4.4
(325)
2,915
hikers
31
hikes
Urban hiking trails around Rossendale are characterized by their varied topography, featuring the River Irwell, steep-sided valleys, and rolling hills. The region integrates woodlands and reservoirs into its routes, often alongside remnants of its industrial past. Hikers can explore paths that combine natural beauty with historical points of interest. The landscape offers a mix of riverside walks and routes through urban green spaces.
Last updated: May 3, 2026
19
hikers
7.29km
01:54
50m
50m
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
16
hikers
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.

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11
hikers
2.74km
00:44
30m
30m
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
5.0
(2)
9
hikers
Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
13
hikers
5.13km
01:21
40m
40m
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
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The Memorial Park is the main public park in Padiham and comprises of two sites linked by a riverside walk along the River Calder, one at the top of town, off Blackburn Road, and the other at the bottom of the hill adjacent to Park Road. Funds for construction were mainly provided by the will of Mr.Thomas Clayton who died in 1915, although public subscription provided much of the money for many of the Park’s features. This public generosity continues to this day and features such as the Rose Garden have been replanted with money raised by local residents.
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Artist Gavin Renshaw has created the piece to help celebrate the town’s heritage. It is inspired by the Whit Walks and other traditional parades and events. The mural is the second of the Gable Arts Project, designed to help modernise the town while honouring Padiham’s vibrant history.
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Lovely food and coffee - part of the same team who run the van at the Trough of Bowland (as seen on the Hairy Bikers).
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Designed to fit in with the architecture of the station, Thrutch, Woolfold, Ogden, Grane are gates created by artist Noah Rose. The gates lead through to the Trackside Bar of the East Lancashire Railway, a heritage line that runs into Rossendale. They draw their inspiration from classic railway logos, Art Deco design and 1950s modernism and show four maps of the Irwell and Roch Valleys on stainless steel panels.
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Glass Work is the creation of artist Martin Donlin. Unveiled in 2010, it has become a significant feature of the Police Headquarters in Bury. It features quotes from the public and from Robert Peel, the founder of the modern police service and former inhabitant of the town.
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This is a neon text piece by poet Ron Silliman. It features a line from the American's Northern Soul poem, written after he visited Bury in 2009. It reads 'Poetry has been Bury, Bury good to me.' The poem will form part of a larger poem called Universe.
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The large town of Bury is part of the Greater Manchester urban sprawl. Known for its busy market and black pudding, it is a vibrant place to visit. There's some great hiking to be found to the north in Rossendale, which you can access via a ride on the East Lancashire Railway heritage line. The town is home to a cluster of sculptures on the Irwell Sculpture Trail, which passes to the west. They are Glass Work by Martin Donlin, Thrutch, Woolford, Ogden, Grane by Noah Rose, Genus Trogon by Shaun Pickard, From Northern Soul by Ron Silliman and Metamorphic Lights by Jo Fairfax and Adam Spinos.
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There are over 30 urban hiking trails around Rossendale, offering a variety of experiences for different skill levels. You'll find a mix of easy and moderate routes to explore the towns and their surroundings.
Urban hikes in Rossendale often combine riverside paths, park trails, and sometimes gentle ascents into the surrounding hills. You'll encounter varied surfaces, from paved paths to well-maintained dirt trails, reflecting the region's blend of urban and natural landscapes. The River Irwell flows through the heart of the area, providing many scenic waterside sections.
Yes, Rossendale offers many easy urban hikes perfect for beginners and families. For example, the Tilted Vase Sculpture – Nuttall Park War Memorial loop from Ramsbottom is a short, accessible option. Many routes stick to lower elevations and well-trodden paths, making them enjoyable for all ages.
Absolutely. Many of the urban hiking trails in Rossendale are designed as circular routes, allowing you to start and finish in the same location. This makes planning your day easier, especially if you're relying on public transport or parking. An example is the Glass Work by Martin Donlin – Bury Town Centre loop from Bury.
Rossendale's urban hikes often feature a mix of natural beauty and historical intrigue. You might encounter public art installations along the Irwell Sculpture Trail, historic viaducts, or remnants of the region's industrial past. For natural landmarks, consider visiting Musbury Tor or the Bull Hill Trig Point, which offer impressive views.
Many urban trails in Rossendale are dog-friendly, especially those that follow riverside paths or open parkland. It's always a good idea to keep dogs on a lead, particularly in built-up areas or near livestock, and to check local signage for any specific restrictions. Always remember to clean up after your pet.
Yes, several urban hikes in Rossendale pass through or near town centers, offering opportunities to stop at local pubs and cafes. The The Brown Cow Pub – View of the River loop from Bury is a great example, starting and ending near a pub, perfect for refreshments after your walk.
Spring and autumn are generally considered ideal for urban hiking in Rossendale due to pleasant weather conditions and beautiful seasonal colors. However, the trails are accessible year-round, with winter walks offering a different, often quieter, perspective of the urban landscape.
Urban hikes in Rossendale vary in length and duration. You can find shorter walks, like the Weir on the River – The River Artwork loop from Ramsbottom, which takes just under an hour, to longer routes such as the Padiham Mural by Gavin Renshaw – Memorial Park Padiham loop from Rose Grove, which can take over three hours. There's something for every schedule.
The urban hiking trails in Rossendale are highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.47 stars. Reviewers often praise the accessibility of the routes, the blend of natural scenery with urban points of interest, and the well-maintained paths that make for an enjoyable experience for all.
Yes, Rossendale has a good public transport network, including bus services, that can take you to various starting points for urban hikes. Many routes begin in or near town centers like Bury or Ramsbottom, which are well-served by public transport, making it easy to access the trails without a car.


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