Lancashire Walks: The 29 Best Walks In Lancashire

There are many excellent walks in Lancashire. The historical county is blessed with breathtaking countryside and natural beauty. In this guide, we’re going to tell you about the best places to walk in Lancashire.

FYI – Beck and I have personally completed all of the walks discussed in this guide. If you’re particularly interested in one of the walks below and want more details about trail navigation, how to get there or if you want to read a more detailed trail description, just click on the link provided in that section. That way, you’ll be able to read the individual article we wrote about that walk and you’ll be able to find out everything you need to know about it.

Table of Contents

The Best Walking Routes in Lancashire

Located in the northwest of England, Lancashire is home to large patches of gorgeous countryside and rural landscape. In fact, roughly 80% of Lancashire is rural. Indeed, the county is bustling with rolling green hills, far-reaching farmland, extensive waterways and windswept moorlands. The vast natural terrain of Lancashire means it’s a great place to go walking. To that end, in this guide, we’re going to talk about the best 29 Lancashire walks, to help you explore the natural delights of the county, by foot!

Dan and Beck at Pendle Hill, during one of the best walks in Lancashire — Views from Pendle Hill

Best Walks in Lancashire Map

To help you get your bearings, we recommend looking at the map below, which shows the locations of the 29 best walks in Lancashire. Simply click on the image to access an interactive map of the Lancashire walks.

Certainly, two of the most beautiful areas in Lancashire are the Forest of Bowland Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB) and West Pennine Moors. After all, both areas are designated Sites of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI). So, you’ll find most of the Lancashire walks discussed in this guide, fall within these two areas.

For your convenience, in this guide, we’ve first listed the walks in the Forest of Bowland AONB, followed by walks in the West Pennine Moors and then finally, the ‘best of the rest’ Lancashire walks. As to be expected, most of the walks in the Forest of Bowland and West Pennine Moors are nature trails, exploring the great outdoors. Whereas, the final walks discussed in this guide are a mix of historical and cultural trails.

To find out more about the Forest of Bowland, please read our Forest of Bowland Visitor’s Guide or our Forest of Bowland Walking Guide.

To find out more about the best walks in the West Pennine Moors, read here.

FYI – as you’re probably aware, areas such as Bolton, Bury and Blackburn are now considered districts of Greater Manchester, although historically, they were positioned in the county of Lancashire. To keep things simple, we’ve included walks that fall within the current and also historical boundaries of Lancashire.

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1. Pendle Hill Walk

Type: Loop
Duration: 7.8km (4.8 miles)
Time: 2–3 hours
Accumulated elevation gain: 360m
Difficulty: Easy
Trailhead: Barley Car Park

Pendle Hill is one of the most outstanding landforms in Lancashire. During many walks in Lancashire, you’ll be able to see the beloved Pendle Hill in the distance. But, you’ll have to walk up Pendle Hill itself to enjoy some of the best sweeping views of Lancashire. On a clear day, you’ll have sublime views of the Yorkshire Dales and you should also be able to spy Blackpool Tower.

Beck enjoys the Lancashire countryside from Pendle Hill, during one of the most popular walks in northwest England

2. Pendle Sculpture Trail (Aitken Wood)

Type: Out & Back
Distance: 4.5km (2.8 miles)
Time: 1–1.5 hours
Accumulated elevation gain: 100m
Difficulty: Easy
Trailhead: Barley Car Park

When it comes to easy walks in Lancashire, the Pendle Sculpture Trail ticks all of the boxes. The trail is relatively quick and leisurely with just one short spell of steep terrain. Starting from the town of Barley, you’ll soon walk by the Black Moss reservoirs, before arriving at the official starting point of the Pendle Sculpture Trail at Aitken Wood. Along the trail, you’ll see many sculptures and artworks.

3. Trough of Bowland Walk

Type: Loop
Distance: 13.4km (8.3 miles)
Time: 3–4 hours
Accumulated elevation gain: 365m
Difficulty: Easy
Trailhead: Dunsop Bridge

The Trough of Bowland is an extraordinary valley and high pass featuring lovely Lancashire countryside. Doing the Trough of Bowland Walk is one of the best ways to explore the area, once described as ‘the Switzerland of England‘. Indeed, when it comes to circular walks in Lancashire, this is one of the best.

