1 week Ago
So now is as good a time as any to go and explore the wonderful countryside that surrounds East Lancashire, with the area widely considered to be one of the best in the UK for walking . To help you decide where to go this weekend, we’ve rounded up 5 walking routes you can enjoy in the county. 1.
Hurst Green and Hobbit Hill Circular (Image: Grant John Roberton) Starting off in the Forest of Bowland, the Hurst Green and Hobbit Hill Circular is filled with amazing scenery along the way and beautiful views of fields and rivers. Beginning at Hurst Green, the 10.5km route takes you on a journey through wooded landscapes and has numerous nods to J.
R. Tolkein’s classic ‘The Lord of the Rings’. The Tolkeing Trail follow a circular route with plenty of flat terrain and easy pathways and should take about three hours to complete.
2. Pendle Hill and Ogden Reservoir Circular – Sharon’s photography (Image: Sharon's photography) We could not put this list together without at least one Pendle Hill route, as arguably the most famous geographical feature in the region. Known for the Pendle Hill witch trials in 1612, it was also the site where Richard Towneley used a barometer to measure air pressure and where George Fox, an English Dissenter, claimed to have been sent to receive visions.
The route climbs Big End, due to the steep escarpment edge on the eastern side and then slopes gently to the west with various cloughs cutting into the hillside. Finishing at Ogden Reservoir, which supplies Nelson with water, walkers can admire the impressive work of stonemasons’ art in the walls, spillways and by-washes. 3.
Lower and Upper Roddlesworth Reservoirs (Image: Peter McGuire) This 5.5km circular trail to the East of Darwen is considered a relatively challenging route and takes around an hour and a half to complete. The walk takes in the Rake Brook and Lower Roddlesworth Reservoir and the eastern tip of the Upper reservoir, and the old outflow “waterfall”.
It is a particular treat for dog lovers, as plenty of dog walkers pick the spot to socialise. 4. White Coppice and Great Hill Circular (Image: Michael Hoyle) For the more experienced hiker, this 6.
4km trail near Chorley has become popular and allows walkers to cascade up through the waterfall. Heading to the top of the Great Hill, those who have finished the walk are treated to stunning views over Lancashire and beyond. The walk has also become popular for birding and mountain biking so you are likely to encounter other nature enthusiasts whilst exploring.
Paths and the moorlands can be muddy and slippery, especially in wetter conditions, so take care and wear appropriate footwear. READ MORE: Enjoy serene walk that takes in village streets, country lanes and a steam railway READ MORE: Plea to put walking writer Wainwright's birthplace on local list 5. Fairy Glen Circular Alternatively, you could try this ‘easy’ route which is 6.
4km in length and takes one hour and 43 minutes to complete on average. This route is located near Skelmersdale and you can enjoy it with your dog – they can be off lead in some areas. Be careful when walking on rougher terrains especially after wet weather as this route can get muddy and slippery.
You’ll need to wear appropriate footwear for this walk..
