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Trails and walking routes page marker

Short Walks

Note that more walks will be added to this section as they become available. Please use the links to the left to view a list of short walks or trails and longer routes.

While out walking in the countryside please follow the Country Code. For more information on the Country Code visit the Countryside Access* site.

  • Enjoy the Countryside and respect its life and work
  • Guard against all risk of fire
  • Fasten all gates
  • Keep dogs under close control
  • Keep to public paths across farmland
  • Use gates and stiles to cross fences, hedges and walls
  • Leave livestock, crops and machinery alone
  • Take your litter home
  • Help keep all water clean
  • Protect wildlife, plants and trees
  • Take special care on country roads
  • Make no unnecessary noise

PLANNING YOUR WALK

Walking is a safe, healthy and free activity that anyone can participate in. Whether it is on your own, or with friends and family walking gets you out and about in our wonderful countryside.

STEP 1
First you must decide where you want to walk, with so much to choose from in many ways this is the most difficult part. We have long distance walks such as the RIBBLE WAY, COASTAL WAY and BRONTE WAY or shorter walks like the DOWNHAM CIRCULAR WALKS or walks around BEACON FELL and WYCOLLER COUNTRY PARKS. Have a look on the A to Z or the SITES & FACILITIES pages for some ideas.

You might also find more walks by visiting the DEFRA website http://countrywalks.defra.gov.uk (External Link - See Terms) - the website gives details of voluntary access agreements which have been entered into as part of the agri-environment schemes. There are a number of such schemes in Lancashire.

STEP 2
Next is how far you want to walk. This will depend on your fitness or the fitness of your group, always judge your walk on the slowest or least fit person you are walking with, remember you are all out to enjoy yourself. It is always a good idea to underestimate rather than over estimate your abilities. If you all end up stiff and sore the next morning it might put you off going out for awhile, remember the idea is to enjoy yourself. If you are unsure start off with a short walk of say 2-3 km / 1.5-2 miles and work your way up, the more you walk, the more you will want to walk, (did we mention it was free and good for you).

STEP 3
How long will it take? Most people can walk 3km/2miles in an hour, but allow plenty of time to take a rest and have a look round, and have a chat. Climbing hills will slow you down so add about half an hour for every 300m climbed. You will also find that you can walk faster on metalled paths and good surfaced tracks and paths, but remember it is not a race, take your time and have a good look at what is all around you.

STEP 4
Make sure you know where you are going. Always take a map with you that clearly shows your route, and make yourself familiar with it, with a criss-crossing network of footpaths it can be easy to take a wrong turn. Make a note of landmarks, roads, phone boxes, woodlands or water features along the route to help you. If possible have a member of the group take along a mobile phone so that you can ring for help if you need it, but please remember that in some of the more remote locations you may not be able to get a signal. Maps will also help to point out interesting features along the route, children especially love maps, as they turn the walk into an adventure. Have a look at the EVENTS PROGRAMME for navigation and map reading events.

STEP 5
Be prepared. For most walks the only special equipment you will need is a good, stout, comfortable pair of walking shoes that keep your feet dry, and being Britain waterproof clothing. Wear loose fitting comfortable clothes appropriate to the weather. Different layers are best as you can remove or add them as required, by trapping the air they will also keep you warmer than one thick jumper. Take along plenty to eat and drink for everyone, why not take a long a picnic if you are not walking too far. In colder weather it may be an idea to take along a flask of hot tea or coffee or even soup. It is always a good idea to take along a spare set of clothing in case you get wet. You never know when you might slip in a stream or get caught in a downpour. Your check list might look something like this:

  • Walking Boots
  • Waterproof Clothing
  • Maps
  • Food
  • Watch
  • Money
  • First Aid Kit
  • Water
  • Flask (Hot Drink)
  • Spare Jumper
  • Spare Trousers/Socks
  • Hat
  • Gloves
  • Compass
  • Camera
  • Mobile Phone

STEP 6
ALWAYS TELL SOMEONE. Always tell someone where you are going and when you expect to return, so that if you do get into difficulties the alarm can be raised. And don't forget to inform them of your return, this will also give you the opportunity to tell them all about your day. It can be so easy to lose track of time while you are relaxing in the pub after your walk, in the mean time a search party is out looking for you. By following these six simple steps you will be able to enjoy your walk safely.

If all this seems like too much organizing why not let us do it for you. Have a look at our EVENTS PROGRAMME where there are lots of guided walks that have been organized throughout the year.

If you would like to know more about safe walking in the countryside you could visit www.bowlandpenninemrt.org.uk*.

Public Service Journey Planner on the Internet

Usefull Links

http://www.walkswithbuggies.com*
http://www.walkswithwheelchairs.com *
http://www.visitlancashire.com*
http://www.thesurvivalexpert.co.uk/home.htm *

*External Site - See Terms

 
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