Area: Lancashire

The Category Barrow-in-Furness is a subset of Lancashire.

The Category Blackburn with Darwen is a subset of Lancashire.

The following Blackburn with Darwen Entities do NOT (currently) have Records in 'Open Paths and Trails'. Here, clicking on a Title of interest should link you to a relevant external Website (or Facebook Page):

- Blackburn with Darwen Borough Council

The Category Blackpool is a subset of Lancashire.

The following Blackpool Entities do NOT (currently) have Records in 'Open Paths and Trails'. Here, clicking on a Title of interest should link you to a relevant external Website (or Facebook Page):

- Blackpool Council

- Walking for Health - Blackpool

The Category Burnley is a subset of Lancashire.

The following Burnley Entities do NOT (currently) have Records in 'Open Paths and Trails'. Here, clicking on a Title of interest should link you to a relevant external Website (or Facebook Page):

- Walking for Health - Burnley

The Category Chorley is a subset of Lancashire.

The Category Fylde is a subset of Lancashire.

The Category Hyndburn is a subset of Lancashire.

The following Hyndburn Entities do NOT (currently) have Records in 'Open Paths and Trails'. Here, clicking on a Title of interest should link you to a relevant external Website (or Facebook Page):

- Walking for Health - Hyndburn

The Category Lancaster is a subset of Lancashire.

The following Lancaster Entities do NOT (currently) have Records in 'Open Paths and Trails'. Here, clicking on a Title of interest should link you to a relevant external Website (or Facebook Page):

- Lancaster City Council

The Category Pendle is a subset of Lancashire.

The Category Preston is a subset of Lancashire.

The following Preston Entities do NOT (currently) have Records in 'Open Paths and Trails'. Here, clicking on a Title of interest should link you to a relevant external Website (or Facebook Page):

- Preston & District U3A

The Category Ribble Valley is a subset of Lancashire.

The Category Rossendale is a subset of Lancashire.

The Category South Ribble is a subset of Lancashire.

The Category Warrington is a subset of Lancashire.

The following Warrington Entities do NOT (currently) have Records in 'Open Paths and Trails'. Here, clicking on a Title of interest should link you to a relevant external Website (or Facebook Page):

- Warrington U3A

The Category West Lancashire is a subset of Lancashire.

The Category Wigan is a subset of Lancashire.

The Category Wyre is a subset of Lancashire.

The following Wyre Entities do NOT (currently) have Records in 'Open Paths and Trails'. Here, clicking on a Title of interest should link you to a relevant external Website (or Facebook Page):

- Walking for Health - Wyre

'The Club was formed in May 1978 by a group of workers at the BICC factory in Leigh. Although any link with BICC was broken a long time ago, the name "Anchor" comes from that connection with "Anchor Cables". The purpose of the club is to provide an opportunity for people to enjoy rambling in a safe and enjoyable environment.'

'Appleton Parish Council asked us to provide some circular walks that residents can enjoy by walking from the Parish Hall. They are intended to entice you to see some or even all of the network of paths within the Parish ... '

Mid-Cheshire Footpath Society

'Astley Hall is a museum and art gallery housed within a Grade I listed historic house. The Hall is set within the beautiful surroundings of Astley Park which include historic woodland, a lake, a fully renovated Victorian walled garden alongside clean and modern facilities for visitors to enjoy.'

Chorley Council

Friends of Astley Park

'Established in 1930, and currently has over 350 members. A private coach is operated every Sunday to deliver members into the heart of the English Lake District. Members are offered a choice of 3 walks to suit their own capabilities ...'

'Discover Barrow on Foot, a selection of walking leaflets are available here for you to download ...'

'There are several walking groups in this area, so why join us the Burnley & Pendle Group? Well we put on a great programme of walks led by experienced leaders who can advise the best walks for your level of fitness, and we have a great programme of social events. You can come on three free taster walks with us.'

'Why not put your best foot forward and take a walk around some of Lancashire’s forgotten countryside. Burnley has some great walks for everyone. Whether you want an easy ramble or a more strenuous hike the waymarked footpaths that criss-cross Burnley reveal historic landscapes, hidden valleys and beautiful views.'

