The best walks and hikes around Sharlston

The area is highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.6 stars from over 600 reviews. Hikers often praise the unique blend of natural beauty and industrial heritage, particularly the well-maintained paths through reclaimed nature reserves like Walton Colliery Nature Park.

Yes, the region is excellent for families. Anglers Country Park features a two-mile accessible path around the lake, perfect for pushchairs, and also has the fun 'Room on the Broom' trail for children. For a shorter, historic walk, Nostell Priory Lower Lake – View From the House loop from Wragby is a gentle 1.8-mile (3 km) route through the scenic estate.

Absolutely. Most of the popular routes in the area are circular. For a great example that combines two key locations, consider the Nostell Priory Lower Lake – Nostell Upper Lake loop from New Crofton. This 4.7-mile (7.6 km) trail offers a comprehensive tour of the beautiful Nostell estate.

Many trails in the area are dog-friendly. Parks such as Anglers Country Park and Walton Colliery Nature Park are popular spots for dog walkers. However, it's always best to keep your dog on a lead, especially in nature reserves like Brockadale Nature Reserve where livestock may be present, and around the lakes to protect wildlife.

The area is known for its scenic lake walks. Anglers Country Park is centered around a large lake with an accessible path. Walton Colliery Nature Park also features several lakes and ponds. For a walk that takes in multiple bodies of water, the Anglers Country Park Lake – Nostell Priory Lower Lake loop from Nostell connects two of the region's most prominent lakes.

Many paths trace the area's rich history. You can walk through landscapes shaped by the coal mining industry, now transformed into nature reserves like Walton Colliery Nature Park. Trails on Sharlston Common, a Scheduled Ancient Monument, pass by visible bell pits from medieval mining. Routes through the Nostell Priory estate follow paths designed centuries ago for leisure and exploration.

The terrain around Sharlston is generally gentle, making it more suitable for easy to moderate hikes. While there are over 190 moderate routes, there are very few technically difficult trails. For a longer outing, you could connect trails between parks, such as linking Walton Colliery Nature Park with the Trans Pennine Trail for extended mileage.

The key hiking destinations are a mix of country parks and nature reserves. Nostell Priory offers expansive, historic parkland. Walton Colliery Nature Park is a highly-regarded local favorite, celebrated for its successful transformation from industrial site to wildlife haven. Anglers Country Park is another award-winning park known for its large lake and accessible trails. For a quieter experience, you might explore the woodlands at Haw Park Wood.

Yes, major starting points for hikes typically have dedicated parking. Anglers Country Park, Nostell Priory (managed by the National Trust, charges may apply), and Walton Colliery Nature Park all have car parks. For smaller reserves like Brockadale, parking can be limited, so arriving early is a good idea.

Hiking is possible year-round, but spring and summer are particularly beautiful. In spring, the woodlands and meadows at Nostell Priory and Walton Colliery Nature Park are filled with wildflowers, including several species of orchids. Autumn offers wonderful colours, especially in the wooded areas. Some paths can become muddy in winter, so waterproof footwear is recommended.

There are over 400 hiking routes to explore around Sharlston. These range from short, easy strolls of just a couple of miles to more moderate, longer-distance treks connecting the various parks and nature reserves in the area.