Lancashire
Lancashire lies on the border next to Yorkshire and is known for an area of outstanding natural beauty (AONB) especially the Forest of Bowland. In the past, the two counties have held grudges against each other, and known as the ‘Roses rivalry’ derived from the historic Wars of the Roses. The war was fought between the House of Lancaster and the House of York. That being said, although this part of England isn’t necessarily the most celebrated for its walks/hikes, don’t let this fool you as Lancashire has so much more to offer whilst being surrounded by the National Parks of the Lake District, Yorkshire Dales, and Peak District; Guaranteed Views from all around. I personally really like the county, and will quite happily cross the border to discover more of what this area of natural outstanding beauty as the offer.
Below you will find the hikes/walks that have ratings of difficulty and contain mainly my own adventure stories, routes, GPX files and, photographs. I hope you too can discover the hidden gems that Lancashire has to offer.
BLOGS & ROUTES
White Coppice, Anglezarke & Woodland trail circular
White Coppice is a hamlet in the heart of Lancashire, near Chorley. It is close to the reservoir of Anglezarke, which is the largest reservoir in Rivington! Whilst exploring the area on foot, experience a journey through a landscape full of variety, from wild and exposed moorlands, deep valleys, and quiet woodland trails.
Distance: 10 miles / 16 km
Location: Lancashire
Parlick, Paddy’s Pole & Fair Snape Fell
The circular hike covers three fells, Parlick, Paddy’s Pole and Fair Snape, one of the larger hills in the area. Paths zigzag their way up to the various summits, whilst following a ridgeline that offers fantastic views of the Irish Sea and Blackpool to the West, and the Lake District to the North
Distance: 6 miles / 10 km
Location: Forest of Bowland
Singing Ringing Tree Circular
The tree itself compiles of multiple steel pipes that are stacked one on top of each other; it is designed to look like a windblown tree, and on a blustery day you can hear the chimes resonate throughout the pipes.
Distance: 6 miles / 10 km
Location: Lancashire
Trawden Circular
Trawden Forest is located on Lancashire’s border with Yorkshire and within it are quaint villages such as, Wycoller, Winewell and Trawden. The walk itself has a little bit of everything starting from the village of Trawden onto vast moorlands up to Lad Law summit, passing quaint farmhouses and through secluded woodland valleys that features a small waterfall.
Distance: 9 miles / 14.5 km
Location: Lancashire
Dunsop Head, Whitendale, Hard Hill Top & Croasdale Fell
The Forest of Bowland is situated in the North East of Lancashire and has been known as an area of outstanding beauty. I have visited the area multiple times on my bike and a few small walks, but I wanted to really explore the area and see what it had to offer.
Distance: 11 miles / 17 km
Location: Forest of Bowland
Widdop Reservoir Circular
Experience wild, bleak, and exposed moorland walk around Widdop reservoir and over Exstwistle Moor. Following gravel paths, expect to see wild sheep, curious banded cows, and rock formations that offer outstanding views of upper Gorple Reservoir, Lower Gorple, and the surrounding area of Calderdale.
Distance: 7 miles / 11 km
Location: Calderdale Lancashire
Musbury Valley
Our walk began with a short climb along a stoney trail, taking us gradually up through bending and grassy walkways, to the bottom skirt of Musbury Tor Hill. The hill stands proud and prominent, a king looking down upon its small surrounding villages
Distance: 7.49 miles / 20.054km
Location: Lancashire
Slaidburn Loop
We parked at the bottom of Cross of Greet Bridge, which has a little, free of charge car park. The first part of the hike has a gradual gradient following up Lythe Fell road to the summit of Cross Greets.
Distance: 8.52 miles / 13km
Location: Lancashire
Gisburn Forest
There’s something almost ethereal and other worldly about Gisburn Forest. It offers itself as a fantastical backdrop where you might expect to see mythical or magical beings at any given moment.
Distance: 5 miles / 8km
Location: Lancashire
Drawen Moor, Jubilee Tower, River Roddlesowrth and Witton Weavers way
The walk climbs to Jubilee Tower on Darwen Moor up a steep path. At the top, the tower has panoramic views over Lancashire which on a clear day is breathtakingly beautiful.
Distance: 10 miles / 16km
Location: Lancashire
Cowpe Circular
Well-surfaced paths make the route easy to follow. A very accessible and popular route for mountain bikers and walkers a like.
Distance: 6 miles / 10km
Location: Lancashire
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