Whether you're after a scenic circular walk or a challenging out-and-back hike, Lancashire offers a wealth of trails that showcase its diverse landscapes. From coastal paths and woodland walks to panoramic mountain views, the county has something for every hiker. Lancashire is home to several national parks, nature reserves, rolling moors, and riverside trails, many of which are wheelchair-friendly to ensure accessibility for all. Whether you’re planning a quick weekend getaway or a series of summer adventures, Lancashire’s beautiful scenery provides the perfect backdrop for family outings.
1. Brockholes Nature Reserve
While it’s normal to get bogged down in the wetlands, the Lancashire Wildlife Trust has made Brockholes Nature Reserve as accessible for wheelchair users as possible. The reserve offers free entry to 100 hectares of walking trails that make for a fantastic weekend outing. Unfortunately, Brockholes does not allow dogs in the area, as the reserve is a natural habitat for hares, roe deer and birdwatchers. Take care not to disturb the wildlife as you explore this beautiful quarry-turned-ecosystem.
2. Cross Hill Quarry
Cross Hill Quarry, another wheelchair-friendly nature reserve and, surprisingly, another reclaimed quarry, offers a more intimate setting with its woodland and meadow walks. Explore this charming limestone habitat at your own pace, keeping an eye out for seasonal fungi and the vibrant butterflies that call this area home. Unlike Brockholes, Cross Hill Quarry welcomes dogs, though they must be kept on a lead to protect the wildlife. This makes it an ideal spot for a weekend family dog walk, where everyone can enjoy the beauty and tranquillity of the reserve.
3. Fleetwood Coastal Way
For lovers of sea spray, Fleetwood Coastal Way is a wheelchair-accessible circular route around the Wyre coast. Replete with everything from man-made landmarks to seabird hotspots, this partially paved beach walk in Lancashire takes you around the historic town of Fleetwood and its rocky seafront, complete with a trip to the lighthouse and ferry docks. As you venture inland, take the opportunity to stroll through the town’s charming shopping streets, adding a touch of local flavour to your coastal adventure.
4. Fairy Glen
Follow Sprodley Brook into the enchanting Fairy Glen valley on this delightful woodland trail, where you'll encounter stunning cliffs and waterfalls shaped by natural erosion. While Fairy Glen may be a small area for a walk, it serves as a gateway to numerous hikes and paths in the surrounding countryside, allowing you to customise your route to suit your preferences. Visit during the summer to see sunlight dapple the water or explore in winter for a magical experience of ice and frost coating the landscape. This area is a true gem, making it well worth several visits, especially for local residents.
5. Hurst Green and Hobbit Hill
Colloquially known as the "Tolkien Trail," this charming 3-hour circular route around Hurst Green in Clitheroe offers a delightful hiking experience. Located just east of Longridge, the trail curves along the Hodder and Ribble rivers and winds through Over Hacking Wood, showcasing a diverse range of landscapes and trail types. Dogs are welcome on this route as long as they're kept on a lead, but be sure to keep a watchful eye, as the path crosses several fields with livestock. If you're not ready for the full circular hike, feel free to choose a section and enjoy an out-and-back route instead—there's always time for the longer walk later!
6. Kent Estuary and Arnside Knott
While this one is toeing the line between Lancashire and Cumbria, the Kent Estuary is beautiful enough to make an exception. Arnside and Silverdale, located at the edge of the Lake District, is nestled in a picturesque wetland area shaped by the ebb and flow of the River Kent. Be sure to pack your wellies, as the terrain can get quite muddy! Along the way, you'll encounter charming woodlands, cozy cottages, and the serene riverside, as well as the quaint town of Arnside. If you live in Lancashire and can’t spare the time to drive all the way up to the Lakes, this trail is the perfect way to get a taste of the area without the extra car ride.
7. Wayoh Reservoir
The Wayoh Reservoir is a historic water reserve located in the moors above Bolton. Like most reservoirs in the Manchester area, this one sports a convenient walking route that circles it completely, making it great for local dog walks or a family hike on a summer’s day. The reservoir makes up 50% of Bolton’s drinking water, so it’s a perfect opportunity to teach the kids about their local resources, especially if you’ve been drinking from Bolton taps! Be aware that moorland walks can be strenuous, and it’s best to keep an eye on the little ones and not wander off the trail.
8. Fair Snape Fell
Are you a true hiker? While woodland trails and nature reserves can be enjoyable, nothing challenges you quite like a hill climb. The Forest of Bowland national landscape boasts numerous stunning walks, but few rival the breathtaking skyline from its tallest peaks. Fair Snape Fell delivers an impressive view, with a challenging elevation gain of 413 meters that promises a serious leg workout as you summit one of Bowland’s highest points. This circular hike typically takes about 3 hours to complete, but don’t feel pressured to rush - there’s no shame in taking breaks to catch your breath! Be sure to pack your hiking gear, snacks, and plenty of water for the journey.
9. White Coppice and Great Hill
Very few walks will leave a mark quite like the Great Hill above Belmont. This hike across the West Pennine Moors is one of the best circular walks in Lancashire if you’re looking for a few hours alone with your thoughts and some prehistoric scenery. Pass the dry stone walls and walk among the moorland sheep as you make your way from Lowe Fold to the lonely landscape of Great Hill. As you near the summit at 381 meters, you'll be rewarded with panoramic views overlooking White Coppice; on a clear day, you might even spot where you parked your car at the start of your adventure.
10. Tarnbrook Wyre Waterfalls
As another Forest of Bowland staple, the Tarnbrook Wyre Waterfalls are quite something for a hiker to behold. This rugged, windswept landscape provides a stunning backdrop for photographs and weekend adventures, but it's wise to complete a few practice hikes before tackling the impressive 598-meter ascent to the falls. This 5-hour hike presents a challenge even for seasoned walkers and hiking enthusiasts, with some sections described as “a bit of a scramble.” To prevent injuries, wearing appropriate footwear is essential. However, once you reach the Wyre and behold the falls up close, you’ll quickly forget the effort it took to get there.
Hopefully, our list of the best walks in Lancashire has piqued your interest for the great outdoors of the North West. If you’d like to try them all, you’ll probably need more time than a holiday weekend - so why not check out our new builds in Lancashire and see if you could make this stunning county your home?
