Area: Lancashire

'Family & Short Walks ... Medium Walks ... Long Walks ... Heritage & Art Walks ... '

'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.'

'The Reserve has a network of around 8 miles of footpaths marked by colour – banded posts ... The Woodland and Fisherman’s Path are also accessible by bike, pushchairs and wheelchairs. '

'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.'

'Anfield is a mid-19th-century cemetery laid out by Edward Kemp. The site covers approximately 44 hectares. Elements include axial and circular paths, two chapels and a gothic style catacomb.'

'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 ... '

'This extraordinary place is famous for its amazing wildlife, stunning scenery, and superb walks. From the simple beauty of the lady's-slipper orchid to the shining sands of Morecambe Bay, the area is simply awe-inspiring - full of natural spectacles and a surprise around every corner.'

'The Club was formed in 1931 and caters for all ages and walking abilities. Over the years it has grown to a membership of 200 approximately, with a variety of walks graded, strolling, easy & moderate / strenuous.'

'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.'

'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 ...'

'Bolton Conservation Volunteers (BCV) is a self-funding not-for-profit organisation based in Bolton, Lancashire and was established in 1976 by a group of Bolton residents wanting to care for and maintain Bolton's natural habitats and wildlife ... In addition to our practical conservation work there is also a walking group, BCV Rambles, which meets every two months for walks around some of the Northwest's beauty spots.'

'Founded in 1905 the Club celebrated its Centenary in 2005. We're very active and we extend a warm welcome to all walkers and lovers of the countryside ... We have members of all ages and from a range of backgrounds. For a modest annual fee you can enjoy all the hidden delights of rural Lancashire and beyond the best way there is, on foot!'

'Rural walks, country parks, trails and footpaths ... '

'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.'

'Lies on the River Irwell covering an area of 36 hectares of scenic countryside, one mile north west of Bury town centre.'

Upgrade of the Council Website 'has resulted in a lot of information being removed' - so some of the Pages originally referenced here have disappeared. However, there is still useful information available about Bury's Nature Reserves and Parks, which can be accessed from the Web Page cited here.

'To provide healthy enjoyment of leisure and to encourage love of open air and promote social friendship. All members are asked to support events and walks arranged for their enjoyment.'

'Bury U3A was set up in 2009 ... Currently we have 396 members, and over 45 Interest Groups - some in the process of being set up, but expect that both these numbers will increase and new members will hopefully bring new expertise which they wish to share. Do contact us if you could organise a new group! ... '

'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.'

'The traditional parkland known as Court Hey Park is one of Knowsley's best-kept secrets. Its 14 hectares provide one of the best collections of mature trees seen anywhere in the Borough with landscaped areas of wildflower planting. The National Wildflower Centre, founded by Landlife opened at Court Hey Park in 2000. The centre, one of only two of its kind in the world, helps to promote the creation and conservation of wildflower landscapes. ALERT Website Link changed.

'Crompton Moor rises above the town of Shaw, and is a unique and popular recreation site in Oldham. The site is great for wildlife. Birdwatchers can see kestrel, red grouse, golden plover, snipe, curlew, skylark and meadow pipit. There are also foxes, weasels, common shrews, stoats and hares ... The Oldham Way and Crompton Circuit local trails also cross the site.'

'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.'

'Freshfield Ramblers is a walking group for adults of all ages. A modest minimum level of physical ability is required: you should be able to walk 8 miles or so at a reasonable pace, over occasionally rough terrain carrying a day pack, sometimes in adverse weather conditions.'

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 ...'

'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.'

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.

'Heaton Park is a municipal park in Manchester England covering an area of over 600 acres making it the largest municipal park in Europe,'

'Improve your fitness, get some fresh air, enjoy some beautiful scenery and make new friends! Our walking group are aged between 20 and 90 years old and you don’t need to have lots of experience with walking. The walks are a full day with a  break for lunch so you do need to be able to walk approximately 6-7 miles.'

Has been held during July.

'Knowsley has four borough parks and 17 local parks and natural spaces.'

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.

'Organises walks, social activities and weekends away for people in their 20's, 30's and 40's (although we don't have a strict age limit).'

'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'.

'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 ...'

'Liverpool HF Ramblers was formed in 1916 and is associated with HF Holidays Ltd. Its objects shall be: a. To provide for the healthy enjoyment of leisure by walking / rambling; b. To encourage the love of the open air; c. To appreciate and conserve the environment.'

'We are a group of people who enjoy walking in the countryside with friends who share our enjoyment. We feel better, physically and mentally, after a good walk. We want to share with others the enjoyment and benefits we have have found from walking in the dales and fells.'

'Manchester and District Walkers (MAD Walkers) 20s and 30s group, a local group of the Ramblers Association for people who live in and around the Greater Manchester area.'

'Maghull Rambling Club, formed in 1976, is a friendly, informal organisation which aims to provide country walks for people who either wish to start a new pastime, or who are already experienced in hill and mountain walking.'

'We are a group of people who love walking and who appreciate our beautiful countryside.'

'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 ...'

'We are a friendly and sociable group based in Liverpool with planned walks and socials with over 250 members in and around Merseyside. The Group is aimed at people in their 20’s, 30’s and the young at heart. We have members as far as North Wales, Southport, and Manchester and welcome anyone to our group.'

'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 ...'

'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 ...' Held Mid August.

'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 ...'

