Six of the best walks in East Lancashire under 7 miles

Here are six of East Lancashire's best walks under seven miles that fantasy fans will love, including the Pendle Hill and the history of its witches, and the inspiration of The Lord of the Rings.

1) Darwen Tower

Darwen Tower

For Darreners, a walk up to Darwen Tower is available on the door step, with stunning views from the top where, on a clear day, the Isle of Man and the hills of North Wales can be seen

The Tower is famous for celebrating Queen Victoria’s Diamond Jubilee in 1897 and to many local people it also celebrated the freeing of Darwen Moor in 1896.

The 2 mile walk begins at Darwen Town Hall. From here, walkers will pass the war memorial and around the lake before getting to the top of the hill to see the tower.

On the way back, the route goes past Sniddle Hill Farm and Holly Tree Farm before returning back to Darwen Town Hall.

2) Tolkien Trail

The Shireburn Arms, in Longridge Road, Hurst Green

Named in honour of Lord of the Rings author J.R.R. Tolkien, the Tolkien trail explores the Ribble Valley landscape, which many believe inspired the creation of middle earth.

Although Tolkien is also believed to have taken inspiration from other areas of the country, during the second world war, J.R.R Tolkien spent much of his time writing in a guest house and a classroom at Stoneyhurst College.

The 5.5 mile trail, which takes about 3 hours to complete, starts and finishes at the Shireburn Arms in Hurst Green. Explorers will see St. Mary's Hall, Clitheroe castle, the River Ribble and Cromwell's Bridge during their walk.

3) Rawtenstall and Oakenhead Wood

Autumn at Whitaker Park, Rawtenstall, Rossendale.

The 2.75 mile walk, which should take just over an hour includes mild to medium gradients and is aimed towards walkers who are slightly more advanced.

You will start the walk at the bottom of New Hall Hey Industrial Estate while walking through both Whitaker Park and Oakenhead Wood.

A route map can be found in explorer OL21 SD 803/222.

4) Pendle Hill

Pendle Hill trig point by Neil Barker

Infamous in its name, this 2 and a half hour walk takes you to the heart of the Pendle witch trials of 1612, where ten people were executed on the moors about Lancaster, having been found guilty of witchcraft.

Starting near Barley, the 5 mile walk passes the Ogden reservoirs before beginning to climb the infamous hill where, from the summit, Blackpool tower and the Lakeland fells can be seen on a clear day.

The walk then proceeds down back towards the village of Barley.

5) Towneley Park

Peter Haslam captured a great image of Towneley Park 

Managed by the council, Townley Park is the largest and most popular park in Burnley, with several short walks mapped around the grounds surrounding Towneley Hall.

Located about 1.5 miles south east of Burnley town centre, the Grade II listed park and garden contains about 12 information boards that will tell you about the history of Towneley.

There are plenty of short walks that can be taken through the grounds, with a full tour of the grounds mapped at 3.7 miles.

6) Walking With Witches Trail

This mysterious brooding trail is associated with the Pendle Witches, but Pendle Hill was also the subject of religious inspiration.

In 1652 George Fox climbed Pendle Hill and had a vision on the hill which inspired him to found the Quaker movement.

Its summit, known as "The Big End," is the site of a Bronze Age burial mound.

This trail is a must-see for those interested in learning more about the magical history of Pendle Hill and its witches.

The Western Loop is 4 miles starting at Barley Car Park, whereas the Eastern Loop is 3.5 miles.

Here is the full guide to the trail.