The Trough of Bowland, near Dunsop Bridge, in Lancashire

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4. The Tolkien Trail

Type: Loop
Distance: 12km (7.45 miles)
Time: 3–4 hours
Accumulated elevation gain: 170m
Difficulty: Easy
Trailhead: Avenue Road, Hurst Green

The Tolkien Trail offers something for literature lovers and film buffs. That’s because this circular walk, which starts in Hurst Green, was where J. R. R. Tolkien spent much of his time writing his epic novel, The Lord of the Rings. Highlights of the walk include passing the prestigious Stonyhurst College, crossing the historical Cromwell Bridge and following alongside the peaceful River Hodder.

Dan follows the Tolkien Trail, one of the most popular walks in Lancashire

5. Forest of Bowland Waterfall Walk (Gisburn Forest)

Type: Loop
Distance: 5.3km (3.3 miles)
Time: 1.5–2 hours
Accumulated elevation gain: 65m
Difficulty: Easy
Trailhead: Stocks Reservoir Car Park

The Forest of Bowland Waterfall Walk (AKA the Gisburn Forest Waterfall Walk) is becoming an increasingly popular trail option. Starting at the Stocks Reservoir Car Park, you’ll initially walk through mind-blowing moss-covered woodlands. Eventually, you’ll walk alongside Bottoms Beck and scramble down a steep trail to reach the hidden waterfall, which is also known as the Bottoms Beck Waterfall. Indeed, this is one of the best walks in Lancashire with waterfalls.

Beck and Dan admire the Gisburn Forest waterfall

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6. Stocks Reservoir Walk

Type: Loop
Duration: 11.5km (7.15 miles)
Time: 3–4 hours
Accumulated elevation gain: 165m
Difficulty: Easy
Trailhead: Stocks Reservoir Walk Car Park

Stocks Reservoir is an excellent reservoir to explore and makes for one of the best Lancashire reservoir walks. We highly recommend doing the Stocks Reservoir Walk and also visiting Gisburn Forest as an awesome day trip in the Forest of Bowland.

Beck on the Stocks Reservoir Circular Walk, near Gisburn Forest in Lancashire

7. Beacon Fell Country Park

Type: Loop
Distance: 3.4km (2.1 miles)
Time: 1–1.5 hours
Accumulated elevation gain: 105m
Difficulty: Easy
Trailhead: Beacon Fell Visitor Centre

Located in the serene Ribble Valley, Beacon Fell Country Park is a spectacular natural space. At the park, you’ll find numerous walking trails including the Summit Trail (to Beacon Fell), Woodland Trail, Fellside Trail and Sculpture Trail. The trail specs listed above, refer to a common route through the country park, which involves doing the Summit Trail and Woodland Trail. Certainly, if you’re after one of the best Ribble Valley walks, then you’ll need to explore the various trails at Beacon Fell Country Park.

Dan walks in the Beacon Fell Country Park in Lancashire

8. Parlick Fell and Fair Snape Fell

Type: Loop
Distance: 11.2km (6.95 miles)
Time: 3–4 hours
Accumulated elevation gain: 560m
Difficulty: Moderate
Trailhead: Startifants Lane (PR3 2NP)

The Parlick Fell and Fair Snape Fell Walk is a popular trail option in the Forest of Bowland. From Parlick Fell, you’ll enjoy superb views of the surrounding Lancashire landscape and countryside. During the walk, you’ll also summit Fair Snape Fell and Paddy’s Pole. From Paddy’s Pole, you’ll find a trig point and a cairn, whilst enjoying awesome views of Pendle Hill.

9. Longridge Fell

Type: Out & Back
Distance: 4.5km (2.8 miles)
Time: 1.5–2 hours
Accumulated elevation gain: 110m
Difficulty: Easy
Trailhead: Longridge Fell Car Park

Longridge Fell is actually the most southern fell in the UK. From Jeffrey Hill, near Longridge, you’ll follow a short trail to reach Longridge Fell, where you’ll enjoy mouthwatering views of the Yorkshire Dales, the Fylde Coast and Pendle Hill. On a clear day, you might just make out some of the peaks in the Lake District and Snowdonia (guides coming soon). FYI – this is definitely one of the best walks near Preston in Lancashire.

Beck stands next to the trig point during the Longridge Fell Walk at sunrise

10. Nicky Nook Walk

Type: Loop
Distance: 5.5km (3.1 miles)
Time: 1.5–2 hours
Accumulated elevation gain: 210m
Difficulty: Easy
Trailhead: Wyresdale Park or Higher Lane

Nicky Nook is a small fell located near the charming town of Scorton. Starting near Wyresdale Park and Applestore Cafe, you’ll ascend a relatively short distance to arrive at the trig point at Nicky Nook. You’ll then walk alongside Grizedale Reservoir to complete the fairly easy-going circular walk.

