to Great
Eccleston Loop
- Approx. 4.5 miles
- Allow 1.5 to 2 hours
- Mostly flat with quiet lanes and paths
- Starts right from The Cartford Inn
One of the great pleasures of staying here is how easy it is to step out and explore the Lancashire countryside. From riverside paths and canal towpaths to coastal routes and gentle circular walks, there is no shortage of rewarding places to stretch your legs.
Many begin almost on our doorstep, while others are a short drive away and well worth it. Below you’ll find some of our favourite walks in Lancashire, from relaxed local strolls to longer routes if you feel like making an afternoon of it.
A little wilder, a little hillier, and well worth the drive. These are three of our favourite Forest of Bowland walks for clear views, quiet stretches, and that pleasing feeling of having earned your lunch.
A short, satisfying climb above Scorton with sweeping views across Bowland and out towards the coast on a clear day. It is one of the most popular walks in this part of Lancashire, and for good reason.
A proper Bowland walk. Steeper than Nicky Nook and more of a leg-stretcher, with open fell, big skies, and some of the best views in the area once you reach the ridge.
Woodland walks, sculpture trails, and views across Lancashire. Ideal for families or anyone who enjoys a varied, easy-to-navigate route.
A gentler Bowland option with quiet lanes, riverside stretches, and a lovely village starting point. Ideal if you want the scenery without committing to a full hill walk.
When you fancy a change of scene, the coast is close enough for a morning out and different enough to feel like you have gone somewhere. These three are good for sea air, easy walking, and the sort of views that do most of the work for you.
One of the easiest local options when you want sea air without much fuss. Park up in Knott End and head along the promenade for wide estuary views, salt marsh, and a brisker sort of peace than you get inland.
A classic Lancashire seaside walk. Flat, open, and easy to follow, with the windmill at Lytham, wide sands at St Annes, and plenty of room to stretch your legs without ending up knee-deep in mud.
Bigger skies, longer views, and a proper sense of space. This is one for a clear day, when the bay opens up and the Lakeland fells do their bit in the distance. Flat, straightforward, and good when you want something easy.
Some walks earn a reputation. These three are the ones people know, search for, and make a day of — from Pendle’s wide-open summit to the Tolkien Trail’s quieter Ribble Valley paths.
Probably Lancashire’s most famous walk. Start in Barley and climb steadily to the summit for wide views across the Ribble Valley and beyond. A proper hill walk, and one that feels as classic as they come.
A lovely circular around Hurst Green with riverside stretches, old bridges, and quietly beautiful countryside. It is gentler than Pendle, but no less memorable, especially if you like a walk with a bit of story behind it.
One of the best-known climbs in the county. Start from Rivington Hall and head up through woodland and open hillside to the Pike itself, where the views do a very good job of justifying the effort.