'There are many significant parks and open spaces in the Borough covering over 300 hectares, many of which have historical connections. Together with river valleys, country parks and nature reserves they offer a wide variety of leisure activities.'

'Offer a wide variety of walks within the beautiful West Pennine Moors and the outlying villages from Rivington in the East to Mawdesley in the West and from Hoghton in the North to Adlington in the South. We also venture further afield to the Lake District, Yorkshire, Cheshire and Derbyshire.'

'Offers some of the most beautiful and remote walking in the country, from the grandeur and isolation of the moorland hills to the undulating lowlands with their distinctive pattern of settlements, woodland cloughs and river valleys. These landscape contrasts, along with the serenity and tranquility of the area make this a walker’s paradise.'

Tranquil Rural Beauty 'Surrounding Lytham and St Anne's, this unspoiled scenery should not be missed. You’ll find hamlets, small villages and market towns each one with their own attraction and many tracing back hundreds of years ...'

Visit Lytham St Annes

'We are a friendly and unpretentious walking club based on the Fylde Coast in Lancashire. We have walks planned for almost every weekend. Transfer to the destinations is mainly by coach, with collection points in St.Annes on Sea, Blackpool, Cleveleys, Thornton Cleveleys and Poulton le Fylde.'

'Ours is an active group with a large number of members, ranging from those who are keen to scale the heights of Scafell Pike to those who enjoy the social activities where they remember the walks of yesteryear. Our wide and varied programme is testament to the appetite for involvement in all aspects of the club. To enable the smooth running of the club we have a very active committee who meet regularly and look for new and varied experiences to offer to our members.'

Usually held Early May.

'The countryside around Grimsargh is very picturesque and brimming with interesting wildlife. We are hoping that increasing numbers of people will get out & about to appreciate it. It is our intention to develop a series of walks around Grimsargh and the surrounding delightful countryside areas ... '

'Once the home of Earls and Lords, Haigh Hall is surrounded by 250 acres of park and woodland ... with spectacular views across the Douglas Valley to the Welsh hills ... Explore and enjoy the stunning parkland, woodland and plantations ...' ALERT The original Title and Link used here seem no longer to be available (nor descriptions of the three Trails - though you might still find archival copies on the Web). So I have replaced them.

'Organises walks, social activities and weekends away for people in their 30's, 40's and 50's (although we don't have a strict age limit).' Formerly Lancashire Young Persons Walking Group.

Now has limited 'walks' information directly accessible from this Site.  See instead Visit Lancashire.

'Lancashire boasts some of the most exciting and beautiful parks and gardens in Britain today. The abundance of vast open spaces and fresh air makes Lancashire ideal for visiting during any season of the year. Nestled in Lancashire’s spectacular countryside discover a variety of stunning gardens and country parks alongside stately homes and historic landmarks.' Descriptions of over sixty locations.

Visit Lancashire

'We are a group of people who enjoy walking and organise weekly walks in and around the Lancaster & Morecambe area, the Lake District and surrounds. Our walks are held each Sunday and full details can be found on our programme page. We do not run a paid membership scheme and all are welcome to come along and join in the walks.'

The Lancaster Civic Society 'has been organising tours of Lancaster’s Top Cemetery at Quernmore Road since the Heritage Days in 1996. The Tours are usually held on the THIRD SUNDAY in the Summer months April to September'.

Lancaster Civic Society

'The club exists for its members and its long history confirms that it is fulfilling their needs in providing healthy exercise in the open air in beautiful surroundings, challenging walks at all levels and good company and friendship.'

'Our main social walks are at the weekend, normally a Sunday, and these average twenty miles in length. This would take about eight hours to complete and all walkers need to carry enough food and drink to last the day. We like to visit different areas eg the West Pennine Moors, Lune Valley, Yorkshire Dales etc ...'

'Choose from a selection of trails and hides, most of which are suitable for wheelchairs, and get right to the heart of the reedbed. Or take the nature trail alongside two coastal lagoons to see lots of wading and water birds ...'