Dan on the Nicky Nook Walk, starting in Wyresdale Park in Lancashire

11. Clougha Pike Walk

Type: Loop
Distance: 9.2km (5.7 miles)
Time: 2.5–3.5 hours
Accumulated elevation gain: 335m
Difficulty: Easy
Trailhead: Rigg Lane Car Park

The Clougha Pike Walk is one of our favourite walks in Lancashire. During the walk, you’ll enjoy views of the Yorkshire Three Peaks, Morecambe Bay, Lune Valley and the city of Lancaster. After exploring the moorlands, you’ll return via Rigg Wood, walking alongside a pleasant river stream.

Dan and Beck on the Clougha Pike Walk in Quernmore, Lancashire

12. Wolfhole Crag and Wards Stone Walk

Type: Out & Backs
Distance: 22.4km (13.9 miles)
Time: 5–7 hours
Accumulated elevation gain: 550m
Difficulty: Moderate
Trailhead: Lee

By doing this walk, you’ll visit Wolfhole Crag, which is the third-highest summit in the Forest of Bowland. You’ll also explore Wards Stone, which is the highest point of the Forest of Bowland – even higher than Pendle Hill! From Wards Stone, you’ll enjoy some of the finest views of the Lancashire coastline. On top of all that, this walk literally takes place in the geographical centre of the UK, which is impressive in its own right.

Wards Stone in the Forest of Bowland — Wards Stone

13. Bowland Knotts

Type: Out & Back
Distance: 1.6km (1 mile)
Time: 1–1.5 hours
Total ascent: 35m
Difficulty: Very easy
Trailhead: Keasden Road

The Bowland Knotts is a lesser-known rocky outcrop that serves as a nice vantage point. From the roadside, the rocky outcrop is only a short 700 metre walk away. So, it’s certainly one of the easiest and best bang-for-buck walks in Lancashire.

Dan and Beck watch sunrise at the Bowland Knotts

14. Peel Tower and Holcombe Hill Walk

Type: Loop
Distance: 8.8km (5.5 miles)
Time: 2 hours
Accumulated elevation gain: 192m
Difficulty: Easy
Trailhead: Lumb Carr Road Car Park

The Peel Tower and Holcombe Hill Walk is one of the best walks in the West Pennine Moors in Lancashire. From Holcombe, with mostly cobblestone underfoot, you’ll begin winding and gently ascending up to Holcombe Hill, where you’ll find Peel Tower. The monument was built to honour Sir Robert Peel, who founded the Metropolitan Police Force as well as serving twice as British Prime Minister.

Beck and Dan watch sunrise during a walk, standing by Peel Tower on Holcombe Hill in Lancashire

15. Rivington Pike Walk

Type: Loop
Distance: 3km (1.8 miles)
Time: 1.5 hours
Accumulated elevation gain: 195m
Difficulty: Moderate (in winter)
Trailhead: Rivington Hall Barn

Set north of Horwich, near Bolton, the walk up to Rivington Pike is a similar affair to the Peel Tower and Holcombe Hill Walk, where you’ll walk up a gently ascending trail, before arriving at a monument. On this occasion, you’ll arrive at the impressive Pike Tower. During the walk, you’ll also walk by the lovely Rivington Terraced Gardens.

Beck and Dan watch the sunrise at Rivington Pike

16. Darwen Tower Walk

Type: Loop
Distance: 6.6km (4.1 miles)
Time: 2 hours
Accumulated elevation gain: 135m
Difficulty: Easy
Trailhead: Ryal Fold

The Darwen Tower Walk is one of the most well-known walks in Lancashire. Personally, we started the walk from Ryal Fold, making the steep climb up Darwen Hill to arrive at the commemorative Jubilee Tower, which the locals refer to as Darwen Tower. After exploring the tower itself, you’ll complete the walk by weaving your way through Darwen Moor.

Darwen Tower in Lancashire, captured during a sunrise walk.

17. Waugh’s Well Walk

Type: Loop
Distance: 9.65km (6 miles)
Time: 2.5 hours
Accumulated elevation gain: 230m
Difficulty: Easy
Trailhead: Dearden Fold

The Waugh’s Well Walk takes place in Scout Moor, which is home to England’s second-largest onshore wind farm. When it comes to country walks in Lancashire, Waugh’s Well Walk is one of the best and most underrated options. You’ll start this walk from Edenfield, passing Dearden Clough Waterfall, before making your way through moorland, mostly via Rossendale Way. Eventually, you’ll reach Waugh’s Well – a fascinating commemorative well built in 1866 to honour the local poet Edwin Waugh.

