Are you looking for somewhere to walk this weekend? Lancashire is home to lots of trails including a variety of walking routes.
Whether you’re heading out on a solo trip for some fresh air or you’re making it a family affair with loved ones, there’s nothing quite like a weekend walk.
To help you decide where to go this weekend, we’ve rounded up 5 walking routes you can enjoy in the county.
5 walks to enjoy in Lancashire this weekend
Gawthorpe Hall Circular Walk
Location: Gawthorpe Hall, Burnley Road, Padiham, Burnley, BB12 8UA
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This circular route starts and ends at Gawthorpe Hall in Burnley.
The National Trust website says on this route you’ll walk “beside the River Calder” and see the “ancient woodland of Hagg Wood”.
It adds: “From here it's onto the Burnley Way which takes you through Grove Lane Plantation - the pathway in which used to be the track of an old coal ginny tramway that brought coal from the pit at Habergham Colliery across the valley to Padiham.”
This walking route has a car park and can be enjoyed alongside your dog.
The Stubbins Estate walk near Gawthorpe Hall
Location: Stubbins Estate near Ramsbottom
If it’s a clear day, you can enjoy views of Manchester and the Derbyshire Pennines as you make your way along the route.
You can keep an eye out for lots of tree and flower species as you stroll along.
It’s worth noting that this walk isn’t suitable for pushchairs due to its rough terrain and paths with climbs and descents, the National Trust website warns.
Nicky Nook Circular
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This 5.6km circular trail is near Garstang and takes on average one hour and 43 minutes to complete.
Dogs are welcome to join you along this route but only if they’re kept on leads.
The trail is open all year and it’s a popular spot for birding, fishing and hiking, explains AllTrails.
You’ll see views from Nicky Nook’s summit and visit Grizedale Reservoir in the Forest of Bowland area plus you’ll walk along the banks to the dam.
Make sure to wear good footwear as it can get muddy especially after it’s rained and be careful on the road section of this route as there might not be a curb for pedestrians.
White Coppice, Great Hill and Anglezarke Circular
If you’re looking for a longer walk to enjoy, why not give this one a go? It’s 14.5km in length and located near Chorley, AllTrails explains.
On average, this route takes three hours and 58 minutes to complete and you can enjoy waterside views.
You’ll walk up and over Great Hill and across the moorlands before walking back to the start via Yarrow and Anglezarke Reservoirs.
You can also visit White Coppice, a picturesque Lancashire village, and see Dean Black Brook, an area of quarrying and lead ore extraction.
Paths and the moorlands can be muddy and slippery, especially in wetter conditions, so take care and wear appropriate footwear.
Fairy Glen Circular
Alternatively, you could try this ‘easy’ route which is 6.4km in length and takes one hour and 43 minutes to complete on average.
This route is located near Skelmersdale and you can enjoy it with your dog – they can be off lead in some areas.
The AllTrails website says: “Enjoy scenic paths and views over the water, as you make your way through Fairy Glen, wind beside Sprodley Brook, head along the Leeds and Liverpool Canal, and return to the start over the farmlands and via the woodlands once more.”
Recommended reading:
- Lancashire beauty spot with ‘gorgeous landscapes’ among best places to travel
- Active retreat in Lancashire named among best in the UK
- Forest of Bowland driving route named among most scenic near Manchester
Be careful when walking on rougher terrains especially after wet weather as this route can get muddy and slippery.
You’ll need to wear appropriate footwear for this walk.
It’s important to note that there are stiles along this route and you’ll need to take care if you’re walking with a dog.
You can find out more about each of the walks via the National Trust and AllTrails websites.
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