Lancashire Walks & Walking Gear Essentials

Here at Rufford’s, we are so lucky to be based in such a gorgeous part of the country, where there are so many lovely country walks! Whether you are making the most of a beautiful day or spending a rainy day in the fresh air, there will be a stunning walk around the Lancashire countryside that is best suited to you! So, it’s time to get your walking boots out and go for an adventure!  

Lancashire has some of the best walking country in England, from short, gentle rambles to long distance treks allowing you to enjoy some of the best views and vistas the county has to offer. From walks inspired by Pendle Witches and renowned authors, heritage trails and industrial landmarks, to walks themed around some of Lancashire’s most famous foods. Make the most of your walk and bring your faithful pooch along as well. Then treat yourself to a well-earned pint in one of the many dog-friendly pubs and places to eat! 

Tolkien Trail

One of the most popular walks in Lancashire, the Tolkien Trail takes its name from JRR Tolkien, who stayed in the area when writing The Lord of the Rings. Tolkien spent a lot of time at Stonyhurst college during WWII, and the trail explores the Ribble Valley, which is said to have inspired him. The terrain is flat, whilst the circular route is around 5.5 miles long and starts at the Shireburn Arms pub in the small village of Hurst Green.  

Address: The Shireburn Arms, Hurst Green, Whalley, Clitheroe BB7 9QJ.

DOWNLOAD MAP

Pendle Hill Witches Walk

Popular with tourists from all over the world, Pendle is best known for its infamous witch trials and subsequent executions of 1612. Starting in the carpark of the heritage centre in the village of Barley, the route takes you south to Newchurch, where the Demdike family of Pendle Witches lived in the 17th century. The route continues, and passes several local landmarks related to the accused, and offer’s walkers some of the most beautiful views in Lancashire. In the village you can enjoy refreshments at the Pendle Inn which proves popular with weary walkers, and offers a great selection of food and drinks. The western loop of the walk is approx. 4 miles whilst the eastern loop is around 3.5 miles long. 

Address: Pendle Heritage Centre, Colne Road, Barrowford, Burnley BB9 6JQ

DOWNLOAD MAP

Beacon Fell Country Park

Beacon Fell Country Park covers an area of 75 hectares and has incredible views of the Lancashire countryside! The Bowland Visitor Centre is a good place to start your walk, where there are maps available for you to plan your route, as well as a café which offers indoor and outdoor seating! Several marked routes that you can follow start from the visitor centre, and it takes approximately 40 minutes to one hour to walk up Beacon Fell, and it is a fairly easy walk. Along the trails there are sculptures designed by Thompson Dagnall, some of them are easy to spot whilst some are more hidden in woodland areas so might need to do some exploring to find them!  

Address: Beacon Fell Country Park, Goosnargh, Preston, PR3 2NL

DOWNLOAD MAP

Rivington Pike

There are a multitude of ways to reach Rivington Pike, with the most popular being a circular route starting at Rivington Hall Barn, travelling through Rivington Terraced Gardens. Along the way, there are a variety of interesting sights such as the Japanese Garden, and Lever Bridge. At the top of the track to Rivington Pike, you will be rewarded with stunning views and on a clear day, you will be able to see as far as Cheshire, the Lake District and even the Isle of Man! This walk will take about 1.5 hours and is a medium level of difficulty, however, there are benches dotted around if you need a break.  

Address: Rivington Hall Barn, Rivington Lane, BL6 7SB