RSPB

'Bring your wellies and explore a hidden gem of wetland habitat at the NEW Wild Walk – meander through the muddy meadow, wander in the wet woods and get lost in a reedy ramble spotting wildlife and giant sculptures ...'

Wildfowl & Wetlands Trust - Martin Mere Reserve [RSPB]

'Comprises almost 200 acres of woodland, meadows, lakes and ponds and is home to many diverse species of plants, animals, birds and other wildlife. The nature reserve is well known for its varied bird life and many interesting birds can be found either as year-round residents or seasonal visitors ...'

FCC Environment

'Aims are to provide for group rambling, to promote the healthy enjoyment of leisure, the love of open air, social and international friendships and to organize holiday-making and other activities within these objectuves ...'

'Offers full day, Sunday outings throughout the year for all ages, and capabilities. All Norwest Fell Walkers outings are by coach with Pick Up points around Leyland, Bamber Bridge, Lostock Hall, Penwortham, Preston and Fulwood.

'The Friday Walking group (formally known as the Life Long Learning Walking Group or LLL), originated as a self help group in which people come together to share experience, knowledge, and interests on a variety of topics, one of which was walking. The Ormskirk Friday Walking Group is now just a walking group.'

'Pendle's award-winning event, now regarded as the biggest free Walking Festival in the country ...' Usually held Mid August.

Visit Pendle

'Pennine Waterways is an independent non-profit-making website about the canals of the area ... Pennine Waterways is not connected with The Canal and River Trust (or the former British Waterways) and has no responsibility for the maintenance of canals or towpaths. I cannot provide information about moorings. Please do not email me about canal or towpath maintenance or about moorings ...'

'We are based in Lancashire in the North West of England but our walks take us round the UK's National Parks, central England, the Lake District, North Wales and even Scotland.'

'Our Area comprises 8 groups/programmes: Preston, Garstang, South Ribble, Fylde, Chorley, West Lancs, Lancashire Weekend Walkers (40s+). and Lancs Young Person's Group (20s-30s).'

Covers Ribble Valley, Burnley and Pendle, Rossendale, Blackburn and Hyndburn ... The North East Lancashire Coach Rambles 'are open to both members and non-members'.

North East Lancashire Coach Rambles

'The Rossendale Group is a small but very enthusiastic and active branch of the Ramblers. We number over 100 members of which a goodly percentage regularly take part in the weekly walks organised by the committee and walk leaders.'

'Explore the sandy estuary of the River Duddon with the backdrop of Lake District mountains in this National Trust run nature reserve in Cumbria ... The reserve is located just a few miles north of Barrow-in-Furness on the Cumbria Coastal Way. If you have time you could continue your walk along this super walkway north to Askam-in-Furness or south to Barrow-in-Furness.

GPS Cycle and Walking Routes

'Sunday rambles monthly from West Lancashire to the Lake District, Yorkshire Dales, Peak District, North Wales.'

'There are a range of walks and rambles of varying lengths which have been prepared in locations within South Ribble.'

'The Class was formed in 1895 and we are now in our 120th season. We are likely to be the oldest walking club in the country to have maintained a continuous annual walking programme. We were originally establshed as an educational class, but we now run as a walking club offering a variety of walks from 6 to 9 miles in length.'

'Over the years, the club has established a format that has resulted in many enjoyable walks. With several decades of experience, the club knows some fantastic locations that you may never think about visiting! The club has approximately 100 members, many of whom are regular walkers with the club. Membership is fairly evenly split between the sexes, with ages ranging from children to over 80's.'

'Blackburn and Darwen sits at the heart of Lancashire's Hill Country. Here you can experience the dramatic moorland, tranquil reservoirs, traditional farmland and wooded valleys. The area is a haven for wildlife and an early morning walk will often reveal a surprise in the hedgerows and woodland areas. The terrain is ideal for both short rambles and serious expeditions. The countryside provides the ideal opportunity to take life at your own pace and enjoy the great outdoors.'

