5 Stunning Dog Walks in Lancashire
If you're looking for dog walks in Lancashire, you'll be spoilt for choice! As you know, we are a family business based in Lancashire. We are lucky enough to live in a place of outstanding natural beauty.
We have some of the best walks in England, from short walks to long distance treks, allowing you to take in some breathtaking views and vistas the county has to offer.
To celebrate our beautiful county and local area, we have put together 5 beautiful short walks to enjoy with your dog!
Tolkien Trail
The world famous Tolkien Trail is enjoyed by fantasy fans and nature lovers alike. Follow in the footsteps of J.R.R Tolkien himself and experience how he was inspired by this beautiful landscape.
J R Tolkien's love of this area is reflected in The Lord Of The Rings. Names that appear are found in the area surrounding the trail. Shire Lane (in Hurst Green) and the river Shireburn.
This stunning dog walk is one of the most popular in Lancashire. This circular route starts in the hamlet of Hurst Green in the Ribble Valley and takes you through the stunning countryside. Enchanted woodland and scenic river walks are all some of the beauty spots of the Ribble Valley.
Hobbit Hill
Your journey will take you past the stunning Stonyhurst College. The esteemed boarding school and the place where Tolkien himself stayed regularly.
After passing the college, you will see the River Hodder and River Ribble merge together and follow them as you stroll along the grassy riverside paths.
You will cross Cromwell's Bridge built by Sir Richard Shireburn in 1562. Legend has it that Oliver Cromwell used it during his march from Skipton to intercept the Royalists at the Battle of Preston back in 1648.
Look out for the magnificent aqueduct near the end of the trail. It dates back to the 1880s and is an impressive piece of engineering.
The walk is fairly flat terrain so is suitable for all abilities and ages.
Springwood Whalley
This semi-ancient woodland is one of the best examples in Lancashire and has Biological Heritage status. A stunning dog walk visited by woodland enthusiasts and nature lovers from all around. You have the pleasure of listening to Warblers, Jays and Chiffchaffs.
You can also enjoy watching families of squirrels feeding in their natural habitat. Originally called Oxheywoode, Springwood was owned by monks from Whalley Abbey. In 1553, it is documented and described as being one bow shot east of the Abbey.
Spring into life
Springtime is when the wood comes to life. The woods is famous for its carpet of bluebells and the aroma of wild garlic fills the woodland. Roe Deer frequent the woods and some of the dry-stone walls have been modified. Creating deer leaps to allow them access. This is fitting as the original Oxheywoode was once part of a deer park in medieval times.
Springwood is located close to the town centre of Whalley, Lancashire. A short walk from Whalley train station. The woods itself has good facilities for parking, an information centre, and picnic areas. The area has a series of way marked, surfaced footpaths to follow through the ancient woodland. There are twenty-four different species of trees, wild garlic flowers and ponds.
You can also extend your walk into the surrounding countryside at Wiswell where there are nice views towards Longridge Fell. Whalley is a lovely town to stroll through so you can easily extend your walk by visiting the fascinating Whalley Abbey who once owned the woods.
The River Calder also runs through the town so you can enjoy a waterside walk along the river too.
Pendle Sculpture Trail
This is a historic walk, it follows a 2.75 mile trail on the outskirts of the village of Barley, which is nestled at the front of Pendle Hill in Aitken Wood. An area of outstanding natural beauty with tales of the Pendle Witches.
The Pendle Witches of 1612 was the inspiration of four sculptors who have created pieces in wood, steel and stone that line the trail. Aitken Wood is moderately steep for the climb to the top for the stunning views of Pendle Hill.
Magical Beasts
The Pendle Sculpture Trail is a wonderful way to get families out walking together. Perfect for dog walks. Created in tribute to The Pendle Witch Trail over 400 years ago. Infamously one of the biggest witch trails ever held in the UK.
The forest is home to magical beasts, waiting for families to discover them as they wander through the woodland. With the spongy woodland floor that is a true delight to walk on; it really does feel like a fairy wood full of wonder and magic.
There are 10 plaques set amongst the trail telling the story of The Pendle Witches with a series of sculptures created by artists to enhance the mystery and magic of the trail. This includes a unicorn, boggart, pixie, fairy and many stunning tree sculptures.
Beacon Fell
Beacon Fell is one of the oldest country parks in the country, being designated in 1970. An area of stunning beauty, Beacon Fell Country Park covers 110 hectares (271 acres of woodland, moorland and farmland). The summit is 873 feet above sea level. At the summit, expect to see spectacular views of the Forrest Of Bowland and Morecambe Bay.
Location
Located only 10 miles outside of Preston city centre, signposted from Garstang and Longridge. The fell is a haven for nature lovers with an abundance of wildlife. Rabbits and hares are frequently running through and are easily spotted. Roe deer are often seen, and stoats and weasel can also be spotted running across the road or clambering over the dry stone walls. The summer months bring an array of insect life. As many as 11 species of dragonflies and damselflies are seen around the ponds and wetlands.
The woodland trail takes about 40 minutes to complete. The route takes you past Larch Avenue, Shield Wood, Tan Wood, Middle Wood and the summit. As you go round the trail, you will see the different species of trees and many different habitats that have been created.
Spectacular Views
A triangulation pillar is situated on the site of where the beacon would have stood. Records show that there was a beacon here as long ago as 1002 AD. Later maps show it as part of a chain used to warn off impending danger such as the approach of the Spanish Armada in 1588.
Located only 10 miles outside of Preston city centre, signposted from Garstang and Longridge.
Sculpture Trail
Beacon Fell's sculpture trail is great for both adults and children. The sculptures are carved by local artist Thompson Dagnall. They depict different types of wildlife, including a snake and an owl. The Bowland Visitor Centre at Beacon Fell Country Park was awarded a prestigious gold standard award by the Green Tourism Business Scheme. The award commends the quality of information for visitors and the encouragement of children to explore and learn about the natural environment.
Make sure to pay the visitor centre and cafe a visit for maps, advice, drinks, and a bite to eat.
Hoghton Tower River Walk
Right on our doorstep is the amazing Hoghton Tower. It's one of our local dog walks. It was first built in 1564 and still provides Lancashire with a stunning historical site.
Kings, queens, artists and authors have all been regular visitors here. Adding their stories and a national perspective to what's always been a unique, inspiring setting. If they'd kept a guest book, you'd find the signatures, among others, of William III & Queen Mary, George V & Queen Mary, as well as Dickens and Shakespeare.
Hoghton Tower is the ancestral home of de Hoghton's who still own this Grade 1 listed building, offering a link not just the earliest builders of the Tower, but to William the Conqueror and Lady Godiva too.
The walk begins at the tiny hamlet of Riley Green along the river Darwen before it briefly joins the Leeds to Liverpool cancel where you can view Hoghton Tower.
This waterfall walk takes in some fantastic farmland and begins in the time hamlet of Riley Green taking in a woodland walk and then drops down into the River Darwen Valley. You then get to experience the waterfalls and rapids at the Hoghton Bottom Weir.
Please be aware that this walk can be very boggy after heavy rainfall, so it is recommended that wellington boots or waterproof walking boots are worn on this walk.
The walk is 4.65 miles and fairly easy but no pushchair is accessible as it can be a little boggy. The start location is PR5 0SL and there is free parking in the car park in the centre of Riley Green.
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