1. The Tolkien Trail

J. R. R. Tolkien, author of The Lord of the Rings trilogy, was inspired by the natural beauty of the Ribble Valley.

The Tolkien Trail provides the best sense of the writer’s journey through the beautiful landscape. It’s a circular walk suitable for all skill levels, is around 5.5 miles in length, and starts and ends at the Shireburn Arms Hotel in the quaint historic village of Hurst Green.

Enjoy beautiful views of rolling hills, countryside, mysterious woodlands and picturesque rivers.

Find more information about the Tolkein Trail here: https://www.visitlancashire.com/things-to-do/the-tolkien-trail-in-the-footsteps-of-j-r-r-tolkien-p583810

2. Ascent of Pendle Hill from the ‘Nick of Pendle’

Enjoy wonderful panoramic views from the starting point at the ‘Nick of Pendle’ – so called because it’s as if little chunk, or ‘nick’ has been taken out of this local towering landmark.

This circular up Pendle Hill, standing at 577m tall to be exact, takes around 2.5 hours and is around 6.6 miles in length.

At the summit of Pendle Hill, you’ll have magnificent views of Lancashire and Yorkshire. On a clear day you can see as far as North Wales.

For more information about the walk, visit: https://www.lancswalks.co.uk/walks/pendle-hill-from-nick-of-pendle/

3. Chipping to Parlick Pike

One of the most popular circular walks in Ribble Valley starts and ends in Chipping, a beautiful picture postcard Lancashire village.

The walk will take you up to Parlick Pike through varied rugged terrain, including the beautiful Snape Fell, offering breathtaking views of fell tops that are often dotted with wildlife.

For more information, visit: https://www.walkingbritain.co.uk/walk-1902-description

4. Ribble Valley Sculpture Trail

A convenient and easily accessible option for a wander or dog walk is the sculpture trail in Brungerley Park, just outside Clitheroe. It covers just over 1.5 miles of beautiful woodland with numerous pieces of art on display.

In addition to artworks, you’ll enjoy views of the breathtaking Forest of Bowland and the River Ribble, which adjoins the trail.

For more information on the Ribble Valley Sculpture Trail, visit: https://www.ribblevalley.gov.uk/parks-open-spaces/ribble-valley-sculpture-trail

5. Stocks Reservoir circular walk

Another lovely dog-friendly walk that circles the Stocks Reservoir, at the head of the River Hodder in the Forest of Bowland.

This route will take you around this lovely stretch of water with a beautiful natural backdrop. At just over 8 miles, it’ll likely take under 4 hours to complete.

For more information, visit: https://www.forestryengland.uk/sites/default/files/documents/Gisburnwalkingmap.pdf

6. Dunsop Bridge to Chipping

Starting in the beautiful village of Dunsop Bridge, famous for being the exact geographic centre of Great Britain as ordained by Ordnance Survey.

This walk takes you through 7.75 miles of picturesque valleys and moorland through to the village of Chipping. The total walking time is likely between 4 and 4.5 hours.

For more information, visit: https://www.lancashireway.com/stage-25/

7. Bolton-by-Bowland circular walk

This circular 3-mile route covers mostly flat terrain and takes around 1.5 hours to complete. It starts and ends in the quiet, idyllic village of Bolton-by-Bowland and takes you on a wonderful route across lush parkland, with views of the River Ribble and a good chance of stumbling upon grazing deer.

For more information, visit: https://stirkhouse.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2015/01/Bolton-by-Bowland-Circular.pdf