Top 10 Walks In Lancashire

Some links on posts are affiliate links and will earn us a commission from qualifying purchases

Lancashire, in the northwest of England, is a county of stunning contrasts, blending rolling countryside, windswept moorlands, historic towns, and a dramatic coastline.

Once the heartland of the Industrial Revolution, the county now offers tranquil rural escapes alongside reminders of its proud working heritage. Walkers will find a rich variety of landscapes, from the lush green valleys of the Ribble and Wyre, to the remote fells of the Forest of Bowland Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.

This is a county where scenic trails can lead to everything from medieval ruins and Victorian towers to coastal nature reserves and sculpture-dotted hillsides.

Towns like Lancaster and Clitheroe act as gateways to rural adventures, while charming villages such as Downham, Barley, and Wycoller offer perfect starting points for gentle rambles and challenging hikes alike.

Whether you’re scaling iconic Pendle Hill, strolling through ancient woodland at Beacon Fell, or breathing in the salty air along the Lytham coast, Lancashire serves up an impressive mix of natural beauty and historical intrigue for every walker.

The Top 10 Walks In Lancashire

1. Pendle Hill Circular Walk

• Start/End Point: Barley Car Park
• Distance: 5.5 miles (8.8 km)
• Terrain: Moorland, steep ascent, fields
• Difficulty: Moderate to challenging
• Notable Landmark: Pendle Hill summit

A legendary walk associated with the Pendle Witches, offering dramatic views over Lancashire and into Yorkshire from the summit.

---

2. Fairy Glen Walk, Appley Bridge

• Start/End Point: Appley Lane North
• Distance: 2.5 miles (4 km)
• Terrain: Woodland, streams, footpaths
• Difficulty: Easy
• Notable Landmark: Fairy Glen Waterfall

A delightful short walk through lush woodland, with winding paths and magical waterfalls tucked away in a tranquil glen.

---

3. Arnside Knott and the Coast

• Start/End Point: Arnside village
• Distance: 5 miles (8 km)
• Terrain: Woodland, limestone hills, coastal paths
• Difficulty: Moderate
• Notable Landmark: Arnside Knott summit

Although on the Cumbria border, this popular walk provides panoramic views over Morecambe Bay and the Lake District fells.

---

4. Forest of Bowland – Dunsop Bridge Circular

• Start/End Point: Dunsop Bridge
• Distance: 6 miles (9.7 km)
• Terrain: Moorland, lanes, riverside
• Difficulty: Moderate
• Notable Landmark: Geographic centre of Great Britain

A stunning walk in the heart of the Forest of Bowland AONB, with rolling hills, riverside paths, and rural charm.

---

5. Lancaster Canal Walk

• Start/End Point: Lancaster City Centre
• Distance: 4 miles (6.4 km)
• Terrain: Canal towpaths, flat
• Difficulty: Easy
• Notable Landmark: Lune Aqueduct

A relaxing and accessible walk along the Lancaster Canal with historic buildings, wildlife, and the impressive Lune Aqueduct.

6. Rivington Pike and Terraced Gardens

• Start/End Point: Rivington Hall Barn
• Distance: 5 miles (8 km)
• Terrain: Hills, woodland, stone steps
• Difficulty: Moderate
• Notable Landmark: Rivington Pike Tower

A scenic route through ornamental gardens and up to the iconic tower, with spectacular views over the West Pennine Moors.

---

7. Wycoller Country Park and Atom Panopticon

• Start/End Point: Wycoller village
• Distance: 3 miles (4.8 km)
• Terrain: Fields, gentle hills, lanes
• Difficulty: Easy
• Notable Landmark: Atom sculpture

A walk through historic Wycoller, past ruined halls and charming bridges, ending with the modern Atom viewpoint over Pendle.

---

8. Lytham and St Anne’s Coastal Path

• Start/End Point: Lytham Windmill
• Distance: 4.5 miles (7.2 km)
• Terrain: Flat coastal promenade and sand dunes
• Difficulty: Easy
• Notable Landmark: Lytham Windmill

A pleasant seaside walk with views across the Ribble Estuary, perfect for birdwatching and enjoying the sea air.

---

9. Beacon Fell Country Park Walk

• Start/End Point: Beacon Fell Visitor Centre
• Distance: 2.5 miles (4 km)
• Terrain: Woodland trails, inclines
• Difficulty: Easy to moderate
• Notable Landmark: Beacon Fell summit

A family-friendly forest walk with sculpture trails and lovely views from the top of the fell.

---

10. Jubilee Tower and Darwen Moor

• Start/End Point: Sunnyhurst Woods Car Park, Darwen
• Distance: 6 miles (9.7 km)
• Terrain: Moorland, woodland, tracks
• Difficulty: Moderate
• Notable Landmark: Jubilee Tower

A varied hike through woods and open moorland to a striking hilltop tower with sweeping views over Lancashire.

Summary – Top 10 Walks in Lancashire

We hope you enjoy this list of walks and look forward to trying some of them out on your next visit to Lancashire. Why not take a look at other counties too when planning other trips.