5 of the best dog-friendly walk locations in and around Lancashire

Rivington Pike

With a huge number of paths and trails, there’s sure to be something suitable for you and your dog, whether you’d both enjoy an exhilarating trek to the summit, or a more relaxing stroll around the reservoir.

In the early-1900s Lord Leverhulme created a labyrinth of paths, bridges and follies, steps, shelters and pavilions as well as lakes, lawns and ornamental planting on the hillside above Horwich and Chorley which fell into disrepair after his death. Restoration work has seen many paths cleared, meaning every visit can be different.

Sawley Abbey

These picturesque ruins, packed with history, lie in the centre of Sawley, a village four miles north of Clitheroe. Dating from 1149 and in the care of English Heritage, the site is free to enter. It was dissolved under Henry VIII – its abbot was later hanged at Lancaster – but there is still much to see, including a well-preserved night-stair.

Dogs love exploring all the nooks and crannies but it is important to keep them on a lead. Maybe later, take a stroll with your dog along the banks of the river Ribble which runs through the village.

Lytham to St Annes

Dogs – and owners – who aren’t keen on hills will enjoy walkies by the coast. The stretch from Lytham to St Annes is ideal with wide paths, views across the Ribble estuary and lots of opportunities to get off the lead and enjoy a run around.

There are plenty of dog-friendly cafes and pubs at both ends of the walk, and the recently refreshed cafe at Fairhaven Lake, near the mid-way point, is a handy spot for re-fuelling.

Beacon Fell

For good walks and great views, there are few better spots than Beacon Fell, just north of Preston on the edge of the Forest of Bowland Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.

 Serpent at Beacon Fell Country Park by Stewart Wade

There’s a range of routes around, including some gentle paths with no steep inclines. Depending on your dog, the 1.3 mile Woodland Trail can take about 30 minutes to complete, but the sculpture trail will take longer. There is a pay and display car park, and a visitor centre, not far from the summit.

Sizergh Castle, near Kendal

There are a number of walks through the grounds at this National Trust property just south of Kendal, although dogs are not allowed in the house or the formal gardens. There is still plenty for them to enjoy though, and a free map of the walking routes is available from reception.

The Sizergh Fell Walk is an easy circular walk through flower-studded grassland but there’s also the slightly longer Church Fell walk which goes through woodland, pastures, countryside and farmland, where dogs must be kept on a lead. If you’re feeling energetic, try the 2.8 mile Park End Moss walk through Brigsteer Park and visit the wetland hide –again, they’ll need to be on a lead here. nationaltrust.org.uk/sizergh