The best city hikes and walks around Marton Mere

There are over a dozen urban hiking trails around Marton Mere, offering a variety of experiences. These routes range from easy strolls to more moderate walks, ensuring there's something for every hiker.

The urban hikes around Marton Mere primarily feature flat and accessible footpaths. The reserve itself boasts a diverse landscape including open water, reed beds, woodlands, grasslands, and meadows, providing varied scenery without significant elevation changes.

Yes, Marton Mere is well-suited for families. Many of the trails are easy to follow and appropriate for all ages. For a shorter, accessible option, consider the View of Blackpool Tower – Blackpool Pleasure Beach loop from Bloomfield Road Stadium, which is an easy 4.6 km walk.

Marton Mere Local Nature Reserve welcomes visitors with dogs, provided they are kept under control. The designated footpaths are suitable for dog walking, allowing you and your canine companion to enjoy the natural surroundings together.

Marton Mere is a haven for wildlife. Birdwatching is a major draw, with sightings of grey herons, kingfishers, and various migratory birds. You might also spot butterflies, dragonflies, bats, and a rich variety of wildflowers. Lucky hikers could even catch a glimpse of a shy deer.

Yes, many of the urban routes around Marton Mere are designed as loops, offering convenient circular walks. For example, the Blackpool Tower – Blackpool Tower loop from Blackpool is an easy 6.5 km circular hike that allows you to explore the area and return to your starting point.

Marton Mere offers distinct seasonal experiences. Summer brings dragonflies to the meadows, while winter sees flocks of ducks on the water. Birdwatching is excellent year-round, with migratory birds adding to the diversity. The flat paths make it enjoyable in most weather conditions.

While there isn't designated public parking directly on-site at Marton Mere Local Nature Reserve, you can access the reserve via marked footpaths from parking areas on Lawson Road or East Park Drive, particularly between April and September. It's also accessible from nearby locations like Stanley Park.

The urban trails around Marton Mere are highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.4 stars from 145 ratings. Reviewers often praise the tranquil escape the reserve offers, its rich biodiversity, and the accessible, easy-to-follow footpaths that make it ideal for quiet observation and enjoying nature.

For those looking for a longer urban adventure, there are several moderate routes. The Blackpool Tower Illuminated – Blackpool Pleasure Beach loop from Blackpool is a moderate 10.3 km route, offering a more extended exploration of the urban landscape and coastal views.

While Marton Mere itself is a natural landmark, many urban trails in the wider area offer views of iconic Blackpool landmarks. For instance, routes like the Blackpool Tower – North Pier, Blackpool loop from Blackpool North provide opportunities to see the famous Blackpool Tower and the North Pier.