Beck looks over lovely Lancashire countryside during a walk in the West Pennine Moors

18. Knowl and Hailstorm Hill Walk (Scout Moor)

Type: Loop
Distance: 10.6km (6.6 miles)
Time: 2.5–3 hours
Accumulated elevation gain: 335m
Difficulty: Easy
Trailhead: Ashworth Moor Reservoir (Owd Betts Pub)

The second of the walks at Scout Moor, that we recommend, is the Knowl and Hailstorm Hill circular walk. Starting from Ashworth Moor Reservoir, you’ll climb Knowl Hill, before heading towards Naden Middle (and Higher) Reservoirs. By doing so, you’ll take in some classic views of the Lancashire countryside. Afterwards, there’s a short ascent up Hailstorm Hill on a fairly faint grassy trail.

Dan and Beck doing one of the best walks in the West Pennine Moors – the Knowl and Hailstorm Hill Loop (Scout Moor)

19. Haslingden Moor Walk (Musbury Park Moor Walk)

Type: Loop
Distance: 10km (6.2 miles)
Time: 3 hours
Accumulated elevation gain: 250m
Difficulty: Easy
Trailhead: Helmshore Mills Textile Museum Car Park

During the Haslingden Moor Walk, you’ll initially climb Tor Hill before continuing towards Burnt Hill. Through fairly boggy terrain (particularly in winter), you’ll cross Musbury Brook and weave your way through the winding Musbury Valley. You’ll then head towards Ogden Reservoir, passing some fascinating abandoned quarry sites. Walking by Ogden and Holden Wood Reservoir provides a nice finish to this Lancashire walk.

An aerial shot of old quarry sites in Haslingden

20. White Coppice, Great Hill, Anglezarke Reservoir and Hatch Brook Waterfall

Type: Double Loop
Distance: 24km (14.9 miles)
Time: 6–8 hours
Accumulated elevation gain: 575m
Difficulty: Moderate
Trailhead: White Coppice Cricket Club

The White Coppice, Great Hill and Anglezarke Reservoir Walk is a fantastic trail with a mix of highlights. Personally, we started the walk by heading to Brinscall Park and Lake, to find Hatch Brook Waterfall. After that, we returned to White Coppice to complete the usual circuit walk that involves climbing Great Hill and exploring Anglezarke Reservoir.

21. Lancashire Three Reservoirs Walk

Type: Loop
Distance: 17.8km (11 miles)
Time: 3.5 hours
Accumulated elevation gain: 210m
Difficulty: Easy
Trailhead: Jumbles Reservoir Car Park

Starting from the Jumbles Country Park, you’ll head through the lovely Turton Bottoms, before circling Wayoh and Entwistle Reservoirs. Admittedly, Entwistle Reservoir was our favourite of the reservoirs. For a shorter reservoir walk involving just Entwistle Reservoir, please read our Entwistle Reservoir Walking Guide.

Dan at Turton and Entwistle Reservoir — Entwistle Reservoir

22. Tigers Clough and Crooked Edge Waterfalls

Type: Return
Distance: 3km (1.8 miles)
Time: 1 hour
Accumulated elevation gain: 25m
Difficulty: Easy
Trailhead: Rivington Reservoir Car Park

Located in Rivington, you’ll find two outstanding waterfalls – Tigers Clough and Crooked Edge waterfalls. Fed by the River Douglas and hidden in a small wooded rocky ravine, known as Tigers Clough, you’ll find the majestic Tigers Clough Waterfall, which locals simply refer to as Tigers Clough. Nearby, you’ll find a smaller waterfall called Crooked Edge.

23. Clough Head (Haslingden Grane)

Type: Loop
Distance: 4km (2.5 miles)
Time: 1–1.5 hours
Accumulated elevation gain: 110m
Difficulty: Easy
Trailhead: Clough Head Cafe and Tourist Information Centre

Clough Head is an underrated walk in the Haslingden area of Lancashire. Starting from the Clough Head Car Park, you’ll loop around the Jamestone Quarry and its reservoirs. Along the way, you’ll explore the lost village of Haslingden Grane. For a longer walk, you could combine the Haslingden Moor Walk (Musbury Park Walk) with this walk.

Beck and her sister Rachel doing the Clough Head Walk

24. Ashworth Valley Walk

Type: Loop
Distance: 10km (6.2 miles)
Time: 3 hours
Accumulated elevation gain: 146m
Difficulty: Moderate
Trailhead: Hutchinson Road (Norden)

The Ashworth Valley Walk is a lesser-known walk in Lancashire. Starting in Norden, you’ll essentially follow Naden Brook south, heading through various woodlands. On the way, you’ll pass by some old mill ruins located next to a small but pretty waterfall called Ashworth Valley Waterfall. To form a circuit, you’ll then follow Cheesden Brook back north, before briefly crossing Old House Brook.

