For Lord of the Rings fans, this Lancashire walk is a must

Here’s a selection of 10 routes across the county, from tough fell climbs to easy strolls, that showcase some of the best scenery Lancashire has to offer.

Pendle Hill

Distance: around 5 miles | Time: 2–2.5 hours

No list of Lancashire walks would be complete without Pendle Hill, the moorland peak forever tied to the county’s 17th-century witch trials.

The climb from Barley is steep in places, but walkers are rewarded with views stretching across much of Lancashire from the summit.

The Tolkien Trail

Distance: around 5.5–7 miles | Time: 2.5–3 hours

This circular route from Hurst Green takes in the grounds of Stonyhurst College and stretches of the River Ribble.

The landscape around Hurst Green is often linked to J.R.R. Tolkien, who stayed at nearby Stonyhurst College, although the extent of its influence on Middle-earth remains debated.

Nicky Nook

Distance: around 3–3.5 miles | Time: 1.5–2 hours

For a shorter fell walk with a big pay-off, Nicky Nook near Scorton is hard to beat.

The climb is modest, but the views over towards Morecambe Bay and the Fylde coast make it a favourite for those short on time.

Ward’s Stone

Distance: around 8–10 miles | Time: 4–6 hours

Those wanting somewhere wilder should head for Ward’s Stone, the highest point in the Forest of Bowland National Landscape.

It’s a more demanding and remote outing, better suited to experienced walkers comfortable navigating open moorland.

Preston Guild Wheel

Distance: 21 miles (can be split into shorter stages) | Time: 7–9 hours for the full circuit

Not every walk on this list involves hills.

The Preston Guild Wheel is a flat, fully signposted 21-mile route circling the city, and can easily be split into shorter stages for those preferring level ground.

Warton Crag

Distance: around 3.5 miles | Time: 2 hours (Crag Road way)

Overlooking Carnforth and Morecambe Bay, this limestone hill in the Arnside and Silverdale National Landscape combines ancient hill fort remains with some of the best coastal views in the county.

Longridge Fell

Distance: around 5–7 miles | Time: 2.5–3 hours

A moderate circular walk taking in panoramic views across the Ribble Valley towards Pendle Hill and the Bowland Fells beyond.

On a clear day you can even see the Lake District fells.

Downham

Distance: around 3.5 miles | Time: 1.5–2.5 hours

For something gentler, one of the circular walks around Downham offers a chance to explore one of Lancashire’s most picturesque villages, framed by classic Pendle countryside.

The village can be seen in the 1961 classic ‘Whistle Down The Wind’. Local schoolchildren from the Lancashire villages around Burnley and Clitheroe were used as extras

Roddlesworth Reservoir

Distance: around 3–4 miles | Time: 1.5–2 hours

This woodland and reservoir loop in the West Pennine Moors near Blackburn is popular with families thanks to its easy paths, and comes into its own during the autumn colours.

Not to mention the relaxing sound of flowing water, as well as the peaceful sights and sounds of Roddlesworth wood.

The Ribble Way

Distance: around 6–6.5 miles (Ribchester section) | Time: around 3 hours

Rather than tackling the whole 72-mile long-distance trail, shorter stretches around Ribchester or Whalley make for an easy riverside walk that still captures the best of Lancashire’s countryside.

Several of these routes, including Pendle Hill, Ward’s Stone and Nicky Nook, fall within the Forest of Bowland National Landscape, making it well worth building a day out around more than one walk if time allows.