Five of the best short walks in the Ribble Valley
The Ribble Valley is a genuine walker’s paradise. This unspoiled corner of rural East Lancashire has it all: gentle rolling countryside, wooded river valleys and some more challenging hill walks for those with an appetite for adventure. Here are five short walks that explore the best of the area.
15 Short Walks in the Ribble Valley
£9.95
Mark Sutcliffe has chosen 15 of the best short walks around the Ribble Valley. Each walk comes with easy-to-read Ordnance Survey maps, clear route description and lots of images, plus information on beauty spots and refreshment stops. No challenging terrain or complicated navigation means walks can be enjoyed by everyone.
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The best walk for Tolkien fans...
What: The Tolkien Trail
Summary: A journey through ‘The Shire’ in the footsteps of JRR Tolkien, who stayed at nearby Stonyhurst College
Start/finish: Opposite the Shireburn Arms, Hurst Green
Time: 2¾hr
Distance: 10.5km (6½ miles)
Climb: 135m
The Tolkien Trail is one of the most popular short walks in Lancashire – and is consequently a busy route all year round. The walk follows the River Ribble and woodland tracks and passes Stonyhurst College. The fantasy writer JRR Tolkien is thought to have written significant portions of The Lord of the Rings while staying at Stonyhurst, where the rolling pastureland, woodlands and rivers inspired the landscapes of ‘The Shire’.
The best walk for visiting Clitheroe Castle...
What: Clitheroe Castle and the River Ribble
Summary: A fascinating circular walk via Clitheroe’s historic castle, an urban nature reserve and the River Ribble
Start/finish: Clitheroe railway station
Time: 2hr
Distance: 6.5km (4 miles)
Climb: 75m
This easy walk is a pleasant ‘town-into-country’ route which explores Clitheroe’s natural history and industrial heritage. Climb the ramparts of the Norman castle for expansive views of the surrounding countryside, then continue through a restored mill lodge at the heart of a green urban oasis.
The best walk for Roman Ruins...
What: Roman Ribchester
Summary: A riverside ramble through the woods alongside the Ribble from the historic Roman garrison town of Ribchester
Start/finish: The White Bull, Ribchester
Time: 2¾hr
Distance: 10.5km (6½ miles)
Climb: 100m
Ribchester is a charming village with a rich history dating back to Roman times. This walk starts in the heart of the village, passing the Roman Museum and Bath House before following the Ribble through deciduous woodland and over an elegant footbridge. Although the walk is largely flat, it’s one of the more challenging walks listed here, so take a selection of drinks and snacks to keep you going and consider wearing wellies in spring or autumn as some sections can be muddy.
The best walk for climbing Pendle Hill...
What: The easy way up Pendle
Summary: This route to the summit of Pendle Hill avoids the steep and sustained climb usually associated with Pendle and is an altogether easier undertaking
Start/finish: Nick of Pendle
Time: 3hr
Distance: 11km (6¾ miles)
Climb: 300m
Pendle Hill dominates the entire Ribble Valley and is visible all the way from the sea to the source of the river above the iconic Ribblehead Viaduct. Steeped in myth and legend, Pendle is one of the most climbed hills in Lancashire, but reaching the summit usually involves a steep slog up the infamous ‘Steps’ from Barley. This route is altogether gentler, but it remains a fittingly rewarding challenge which feels like a proper hike!
The best walk for extensive views...
What: Waddington village circular
Summary: A pleasant ramble through the pastures above Waddington and up onto the fell for extensive views before returning via pretty wooded ghylls
Start/finish: Waddington Arms, Waddington
Time: 2hr
Distance: 7km (4¼ miles)
Climb: 160m
This easy circuit is an ideal route for a spring afternoon or a warm summer evening. Starting in the picturesque village of Waddington, the route heads through pastures and woodland, climbing gently onto the south-facing slopes of Waddington Fell and then returning to the village, where a cool pint awaits at one of Waddington’s three excellent hostelries – the Waddington Arms, the Higher Buck and the Lower Buck Inn.
All these walks (plus 10 more!) are included in our guidebook to Short Walks in the Ribble Valley. Other highlights include Longridge Fell, Grindleton Fell, Sawley, Dinckley and Marles Wood. Easy-to-read maps and clear route descriptions make these walks perfect for beginners and families. No specialist gear is needed, and each route includes information on facilities, parking, and highlights.
15 Short Walks in the Ribble Valley
£9.95
Mark Sutcliffe has chosen 15 of the best short walks around the Ribble Valley. Each walk comes with easy-to-read Ordnance Survey maps, clear route description and lots of images, plus information on beauty spots and refreshment stops. No challenging terrain or complicated navigation means walks can be enjoyed by everyone.
More information
