritage.

Famous for celebrating Queen Victoria’s Diamond Jubilee in 1897, as well as the liberation of Darwen Moor in 1896, the walk is rich with history as well as a spectacular view once you reach the top.

The Sunnyhurst woods route is a five-mile hike that will leave you with a great sense of accomplishment once you’ve finished.

2. Beacon Fell

Beacon Fell visitor centre (Image: Neil Barker)

The Woodland Trail at Beacon Fell Country Park is a leisurely stroll of 1.3 miles with no steep inclines.

The park, designed in 1970, is one of the oldest country parks in England and is a wildlife haven of different species of trees and habitats.

The route only takes around 40 minutes to complete and there’s a cage that’s open from 9.30am every day.

3. Pendle Hill

Pendle Hill trig point Neil Barker (Image: Neil Barker)

Starting from Barley, the two-and-a-half-hour trail is paved with the trials of the Pendle Witches in 1612 – which is one of the most well-known witch trials in English History.

Once you’re at the peak of Pendle Hill, you can take in the breath-taking views as you overlook Lancashire and the Yorkshire Dales.

The route is around five miles and ranked as easy to medium in difficulty.

4. Tolkien Trail

The Shireburn Arms, in Longridge Road, Hurst Green (Image: Tolkien Trail)

Any Lord of the Rings and Hobbit fans are sure to appreciate this hike.

Named after author J.R.R Tolkien, the Tolkien Trail explores the Ribble Valley landscape which is speculated to have inspired the creation of Middle Earth.

The author spent a lot of his time writing at Stonyhurst College during the Second World War so if you fancy exploring the surroundings that the author was once immersed in, this 5.5 mile hike is definitely worth a trip.

5. Towneley Park

Towneley Park (Image: Towneley Park)

There’s a variety of different trails to choose from at Towneley Park in Burnley.

The Grade ll listed park is the largest and most popular park in the town and has multiple notice boards with interesting information about Towneley’s history.

Whether you want a leisurely stroll, or a challenging walk, there are multiple footpaths offering hidden valleys, historic landscapes and beautiful views to keep you coming back for hikes this Autumn.

6. Witton Country Park

Beamers Trail, Witton Country Park (Image: Beamers Trail, Witton Country Park)

The Beamers Trail at Witton Country Park is a circular route that takes you through rolling fields to the River Darwen.

The walk can get muddy after it rains so make sure to wear a pair of wellies or shoes you don’t mind dirtying, but there’s plenty of fun to be had – especially for your dog.

You’ll encounter some hill climbs along the 9.7km walk but there’s plenty of pubs and cafes along the way if you need to stop for a break.

7. Hoghton Bottoms

Royal Oak Pub, Riley Green (Image: Royal Oak Pub, Riley Green)

This beautiful waterfall walk in Chorley will introduce you to hidden gems through the fields, woodlands, and waterfalls.

The five-mile walk takes around three hours to complete so make sure you’ve got a comfortable pair of hiking boots.

If you start from the Royal Oak Pub at Riley Green and turn up Green Lane, you can follow the footpath guiding you through the scenic landscape until you hit the main waterfall attraction.

What's your favourite Autumn walk in Lancashire?