The best family-friendly hikes and walks around Up Holland

There are 14 family-friendly hiking trails around Up Holland, offering a variety of experiences for all ages. Most of these routes are rated as easy or moderate, perfect for a family outing.

Up Holland offers diverse terrain suitable for families, including flat and accessible canal paths along the Leeds and Liverpool Canal, tranquil ancient woodlands like Dean Wood, and rolling meadows. Some routes, such as those leading to Ashurst Beacon, involve gentle ascents to offer panoramic views.

Yes, there are several easy and shorter options. For instance, the Alma Field Trig Point loop from Up Holland is an easy 3.8 km path that takes about an hour to complete, exploring local countryside and open fields. Another great choice is the Ashurst Beacon – Coronation Bridge loop from Up Holland, which is 5.4 km and typically takes around 1 hour 30 minutes.

Many of the family-friendly routes in Up Holland are circular, making them convenient for starting and ending at the same point. Examples include the Ashurst Beacon – Coronation Bridge loop and the Alma Field Trig Point loop, both offering pleasant round trips.

Hikers can enjoy several interesting sights. Ashurst Beacon offers panoramic views across Lancashire. You might also encounter natural features like Birkacre Weir (Birkacre Weir) or man-made monuments such as Billinge Hill Tower (Billinge Hill Tower). For a scenic break, look for the Viewpoint Bench in Beacon Country Park (Viewpoint Bench in Beacon Country Park).

Yes, for families seeking a more adventurous day out, the longer Parbold Hill Viewpoint – Fairy Glen Waterfalls loop from Up Holland includes the beautiful Fairy Glen Waterfalls. Please note this is a more challenging and longer route, spanning nearly 27 km.

The hiking community highly rates the trails in Up Holland, with an average score of 4.5 stars from over 650 reviews. Hikers often praise the diverse landscapes, from tranquil woodlands to panoramic viewpoints, and the well-maintained paths suitable for families.

Absolutely. Beacon Country Park is a major highlight, offering expansive green spaces and the prominent Ashurst Beacon. Other nearby natural areas include Borsdane Wood Local Nature Reserve (Borsdane Wood Local Nature Reserve) and Yarrow Valley Country Park (Yarrow Valley Country Park), which provide excellent opportunities for family exploration and enjoying nature.

While some paths, particularly along the Leeds and Liverpool Canal, are flat and accessible, many trails in Up Holland traverse varied terrain including woodlands and fields which may not be suitable for all buggies. We recommend checking individual route details for surface information if you plan to bring a stroller.

You can find several lakes and bodies of water in the vicinity. Scotman's Flash (Scotman's Flash) and Carr Mill Dam (Carr Mill Dam) are notable lakes that offer scenic views and are often part of or near longer hiking routes.

For families looking for a longer adventure, the Leeds and Liverpool Canal – Ashurst Beacon loop from Up Holland is a moderate 16.4 km route that combines canal paths with an ascent to Ashurst Beacon. This trail typically takes around 4 hours 20 minutes, offering a rewarding experience for older children and active families.