'Walking can be the very best way to explore Lancashire’s countryside, canals, coast and towns, giving you access to stunning views, quiet lanes and rare wildlife. From the flat plains in the west through to the rugged moorland of the Forest of Bowland and on to the West Pennine Moors in the east, there will be a terrain and distance  to suit everyone.'

'Family and short walks in Pendle ... Medium length walks in Pendle ... Long walks in Pendle ... Heritage and town trails in Pendle ... Sculpture Trails in Pendle'

Access to PDFs of a score of leaflets describing walking routes around and about the Ribble Valley: 'Positioned in the ageless landscape of rural Lancashire, this area remains relatively unexplored, the majority of which forms part of the Forest of Bowland .. The two historic market towns of Clitheroe and Longridge are surrounded by 44 villages, the largest being Whalley, each set in serene and unspoilt countryside. It is this timeless beauty, along with the warm hospitality, which attracts visitors to return time and time again'.

'Sefton and West Lancashire have many routes ideal for walking ... Many of these routes feature in the extremely popular Walking and Cycling Guide to Sefton's Natural Coast. However the routes are now available to download as individual maps ... designed to enable you to discover the area's fascinating history and wonderful flora and fauna.'

Sefton's Coast [Visit Southport]

'Small and friendly walking club whose members are mainly from the local area. Some of the most varied and beautiful countryside in the whole of the UK is on our doorstep, and the Club exists to give people of mixed abilities the chance to enjoy it.'

'Founded over 30 years ago with the objectives to enjoy rambles, defend the public footpaths in West Lancashire and to extend the local footpath network. To help ensure all footpaths in West Lancashire are walked regularly, walks are arranged twice monthly, in the winter, and more frequently in the summer ... '

Usually held During August.

West Lancashire Borough Council

'We are making improvements so that walking is safer, more secure and more enjoyable in town centres and along routes linked to residential areas ... Inspiring Healthy Lifestyles are an accredited Walking for Health scheme, whose vision is that everyone will have access to a short free and friendly health walk within easy reach of where they live, to help them become and stay active.'

'Comprises of 480 acres of beautiful mixed woodland, parkland, amenity grassland and farmland ... The Beamers Trail a six mile circular walk begins in the park. This is one of the walks that make up the Witton Weavers Way, a thirty-two mile borough-wide walk.'

Blackburn with Darwen Council

'Wycoller is one of Lancashire's hidden gems. Those who are lucky enough to discover the historic village and its enchanted valley, are immediately captivated by its beauty.'

Wycoller Friends

'Wyre Council has put together a programme of activities designed to encourage people to improve their health and wellbeing and explore the natural and cultural heritage of Wyre. There's something for everyone including guided walks, health walks, wildlife walks, green activities, fun activities for families, heritage walks, park activities and open days.' The related page Walks by Area covers 12 Areas within Wyre ...

''Circular walk exploring the varied countryside south of the historic city of Lancaster.'

East Lancashire LDWA

'Like many towns in North East Lancashire, Accrington owed much of its growth and prosperity to the development of the textile industry - a fact reflected both in its architecture and design. Accrington's greatest development took place during the 19th century, growing rapidly from a small village of 3,000 people in 1801 to 10,000 by the middle of the century and reaching its peak in 1911 when it was an industrial town with 45,000 inhabitants.' ALERT Website Link changed from that orginally referenced.

PROSPECTS Foundation

'The Anglezarke Amble is a Challenge Walk taking in Rivington, Anglezarke and Turton Moors, through an area known locally as "Little Lake District". There is a choice of distances, either 16 or 24 miles.' Usually held Mid February.

LDWA - West Lancashire

'Discover Blackburn and Darwen's incredible history when cotton was king and weaving was big business. Self-guided Heritage Town Trails will help you explore the borough from a new perspective, revealing the stories behind of some of Blackburn and Darwen's historic buildings and taking you back to a time when the town was "the weaving capital of the world".'

VisitBlackburn

'This lengthy walk along the prom from Blackpool to Fleetwood offers excellent exercise. In addition there is a wide variety of sights and sounds to absorb from the glitter of the golden mile to solitude at Rossall Point.'

