The best dog-friendly hikes and walks around Chorley

Chorley offers a wide variety of dog-friendly hiking trails, with over 140 routes suitable for you and your canine companion. These range from easy strolls to more challenging treks across diverse landscapes.

The dog-friendly trails around Chorley feature a mix of terrains. You'll find paths through tranquil woodlands like those around the Roddlesworth Woods loop, alongside picturesque reservoirs such as Roddlesworth Reservoirs, and across expansive moorland leading to prominent hills like Great Hill. Many routes also include well-maintained paths in country parks.

Yes, Chorley has numerous easy dog-friendly walks. Routes around the reservoirs, such as the Upper Roddlesworth Reservoir loop from Withnell, offer gentle gradients and peaceful scenery. Yarrow Valley Country Park also provides accessible trails perfect for a relaxed stroll with dogs of all ages.

Circular routes are abundant and popular for dog walkers in Chorley. The Upper Roddlesworth Reservoir loop is a great easy option. For a moderate challenge, consider the Seven Arched Bridge – The Japanese Garden loop from Rivington, which offers varied scenery.

Many popular trailheads in Chorley offer dedicated parking. For routes around the Rivington area, parking is often available near the reservoirs or at designated car parks for Rivington Pike. For walks around Roddlesworth, you can typically find parking in villages like Withnell. Always check specific route details on komoot for precise parking information.

Chorley and its surrounding villages are generally welcoming to dog walkers. Many pubs and cafes in the area are dog-friendly, especially those located near popular hiking spots like Rivington and the Roddlesworth Reservoirs. It's always a good idea to check with the establishment beforehand, especially if you plan to dine indoors.

You and your dog can explore several interesting landmarks. Near Rivington, you might encounter the historic Rivington Pike Tower or the serene Japanese Garden. The area also features natural monuments like the Noon Hill Bronze Age burial cairn and various reservoirs such as Lower Rivington Reservoir, all accessible on dog-friendly paths.

The komoot community highly rates the dog-friendly trails in Chorley, with an average score of 4.57 stars from over 1600 ratings. Reviewers often praise the diverse landscapes, from peaceful woodlands to expansive moorland, and the abundance of well-maintained paths around the reservoirs and country parks that are perfect for dogs.

For active dogs and experienced hikers, Chorley offers more challenging routes. The White Coppice Stone Bridge – Great Hill Summit Shelter loop from Rivington is a difficult 19.7 km trail with significant elevation gain, providing a good workout and rewarding panoramic views from Great Hill.

While many trailheads are best accessed by car, some areas around Chorley are reachable by public transport. Yarrow Valley Country Park, for instance, is often accessible via local bus routes from Chorley town centre. For other routes, you might need to combine public transport with a short walk or taxi ride to the starting point. Always check local bus schedules for the most up-to-date information.

Chorley's trails are enjoyable year-round. Spring brings blooming wildflowers and milder temperatures, while autumn offers stunning foliage in the woodlands. Summer is great for longer days, but remember to bring plenty of water for your dog. Winter hikes can be beautiful, especially on crisp, clear days, but be prepared for potentially muddy or icy conditions on higher ground.

When hiking with your dog in moorland areas like those leading to Rivington Pike or Great Hill, it's important to keep your dog under close control, especially during lambing season (spring) and ground-nesting bird season (spring/summer). Livestock may be present, and dogs should be kept on a lead to prevent disturbance. Be aware that weather conditions can change rapidly on the moors.