4.5
(1094)
9,749
hikers
241
hikes
Hiking around Chorley offers a diverse landscape characterized by moorland viewpoints, tranquil woodlands, and verdant river valleys. The region features atmospheric hills like Rivington Pike and Great Hill, alongside serene woodlands such as Yarrow Valley Country Park and Roddlesworth Woods. A network of reservoirs, including Anglezarke Reservoir and Roddlesworth Reservoirs, provides opportunities for walks with gentle gradients. This varied terrain ensures a range of bus station hiking trails suitable for different abilities.
Last updated: May 19, 2026
5.0
(2)
27
hikers
10.1km
02:45
140m
140m
Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
2
hikers
3.23km
00:49
10m
10m
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
2
hikers
13.9km
03:35
70m
70m
Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
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At the top of Alderly Edge you will find this cafe. It is located at the start of the woodland foot paths where you can find old copper mines and tales of the wizard.
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Can get really boggy in places- so make sure you have suitable footwear. Free parking spots on Lady Lane and Ostlers Lane, Mobberley
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Stretch of the North Cheshire Way that runs through the Bollin Tunnel and past the airport runway.
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Just off from the main path is a hidden rocky outcrop with lovely views.
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27 metres high and 200 metres wide, the jaw-dropping piece of civil engineering runs directly under runway 2 at Manchester Airport. Part of the Bollin Nature Trail, with plenty of places to sit and watch the planes come and go.
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Wizard's Well is a hidden gem and a local legend of Alderley Edge. There are many varying stories of the happenings at Wizard's Well but one suggests that a band of warriors lie sleeping in the chamber and only arise in times of trouble to save their country. Make sure to look closely at the rock itself to come face to face with the wizard!
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Enjoy terrific views toward Manchester and to the hills of Cheshire's Peak District from 'The Edge', a dramatic red sandstone escarpment standing tall in the Cheshire Plains.
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There are over 240 hiking trails accessible from bus stations around Chorley, offering a wide variety of options for all skill levels. This includes more than 150 easy routes, nearly 90 moderate trails, and a few more challenging options.
Yes, Chorley offers many family-friendly routes easily reachable by bus. Areas like Yarrow Valley Country Park and Astley Park provide gentle walks through woodlands and along lakes, perfect for families with children. These parks often feature amenities and shorter loops suitable for all ages.
Many trails around Chorley are dog-friendly, especially those in open moorland or woodland areas. Popular spots like the paths around Anglezarke Reservoir and trails in Yarrow Valley Country Park are generally welcoming to dogs, provided they are kept under control, especially near livestock or wildlife. Always check local signage for specific restrictions.
The region boasts diverse natural beauty. You can explore tranquil woodlands, expansive moorland with panoramic views, and picturesque river valleys. Many routes feature stunning reservoirs like Anglezarke and Roddlesworth, and you might even discover hidden gems like Hatch Brook Waterfall in the Brinscall area. The wider West Pennine Moors offer rugged and beautiful scenery.
Yes, many of the bus-accessible trails around Chorley are circular, making them convenient for public transport users. Routes around the various reservoirs, such as the Anglezarke Reservoir loop, are excellent examples of well-defined circular paths that bring you back to your starting point or a nearby bus stop.
Chorley offers enjoyable hiking experiences year-round. Spring brings blooming wildflowers to the woodlands, while summer provides lush green landscapes. Autumn is particularly scenic with vibrant foliage, especially around areas like Roddlesworth Woods. Even in winter, the moorland views can be dramatic, though some paths may be muddy or icy, so appropriate gear is essential.
The komoot community highly rates the hiking experiences around Chorley, with an average score of 4.5 stars. Reviewers often praise the diverse landscapes, from tranquil woodlands to expansive moorland views, and the accessibility of many trails via public transport. The well-maintained paths around reservoirs and the variety of routes for different fitness levels are also frequently highlighted.
Absolutely. While hiking around Chorley, you can reach iconic viewpoints such as Rivington Pike, offering breathtaking vistas of the Lancashire countryside. Other notable landmarks include the historic Rivington Terraced Gardens. Further afield, you might encounter natural highlights like Lindow Common or the intriguing Wizard's Well, depending on your chosen route.
Yes, many popular hiking areas around Chorley have convenient access to cafes and pubs. For instance, routes around Rivington and Anglezarke Reservoir often have establishments nearby where you can refuel. The town centre itself, where many bus routes converge, also offers numerous options for refreshments before or after your hike.
The terrain varies significantly. You'll find gentle, well-surfaced paths around reservoirs and in country parks like Yarrow Valley. Other routes venture onto more rugged moorland, offering steeper ascents and potentially uneven ground, such as those leading to Great Hill. Woodland trails can be muddy, especially after rain, so suitable footwear is always recommended.
Yes, the Leeds and Liverpool Canal runs through the Chorley area, offering pleasant, flat ambles that are easily accessible from various bus stops. While not a single long-distance path starting directly from a bus station, sections of longer trails can be accessed, allowing for point-to-point walks using public transport for return journeys.


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