Walking Britain

Lancashire Coastal Way - Lytham St Annes to Fleetwood (15 miles) [Griffmonsters Great Walks]

Half-a-dozen walks around and about Bolton-by-Bowland chosen from a range of sources.

Gawin Davies

Bolton-by-Bowland Circular [Happy Hiker] (10 miles)

'The Forest of Bowland has fairly low lying fells compared with the neighbouring Yorkshire Dales – and obviously the Lake District. However, some of Bowland's fells are around 500m and present a good challenge. Many of my walks are aimed at families and beginners. There are some great places to get started such as Beacon Fell Country Park or Brock Bottom which is nearby ...'

Bowland Walks (Twitter)

'The full walk of takes you to the summit of Boulsworth Hill so be prepared for uneven paths in this remote landscape. We use an old moorland pack horse trail before dropping down to the hamlet of Wycoller with its Brontë associations.'

Visit Pendle

'Built during the golden age of canal construction, the Leeds & Liverpool Canal was to be the longest in Britain. As it weaved its way north it diverted towards Burnley to connect with the expanding coalmines in the town and influenced an industrial boom ... Our trail follows a 5 – 6km section of the Leeds & Liverpool Canal. There are 10 stop points, each marked with a QR code.'

Canal & River Trust

'Over the hills and South Pennine moors, through ancient woods and deserted farms, the Burnley Way combines history and heritage, wildlife and nature to make a fascinating 40-mile circular walk around the borough.'

Visit Lancashire

'Whether its the tranquility of the Leeds Liverpool Canal or the countryside of West Lancashire there is no shortage of lovely walking from Burscough ... '

Visit Sefton & West Lancashire

'Explore the glorious countryside near the Lancaster Canal'

Lancashire County Council, Lancaster City Council and the Lune Valley Initiative

VisitLancashire.com

'A walk of 36 Km through East Lancashire's beautiful countryside visiting the Nelson ILP Clarion House and the former Clarion Houses at Colne and Burnley ... Much of the route borrows sections of the Pendle Way, the Burnley Way and the Brontë Way. These routes are waymarked. Care should be taken to avoid confusing the emblems used for the Burnley Way and the Brontë Way. Both routes use the symbol "B", however the colours are different ...'

Gwyndon (John) Boardman and Nelson Independent Labour Party Land Society

'A number of self-guide walks are available from stations on Community Rail Lancashire lines: [1] The Bentham Line (12 walks) - - - : [2] The Clitheroe Line (4 walks) - - - : [3] The East Lancashire Line (6 walks) - - - : [4] The South Fylde Line (2 walks) - - - : [5] West Lancashire Lines (2 walks)'

Community Rail Lancashire

'Croston is a village situated on the banks of the River Yarrow approximately 10 miles South West of Preston. The name dates back to Saxon times. The first settlers were Scandinavian from the colonies in Ireland. The word "cross" is derived from old Irish and was adapted by the Norse men. This was added to the Anglo Saxon word "tun" meaning town or village forming the word "crostun", known today as Croston.' Alert At Review, I could no longer use the Web Links originally referenced here; so I have replaced the Web Site with a generic Entry for the Village (within which there is a very brief mention of the Trail).

'This is the diary of a walk of some 180 miles on the Cumbria Coastal Way (CCW) by Peter and Jeanne Donaghy and John and Gillian Laidler, two couples verging on their seventies, reasonably experienced walkers and joint authors of 3 walking guides (Lakeland Church Walks, Northumbria Church Walks and Metro Walks).'

Visit Cumbria

Cumbria Coastal Way [GPS Cycle & Walking Routes]

'Trace the story of faith in Lancaster from Roman times to the present day through its rich heritage of faith sites and buildings.'