'The Preston and District U3A started in June 2007 with fewer than 30 members and is proving an attraction to people in Preston and surrounding areas as is shown by rapid growth in both membership numbers and Interest Groups.'

'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.'

'If you live in or around Manchester and enjoy walking, whether it be gentle or strenuous, the Greater Manchester and High Peak Area of the Ramblers and its associated groups organise hundreds of walks throughout the year, so there is sure to be something for you.'

'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'.

'Parks, countryside and walks around the borough.'

'We're a Rochdale based group of around 150 members and welcome anyone who enjoys walking to join us.'

'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.'

'Many of our members enjoy the interesting and varied walks which the Salford U3A organises. There are three types of walking group available: [1] Long Walks: Gentle and Strenuous - - - : [2] Short Walks: Half Day - - - : [3] Local Walks: 1 to 2 hours. Each walking group has its own Programme and Convenor.'

'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.

'An area of open space and tranquillity close to the popular towns of Crosby, Formby, Ainsdale and Southport, England's Classic Resort ... Walking and Cycling are great ways to get closer to the fantastic array of flora and fauna found on Sefton's Natural Coast. The suggested trails ... are designed to help visitors discover the interesting places on offer by foot and/or bike.'

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

'Covers more than 2,000 acres and extends from the Hall to Winter Hill. It is owned by Bolton Council and much of the land is leased to local farmers (including Smithills Open Farm). There are plenty of public footpaths and spaces though. One area is the Ravenden Plantation, a wooded valley leading down as far as Moss Bank Way ...'

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

'We are a friendly club of walkers who enjoy mountain walking throughout the year.'

Includes Links to Walking Cubs in: [1] Bolton - - - : [2] Cheshire - - - : [3] Glossop - - - : [4] Manchester - - - : [5] Oldham - - - : [6] Wilmslow

'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.'

'Walking (or rambling) is Britain's most popular pastime, and is a perfect way of discovering the countryside. So whether you already enjoy walking in our countryside or you are new to walking, this may be the group for you. We offer a varied programme of Saturday and Sunday walks in the north of England and Wales, and on many of these a private coach is organised to get you there and back.'

'Stadt Moers Country Park is the largest park in the borough of Knowsley. It is approximately 220 acres and is split into 4 quadrants.'

'Whether it’s for a short stroll around your Local Nature Reserve, or a day long ramble through woodland and over moorland, a network of footpaths and trails take walkers through spectacular countryside.'

'Founded in 2013, we organise walks in and around the Tameside area.'

'Sometimes your wake up and just want to be outside, breathing in the fresh air and connecting with the environment. Or maybe you want an easy way to start feeling fitter, or quality time with your friends, a walk is the perfect answer!' Unfortunately the original Weblink cited here seems to have disappeared, so I have replaced it with one which - sadly - is much less informative.

'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.'

'Guided Walks and Tours of Manchester ... Manchester's Green Corridor ... Manchester Walks and Trails'

'There are countless walks around Oldham and the surrounding countryside just waiting to be discovered.'

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.'

Blackpool Steps to Health 'aims to encourage local residents to leave the sofa, stretch their legs and get some fresh air, as well as meet new friends. The main aim is to increase the amount of physical activity for people who would normally do little exercise and to assist with the challenge of meeting the recommended 30 minutes of moderate activity per day, 5 days a week'.

'Fylde Coast YMCA provide FREE Healthy Walks in different areas of the Fylde Coast. If you find it difficult to get active, why not start walking? It's really easy to get started, you don't need any special equipment – and best of all it counts towards your recommended amount of physical activity.'

'The Stepping Out Project aims to encourage more people to take up walking as an enjoyable form of physical activity.' Stepping Out is now teaming up with Hyndburn Ramblers to help 'lead some local walks for those on the Stepping Out programme who are now ready to walk further than Stepping Out can provide'.

'Active Spaces Rossendale has lots of opportunities to get you moving.  The project includes a range of walks, cycling and gentle exercise.  Sessions are particularly focussed around having fun and are ideal for people who might not take part in regular exercise or perhaps would rather walk in a group than alone.'

'The Walking for Health program Halton run a schedule of weekly health walks lead by volunteers in Widnes and Runcorn ... A monthly schedule of walks is available on request.'

'Sefton Active Walks is a Walking for Health programme, that provides a programme of walks across Sefton. The Walks are free to join and no booking is required, just turn up at the walk of your choice, meet our experienced walk leaders and enjoy the walk and the company. If you enjoy walking, but you don't want to walk alone, there are several walks available up and down the borough for you to come along to!'

'Welcome to the St Helens "Get Yourself Outdoors!" Walks Programme. Coordinated by the Health Improvement Team St Helens; the aim of the scheme is to promote the benefits of Walking for Health across St Helens through a programme of led activity ... '

'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.'

'Offers its members 3 walks on each Wednesday (except the first Wednesday of each month which is Group Meeting) ...'

'A Grade II listed Victorian Cemetery with six listed monuments within 39 acres of green space. From the inscriptions on the monuments to beautifully crafted sculptures, Weaste Cemetery contains the biography of our community. With grassland untreated by chemicals since 1857 and woodland providing a habitat for butterflies and wild birds this is a real urban oasis. Together with Salford City Council, the Friends of Salford Cemeteries Trust have developed a Heritage Trail at Weaste Cemetery.'

'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 ... '

Held During August.

'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.'

Latest Dates 4-19 June 2016 (but seemingly no more ...)

'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.'