The Best Hiking Trails in Lancashire

This cruise along the Leeds-Liverpool canal takes you through some of the most bucolic, stereotypically-British countryside you will find anywhere. The walk is completely non-technical and suitable for the whole family....

Starting and ending at a country pub, and with all sorts of interesting things to see en route, this is what hiking in the English countryside is all about! There are various ways of accessing the hike but we've drawn it starting and finishing at the Rigbye Arms pub, home to a lovely beer garden, a bowling green and some excellent food....

Traversing between 2 local landmarks and crossing one of the most historical waterways in England, this is a great half day hike which is suitable for the whole family. Park up at the top of Parbold Hill where, come rain or shine, there's usually an ice cream van parked up! The view from the parking area is excellent, and there's an orientation board there explaining what you're looking at....

This is about as good as family hikes get - the woods of Fairy Glen are beautiful and there's been a real effort made to engage kids throughout. There's no official parking area for Fairy Glen, but parking in the layby 50 metres to the northeast of the entrance to the Glen appears to be tolerated provided you park respectfully and don't block any access points....

Even in a relatively non-mountainous country like England, completely flat terrain is surprisingly rare, especially in the northern part of the UK. As such, Croston Moss is a special place which enjoys huge, expansive views and a feeling of space which is reminiscent of the American midwest....

A wonderful trip through some spacious and - at times - barren scenery, this is a great way to get your fix of fresh air and wilderness. The trip starts and finishes at the charmingly-named "Owd Barn" farm shop and cafe....

With a history dating back to the 11th century, Rivington Pike has been a landmark for longer than most hiking destinations! The tower on the summit is a relatively modern addition, having been constructed a mere 300 years ago (!) in 1733, and it has been a popular viewpoint for most of the intervening years....

Taking in desolate opens spaces, tight forests and peaceful lake shore paths, this is an exceptionally varied hike in an underrated part of the World. Park up in Brinscall - a traditional Lancastrian village which is home to a lovely tea shop and some quaint country pubs....