Visit Lancashire

Churches and Sacred Sites [Visit Lancashire]

'Downham has long had a reputation as an attractive village, often quoted as the most beautiful village in Lancashire. It may have rivals but it certainly is largely unspoilt – no television aerials or obtrusive satellite dishes, no overhead wires or roadside yellow lines, and minimal signing in the village. There is an old world charm with the setting of the church on the crest of a limestone ridge above the village, Downham Hall behind the church on the same ridge and cottages neatly arranged at both the top of church brow and another group around the main street and village stream.'

Downham Village

'Walney is the eighth largest island in England and it now has a 26km (16 mile) section of the England Coast Path. This new national trail circumnavigates the island, starting and finishing at Jubilee Bridge (where it will eventually connect to the rest of the England Coast Path), offering some stunning landscapes for walkers on the way.'

England Coast Path Route Descriptions

'Long-distance heritage trail on the three related local themes of fair trade, the British Atlantic slave trade and the Religious Society of Friends (Quakers). The 6-day walk links Fairtrade Towns between Garstang (The World’s first Fairtrade Town) and Keswick.'

Graham Hulme

'A lovely route from historic Waterside in Colne, visiting not one, but two beautiful country parks': Ball Grove Park and Wycoller Country Park.

Visit Pendle

'Linear route following the footpaths close to the Pennington and Glaze Brooks, from Pennington Flash Country Park in Leigh, to the Manchester Ship Canal at Cadishead.’

GPS Cycle and Walking Routes

'The walk begins at the Cross Of Greet north of Stocks Reservoir near Slaidburn, and finishes where it joins the R. Ribble between Stonyhurst College and Gt. Mitton.'

Peter Dobson

The Hodder Way with Circular Walks along the Hodder [Clitheroe Ramblers]

'Huncoat is a small village near Accrington situated on the slopes of the Pennine hills below the 1,340 feet high Great Hameldon. The place name was recorded in the 11th Century Domesday Book when Lancashire was still largely covered by peatmoss and woodland. In medieval times Huncoat was the cross-roads for two packhorse trade routes and expanded in the 19th Century with the Industrial Revolution. Between the two world wars the corridor alongside the railway line was heavily industrialised with collieries, coke works and brick yards ...'

Roy Chetham

'Originally conceived ... in 1985 to mark the 50th Anniversary of the Ramblers Association. In it's original state it was a one day challenge walk over a 50km route. Ten members of the Group completed the inaugural walk in one day and were the first recipients of the original badge and certificate. It is, however, worth noting that the Hyndburn Group has also done the walk over both two and three days on various occasions.' ALERT Details of this Walk no longer seem accessible via the Hyndburn Ramblers Website. So I have replaced the Link with one to GPS Cycle and Walking Routes. However, note also the Link to the Prospects site below.

Hyndburn Ramblers

Walking Routes [Prospects: Hyndburn's community-owned environmental charity]

Links to details of over two dozen Walks around and about Hyndburn which can be downloaded as pdf or gpx documents.

Prospects

Parks and Open Spaces [Hyndburn Borough Council]

'Winding its way from Bacup to Salford Quays and featuring over 70 artworks by locally, nationally and internationally renowned artists.'

Bury Metropolitan Borough Council

'If there's one thing that Lancashire is famous for, it's the delicious local produce. Lancashire cheese has been made across the county by generations of dairy farmers. Now you can discover this scrumptious local delicacy on these three cheese trails.'

Discovering Britain

'Footpath following the Lancashire coastline from Merseyside to Cumbria. The Lancashire coastal walk provides spectacular views of Morecambe Bay, the Bowland Fells and the Lake District, and the opportunity, particularly in spring and autumn, to observe the large variety of waders and seabirds for which the Lancashire coast and estuaries are internationally important.'

Visit Lancashire

Access to full details of the Forum's quarterly Meetings including: [1] Agenda  - - - : [2] Attendance details - - - : [3] Agenda reports pack - - - : [4] Printed minutes

Lancashire County Council

'The North West of England is famous for its walks, whether it's the rugged peaks of the Lake District, the picturesque Lancashire coast or the tranquility of the West Pennine Moors. Here you'll find dozens of walking guides written - and trodden - by well-known Lancashire author and nature expert Ron Freethy.'

Lancashire Telegraph