Lancashire houses some of the best walking trails in England, ranging from short gentle rambles to far distance treks which give you the opportunity to enjoy the best vistas and views Lancashire has to offer.
Some of the hiking trails in Lancashire are themed around some of her most famous food, while some are inspired by renowned authors, Pendle witches, heritage trails and industrial landmarks.
We have put a review of the top walking trails in Lancashire together to be of a great benefit to you.
The Tolkien Trail in the Footsteps of J.R.R Tolkien, Ribble Valley
This hiking trail is made in the footsteps of the author of The Lord of the Rings, J.R.R Tolkien, who stayed at the Stonyhurst College in the Ribble Valley. The walk which is five and a half miles far explores the beautiful surroundings that inspired the author and a good number of names that were found in the local environment such as shire lane in Hurst green, river Shirebourn also occurred in his book The Lord of the Rings.
The Hurst green village is situated in the Ribble Valley and is the starting and finishing point of this circular trail
Pendle Hill Walk, Pendle
The Pendle Hill is a rise above the ancient Pendle hunting ground which has history and legend woven spells all over it. The Pendle was once home to wild boar and wolves, and it is still dotted with small farms and hamlets till this day. This hiking trail is a five-mile walk with beautiful surroundings and a spectacular view when you get to the top.
Darwen Tower Walk, Darwen
The Darwen walk, a walk of two miles is a west Pennie moor trail circular walk with some amazing countryside surrounding view from the Darwen moors and a splendid view of places such as the Isle of Man and the hills of North Wales can be seen from the Darwen tower. The Darwen moor was built in 1897 in celebration of Queen Victoria’s diamond jubilee and the freedom of Darwen Moor the previous year.
Walking with the Witches Trail, Pendle
There are pretty little villages that lie in the shadow of Pendle hills, these villages tell intriguing stories of witchcraft which is about 400 years. This hiking trail has the Newchurch which has the eye of God painted at the side of the church’s tower, and a ‘witches grave’ with the inscription of the name Nutter. The footsteps of the legendary Pendle hill witches is a walk of about seven and a half mile.
The Wayside Art Trail, Burnley
This trail leads to the Burnley’s Panopticon, ringing, singing tree at Crown Point with the first option of a walk which is about 8 miles, suitable for fit walkers and a second one with a distance of 3 miles.
The wayside art trail follows the Burnley way footpath which is between the Towneley and Crown Point. White wild garlic and bluebell flowers in the springs at Towneley near the Boggart Bridge are highly hunted and the sonorous voices of woodpeckers and songbirds are soothing.
