Here are five of the best winter walks in Lancashire
Lancashire has some of the best country walking in England, from short, gentle rambles to long distance treks.
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1.
he Tolkien Trail in the Footsteps of JR Tolkein, Ribble Valley Walk in the footsteps of author J.R.R. Tolkien who regularly stayed at Stonyhurst College. This five and a half mile circular walk, starting and finishing at Hurst Green in the Ribble Valley, explores the richly beautiful surroundings that inspired him. A number of names which occur in ‘The Lord of the Rings’ are similar to those found locally, including Shire Lane (in Hurst Green) and the River Shirebourn (similar to the name of the family which built Stonyhurst). Hurst Green is eight km/five miles west of Clitheroe and 15km/nine and a half miles north east of Preston on the B6243. There is limited car parking in the village.
2.
Walking With The Witches Trail, Pendle In the shadow of Pendle Hill lie pretty villages, which tell a story of intrigue and witchcraft nearly 400 years old. Follow in the footsteps of the legendary Pendle Witches on this seven and a half mile walk. Pendle Hill itself is a mysterious brooding landmark that will forever be associated with the Pendle Witches. Its summit, known as ‘The Big End’ is the site of a Bronze Age burial mound.
3.
Darwen Tower Walk, Darwen A West Pennine Moors Trail circular walk that takes in some fantastic views of the surrounding countryside from Darwen Moors. Darwen Tower was built to celebrate Queen Victoria’s Diamond Jubilee in 1897. The walk is approximately two miles with a steep ascent/descent
4.
Cleveleys to Fleetwood, via Knott End Ferry The route from Cleveleys to Fleetwood along the seafront is flat, pedestrianised and ideal for a stroll or a cycle and pushchair or wheelchair users. It is also great to capture that perfect picture. You can walk or cycle the 11 mile length of Wyre’s coast along the promenade from Fleetwood to Cleveleys and to Blackpool. There are stunning views across Morecambe Bay and the Irish Sea throughout.