The best walks and hikes around Longridge

Yes, there are over 350 hiking routes to explore in the Longridge area. These range from easy strolls to more demanding treks, with roughly half the trails rated as easy and the other half as moderate, ensuring options for all fitness levels.

The trails around Longridge are highly regarded by the komoot community, which includes over 10,000 hikers. The routes have an average rating of 4.3 out of 5 stars, with many people praising the mix of upland fell scenery and tranquil river valley paths.

For an accessible walk, consider visiting Brockholes Nature Reserve. It's a popular 250-acre site with well-maintained paths through woodland and around lakes, making it suitable for families with prams. Another excellent option is Beacon Fell Country Park, which is highly praised for its clearly marked footpaths, facilities, and beautiful surroundings.

Many trails around Longridge are dog-friendly, but it's important to be mindful of the landscape. When walking on the open moorland of the Forest of Bowland, dogs should be kept on a lead, especially during bird nesting season (typically March to July) and around livestock. Wooded paths like the Mason's Wood Trail are often great for off-leash walks where permitted.

Absolutely. The area is well-known for its pub walks. A great option is the Hiking loop from Ribchester, which takes you through lovely countryside near the historic village of Ribchester, where you'll find several welcoming pubs to relax in after your hike.

For some of the most expansive views, a hike up Longridge Fell is essential. As the most southerly fell in Great Britain, its summit offers panoramic vistas across the Fylde Plain. On a clear day, you can see as far as the Welsh Mountains and the Isle of Man. The nearby Nicky Nook also provides breathtaking views from its summit.

Yes, for a more demanding trek, the Hiking loop from Lancashire offers a good challenge. This moderate 6.6-mile (10.7 km) route involves more significant elevation gain and explores the varied terrain on the edge of the Forest of Bowland, requiring good fitness.

Besides the trails themselves, several key locations are popular starting points or destinations for hikers:

• Forest of Bowland National Landscape: A vast and stunning area of natural beauty, offering remote and tranquil hiking experiences.
• Beacon Fell Country Park: A top-rated park known for its well-marked paths, visitor centre, and panoramic views.
• The Tolkien Trail: A highly regarded themed walk, praised for being accessible and very dog-friendly.
• Nicky Nook: A popular hiking area offering a rewarding climb with fantastic views from the top.

There are several small car parks and lay-bys that serve as starting points for walks on Longridge Fell. One of the most common starting points is the Old Clitheroe Road car park. The Hiking loop from Longridge Fell starts from a convenient spot to access the main paths to the summit.

Yes, the region is rich in history. For a walk that combines scenery with ancient history, try the Ribchester Village – Bremetennacum Roman Fort Ruins loop from Longridge. This trail follows the River Ribble and takes you to the site of the Roman fort of Bremetennacum in the historic village of Ribchester.

The landscape is very diverse. You can expect to encounter the open, heather-clad moorland of Longridge Fell, tranquil wooded valleys, and gentle paths alongside the River Ribble. The area is a classic example of upland Lancashire, defined by its rolling hills and scenic river corridors.