Canal and Riverside Walks

Lancashire has a network of canals that crosses the county. Towpaths are great for walking along and here are some Lancashire canal walks that we can recommend, where you can take in the stunning scenery and stop for lunchtime refreshments along the way.

Pendle Canal Walks 

Four relatively easy circular Pendle Canal walks ranging from two to five miles with sections along the Leeds & Liverpool canal towpath and through Alkincoates Park Nature Reserve. Canal Walk 1 Mile Tunnel and Slipper Hill, 2.5 miles; Canal Walk 2 Wanless Bridge & Barrowford Locks, 2.5 miles; Canal Walk 3 Lake Burwain, 2.7 miles and Pendle Canal Walk 4 is Foulridge Wharf & Country Brook, the most challenging and slightly longer at 5 miles.

Garstang and Lancaster Canal Walk 

 A 5-mile circular walk around Garstang, along Lancaster Canal, the River Wyre and passing Greenhalgh Castle. Great countryside views towards the Forest of Bowland hills. Indeed you can extend the walk and join the Forest of Bowland Walk to make it a longer circular route.

Crook o Lune Riverside Walk 

A beautiful walk beside the Lune riverbank. Suitable for most abilities, the Crook o Lune Riverside Walk is in a  figure of eight and runs for just over 3 miles. Lots of lovely views of the surrounding countryside and old bridges. The terrain is mostly flat, starting and finishing at the car park where there are toilet facilities and picnic areas

Woodland Walks

Sunnyhurst Wood

A moderate 6.4 km walk that loops around Sunnyhurst Wood and Darwen Tower, near Darwen. The main feature of the walk is a beautiful lake and over 700 species of plant, bird and mammal wildlife. The site was designated a Biological Heritage Site in 1993 by Lancashire Wildlife Trust and made a Local Nature Reserve in 2005. The walk can be steep in places and stout footwear is recommended. 

Witton Park

Quite a bit shorter at 4.3 km, but more challenging. Another circular walk that starts in Witton Country Park, that stretches over 480 acres. Initially the walk takes you through the park before climbing, at times steeply, through the dense woodland of Billinge Hill. Great views are to be had across to Darwen Moor. There are some stretches of unmade paths and the going can become muddy in wet weather – boots definitely recommended.