25. Cheesden Mills

Type: Loop
Distance: 6.5km (4 miles)
Time: 1.5 hours
Accumulated elevation gain: 95m
Difficulty: Easy
Trailhead: Owd Betts Car Park / Ashworth Moor Reservoir

Falling in the spectacular Cheesden Valley, there’s much to enjoy along the Cheesden Mills circular walk. The trail begins at the Ashworth Moor Reservoir. From there, you’ll visit Deeply Vale Mill, which is an abandoned paper mill with interesting ruins to explore. You’ll then walk to another impressive mill ruin called the Cheesden Lumb Mill, which is set next to a waterfall.

Dan walks towards ruins and a waterfall in Lancashire

26. Hoghton Tower and Hoghton Bottoms Waterfall Walk

Type: Loop
Distance: 7.5km (4.65 miles)
Time: 2–3 hours
Accumulated elevation gain: 105m
Difficulty: Easy
Trailhead: Hoghton Tower

Starting at the historic Hoghton Tower, you’ll explore the tower’s grounds, before joining Witton Weavers Way. This waymarked trail guides you to Hoghton Bottoms Waterfall and then through the village of Pleasington. Near the end of the circuit trail, you’ll explore a trail alongside the River Darwen.

Lauren (Dan's sister) and Beck at Hoghton Tower — Hoghton Tower

27. Gawthorpe Hall Circular Walk

Type: Loop
Distance: 6.4km (4 miles)
Time: 1.5–2 hours
Accumulated elevation gain: 50m
Difficulty: Easy
Trailhead: Gawthorpe Hall

The Gawthorpe Hall Circular Walk is a worthwhile walk to do in Lancashire. Starting from Gawthorpe Hall, the circular route takes in the surrounding woodlands, countryside and waterways. Of course, you should make sure to visit Gawthorpe Hall itself during a visit to the area.

Dan and his parents at Gawthorpe Hall — Gawthorpe Hall

28. Singing Ringing Tree Walk (Wayside Arts Trail)

Type: Loop
Distance: 9.5km (5.9 miles)
Time: 2.5–3 hours
Accumulated elevation gain: 305m
Difficulty: Easy
Trailhead: Towneley Hall

The Singing Ringing Tree is a well-known attraction located just outside of Burnely. There are a few walks involving the Singing Ringing Tree to choose from. The most common trail is the Wayside Arts Trail, which is a walk that starts at Towneley Hall in Burnley and explores various artworks and installations, including the Singing Ringing Tree.

Dan stands next to the Singing Ringing Tree in Burnley

29. Williamson Park Walk

Type: Loop
Distance: 3.2km (2 miles)
Time: 1 hour
Accumulated elevation gain: 60m
Difficulty: Very easy
Trailhead: Williamson Park Car Park

Williamson Park is a beautiful parkland in Lancaster. By following the woodland trails around Williamson Park, you’ll pass by lovely gardens filled with a variety of colourful and attractive flowers and plants. You’ll also pass a domed skyline memorial called Ashton Memorial, whilst enjoying stellar views of the Lancashire coastline towards Morecambe Bay.

Ashton Memorial at Williamson Park in Lancashire — Ashton Memorial, Williamson Park

Walking Essentials

These are our gear essentials for walking in Lancashire.

To find out more about all of the gear that we use and recommend, read our guides about our favourite hiking gear, travel gear and camera gear. Otherwise, read our comprehensive travel packing checklist.

Bonus Tips

Long-distance walks in Lancashire: if you’re interested in a multi-day walk, consider the Lancashire Coastal Way (4–6 days) or the West Pennine Way (3–5 days).
Other things to do and events to attend in Lancashire: head to Visit Lancashire for the most up-to-date information about events and things to do in the area.
Lancashire walks with pubs: many of the walks on this list include a pub en route. Some of the best Lancashire walks with pubs include the Peel Tower and Holcombe Hill Walk (Shoulder of Mutton Pub and Restaurant) and the Pendle Hill Walk from Barley (Pendle Inn).
Head to the Yorkshire Dales walks: located next door to the Forest of Bowland, you’ll find the amazing Yorkshire Dales National Park. Make sure to visit the Dales for other great walks.

Do you have any questions about any of these Lancashire walks? Please leave us a comment.