The best family-friendly hikes and walks around Rufford
4.6
(454)
3,698
hikers
14
hikes
Family friendly hiking trails around Rufford are characterized by diverse landscapes, including the historic Rufford Abbey Country Park and its surroundings. The region features the scenic Rufford Lake, extensive Wilderness Woodland, and connections to the Leeds and Liverpool Canal. Paths often traverse formal gardens, arboretums, and areas with historical significance like the 12th-century abbey ruins. This varied terrain provides accessible walking opportunities suitable for different fitness levels.
Best family friendly hiking trails around Rufford
- The most popular family friendly hiking route is Rufford Old Hall – Leeds and Liverpool Canal loop from Rufford, a 6.5 miles (10.4 km) trail that takes 2 hours 39 minutes to complete. This route combines historical interest with waterside paths along the canal.
- Another top favourite among local hikers is Leeds and Liverpool Canal loop from Rufford, a moderate 6.5 miles (10.4 km) path. This trail offers continuous views along the canal, suitable for a leisurely family outing.
- Local hikers also love the Leeds and Liverpool Canal – Rufford Old Hall loop from Rufford, a 5.8 miles (9.4 km) trail leading through canal-side scenery and past Rufford Old Hall, often completed in about 2 hours 21 minutes.
- Hiking around Rufford is defined by tranquil canal paths, historical abbey grounds, and diverse woodlands. The network offers options for both easy and moderate ability levels, catering to various family preferences.
- The routes in Rufford are highly rated by the komoot community with an average score of 4.6 stars from over 400 reviews. More than 3,700 hikers have used komoot to explore Rufford's varied terrain.
Last updated: April 24, 2026
4.8
(9)
49
hikers
8.44km
02:09
20m
20m
Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
4.7
(6)
31
hikers
10.4km
02:39
30m
30m
Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
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16
hikers
Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
4.5
(4)
12
hikers
9.47km
02:23
10m
20m
Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
3
hikers
5.06km
01:17
10m
10m
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
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Tips from the Community
"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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Not a difficult BW to ride (gravelbike), but be aware of vehicles using it!
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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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Great views of the Leeds and Liverpool Canal. On the path there is also the Ship Inn pub
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Fettlers Wharf Marina sits quietly along the Rufford Branch of the Leeds Liverpool Canal, which gives perfect access to the Canal System. The Marina has 100+ moorings for various boat sizes including Wide beams, in a secure site, with no access (out of hours) to the general public & has all the facilities that you want in a marina. The Fettlers wharf Marina Location is perfect, whilst sitting in the peace and quiet of the Lancashire countryside, it lies 100m from Rufford railway station and 400m from the A59, whilst less than 10 minutes from the M6 J27, meaning your never too far away.
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Frequently Asked Questions
How many family-friendly hiking trails are available around Rufford?
There are 14 family-friendly hiking trails around Rufford, ranging from easy to moderate difficulty, perfect for getting the whole family outdoors.
Are these trails suitable for very young children or strollers?
Many of the trails around Rufford are designed with families in mind, featuring gentle paths and manageable distances. Rufford Abbey Country Park, in particular, offers easily accessible paths suitable for prams and mobility scooters, ensuring its natural beauty can be enjoyed by everyone.
Can I bring my dog on these family-friendly trails?
Yes, many of the trails around Rufford are dog-friendly. Rufford Abbey Country Park welcomes dogs, though they should be kept on a lead in certain areas. Always check local signage for specific rules on individual routes.
Are there many circular routes suitable for families?
Yes, Rufford offers several circular routes that are great for families. For example, the Rufford Old Hall – Leeds and Liverpool Canal loop from Rufford provides a scenic circular walk. The Rufford Lake circuit within Rufford Abbey Country Park is also a popular, easy circular option.
What interesting features or landmarks can we expect to see on these walks?
The trails around Rufford are rich in natural beauty and historical interest. You can explore the 12th-century Rufford Abbey Ruins, enjoy the scenic Rufford Lake, or wander through the Wilderness Woodland. Some routes also pass by the historic Rufford Mill and Ford. Further afield, you might encounter highlights like Croston Stone Cross and Village Centre or the Martin Mere Wetland Centre.
What's the best time of year to visit Rufford for family hikes?
Rufford is beautiful year-round. Warmer months are ideal for boating on Rufford Lake, while autumn provides particularly rewarding walks with vibrant colors around the lake and in the Wilderness Woodland. Spring brings new life and pleasant temperatures, making it a great time for family outings.
Is parking available at the trailheads?
Yes, parking is generally available, especially at popular starting points like Rufford Abbey Country Park. For specific routes, such as the Mere Lane – Tomato Soup at the Café loop from Rufford, you'll find convenient parking options nearby. Always check the route details for specific parking information.
How can I reach the family-friendly trails by public transport?
Rufford Abbey Country Park is accessible by public transport. For detailed information on bus routes and schedules to the area, it's best to consult local transport providers or check resources like Visit Nottinghamshire's access map for guidance on reaching the park.
What kind of wildlife might we see on these walks?
The Wilderness Woodland at Rufford Abbey Country Park is a wildlife sanctuary, home to woodland mammals like foxes and squirrels, and a wide array of woodland birds. Around Rufford Lake, you can spot diverse waterfowl. Keep an eye out for various species as you explore the natural areas.
Are there places to eat or get refreshments along the trails?
Yes, Rufford Abbey Country Park has facilities including cafes where you can get refreshments. Some routes, like the Mere Lane – Tomato Soup at the Café loop from Rufford, even highlight specific cafes along the way, making it easy to plan a stop for a snack or a meal.
How challenging are the family-friendly trails around Rufford?
The family-friendly trails around Rufford are generally easy to moderate. Out of the 14 routes, 4 are rated as easy and 10 as moderate. This means they typically feature gentle paths and manageable distances, suitable for most fitness levels, including those with children.
What do other hikers enjoy about the family-friendly trails in Rufford?
The area is highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.57 stars. Reviewers often praise the diverse landscapes, the historical attractions like Rufford Abbey, and the well-maintained paths that make these routes enjoyable for all ages.
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