The best walks and hikes around Tarleton
4.6
(381)
4,139
hikers
334
hikes
Hiking around Tarleton, Lancashire, is characterized by its flat, low-lying terrain, shaped by agricultural land and waterways. The region features a network of canals and rivers, including the Leeds and Liverpool Canal and the River Douglas. Elevation changes are minimal, making for generally accessible walking routes through the countryside.
Best hiking trails around Tarleton
- The most popular hiking route is Rufford Old Hall – Leeds and Liverpool Canal loop from St Mary's Church, a 7.7 miles (12.5 km) trail…
Last updated: May 4, 2026
4.7
(9)
53
hikers
Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
4.6
(7)
27
hikers
5.02km
01:16
10m
10m
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
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5.0
(1)
24
hikers
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
8
hikers
Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
4.0
(3)
8
hikers
11.4km
02:53
20m
20m
Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
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Tips from the Community
Bank Bridge also known as Tarleton Bridge is an English Heritage, Grade II listed structure as is the Bank Warehouse adjacent to the bridge situated on the Leeds Liverpool Canal Rufford Branch.
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"Rufford Old Hall is a National Trust property in Rufford, Lancashire, in north-west England. Built in the late fifteenth or early sixteenth centuries for the Hesketh family, only the great hall survives from the original structure. A brick-built wing in the Jacobean style was added in 1661, at right angles to the great hall, and a third wing was added in the 1820s. The hall is designated by English Heritage as a Grade I listed building, and the cottage, coach house and stables in the courtyard at the rear of the hall are designated Grade II." Source: https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rufford_Old_Hall You can find out more about opening times, events, attractions and facilities here; https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/visit/liverpool-lancashire/rufford-old-hall
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The bridge is in the middle of nowhere so don't expect coffee and cake unless you bring your own! Nice road for cycling though linking Mere Brow and Croston - always quiet and traffic free.
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Agreed on the beauty of the area but if you arrive at the bridge and find it empty, take your pics and vids quickly because the racket caused by cars passing over it is absolutely awful/unbearable. Not sure who designed it with loose individual metal slats in mind but the clatter means a re-think is required! The central rubber 'carpet' (sections of which are missing) might mildly dim noise generated by cyclists but is totally redundant for the main culprit: the car. Speaking of which: a decision needs to be made on whether the lane and bridge should remain accessible by car because at the moment (and with burgeoning sizes of vehicles in future), the purpose of the cycleway is somewhat diminished when riders have to constantly stop while two cars squirm past each other or to allow one to overtake. Perhaps it was just busier on the day I visited but it got very silly indeed!
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located in Rufford, a rural part of Lancashire, the marina is on the Rufford branch of the Leeds and Liverpool canal. The views on the marina are lovely, why not go for a walk round the pathways and see all the boats that are moored here and the ducks and swans and if you're very lucky you may glimpse a sight of the kingfishers that they have nesting on site, if you walk across the field at the top you can see the many hills in the distance including Winter Hill. On site there is a wonderful and very popular cafe called the Boathouse Brasserie , here you can sit and relax and enjoy a drink and sample some of their wonderful cakes and some of their home cooked food they offer, made from fresh local produce.
2
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Best to get off and walk over with your bike so it's not so noisy.
5
2
Frequently Asked Questions
How many hiking trails are available around Tarleton?
There are over 330 hiking routes around Tarleton, offering a wide variety of options for all skill levels. The komoot community has rated these routes with an average of 4.6 stars.
What is the general difficulty level of hiking trails in Tarleton?
The hiking trails in Tarleton are generally easy to moderate, characterized by flat, low-lying terrain. Over 200 routes are classified as easy, with another 117 moderate routes and only 15 difficult ones. This makes the area accessible for most hikers.
Are there any circular walks in Tarleton?
Yes, many of the routes in Tarleton are circular, allowing you to start and end at the same point. An example is the Rufford Old Hall – Leeds and Liverpool Canal loop from St Mary's Church, which is a moderate 7.7-mile (12.5 km) trail.
Are the hiking trails in Tarleton suitable for families?
Absolutely. Given the predominantly flat and easy terrain, many trails are well-suited for families. The Tarleton Lock – River Douglas Footpath loop from Much Hoole is an easy 3.1-mile (5.0 km) path, perfect for a shorter family outing.
Can I bring my dog on the hiking trails in Tarleton?
Many of the canal towpaths and river footpaths around Tarleton are suitable for dogs, provided they are kept under control. Always check local signage for any specific restrictions, especially near agricultural land or nature reserves.
What kind of landmarks or features can I expect to see along the trails?
Hiking in Tarleton often features canal towpaths, river footpaths, and open agricultural landscapes. You might encounter historical sites like Southport Pier or the Croston Stone Cross and Village Centre. Nature lovers can also visit the Martin Mere Wetland Centre.
Is there public transport available to access hiking trails in Tarleton?
While specific public transport routes to every trailhead can vary, Tarleton is generally accessible by local bus services. It's advisable to check local bus timetables for routes that stop near your desired starting point. Many trails are also accessible from village centers.
Where can I find parking for hiking routes in Tarleton?
Parking is often available in or near the villages that serve as starting points for many routes, such as near St Mary's Church or Much Hoole. Always ensure you park responsibly and check for any local parking restrictions or fees.
What do other hikers enjoy most about hiking in Tarleton?
The area is highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.6 stars from over 360 reviews. Reviewers often praise the peaceful canal towpaths, the scenic river footpaths, and the accessibility of the routes through the Lancashire countryside.
Are there any longer distance hikes available from Tarleton?
While many routes are shorter, there are options for longer walks. For example, the River Douglas Footpath – Tarleton Lock loop from Bretherton is a moderate 7.2-mile (11.7 km) trail that offers a more extended experience along the river.
Can I find cafes or pubs near the hiking trails in Tarleton?
Yes, Tarleton and its surrounding villages offer various cafes and pubs where you can refresh before or after your hike. These establishments are typically found in the village centers, often close to popular starting points for trails.
Most popular attractions around Tarleton
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