A county best known for its bustling Blackpool and cosmopolitan Manchester you might be surprised that it teems with trails and dog-friendly walks in Lancashire both inland and on its beautiful beaches. If Fido suffers from separation anxiety you won’t have to worry about leaving him behind because besides dog-friendly pubs in Lancashire there are man and his friend activities too.
Find Good Places to Walk Dogs in Lancashire
Get your hiking boots on for a time in the great outdoors that includes atmospheric moorland, riverbanks, towpaths, sandy stretches and luminescent lakes. Dog walking in Lancashire is categorised from relaxing rambles to challenging treks. This offers you a range of walks in Lancashire that are person and paw-friendly too. Many of the dog friendly Lancashire cottages are also close to trails and routes.
The Top-Rated Dog Walks Lancashire is Known For
1. Uphill and Down Dale, Waddington
This 4.3 miles ramble takes you through the pastures above Waddington believed to be Lancashire’s prettiest village and up onto the fells with unsurpassed views of Ribble Valley. Your descent will be through a wooded ravine and into the village for a pint in the pub and a bowl of freshwater for Fido. It should take you no more than two hours and when you are going through fields of cattle and sheep make sure your pooch is not going to pursue them.
2. Nick O’Pendle and Jeppe The Knave’s Grave, Pendleton
This is a walk specially laid out by Country Walking magazine’s editor Mark Sutcliffe for the Lancashire outdoor clothing and boot brand Whalley, Warm and Dry. It explores the foothills of Pendle and visits the grave of Jeppe The Knave, a highwayman beheaded for his shenanigans in the Middle Ages. This six-mile hike culminates in the village of Pendleton where you and your pooch can enjoy a drink at the Swan with Two Necks pub.
3. The Tolkein Trail, Shirebourn Vales
For fans of Lord of the Rings, this 5.5-mile circular trail takes in landscapes that include the River Shirebourn and Hacking Boat House that inspired JRR Tolkein. The writer spent time at Stonyhurst College in the Ribble Valley while writing his classical novel. The walk starts and finishes at Hurst Green in the Ribble Valley where you and your canine companion can chill with treats for him or her and a pint or two for you at the Shireburn Arms.
4. Levens Canal
Allow three hours for the 5-mile walk that ventures into the Lake District’s southern boundaries and takes in the River Kent, a deer park and a section of the Lancaster Canal that are not in use. You’ll pass a canal bridge where a canal no longer exists and an aqueduct built-in 1818. Mostly on towpaths, this is one of those good places to walk dogs.
5. Wyre Estuary Ramble
This area is one of Lancashire’s hidden gems with its breath-taking views and the Wyre Estuary Country Park’s birdlife and picnic facilities where you and your pooch can rest up after the 4.5-mile walk. It is where you will see wildfowl and waders and pink-footed goose, teal and Redshank.
The Best Coastal Dog Walks in Lancashire
1. Lytham to St Anne’s
If your hound has a hill aversion and prefers his walkies on the straight and narrow, then this five-mile amble is going to be one of the best dogs walks for you. Pretty much flat all the way, it starts at Lytham Green’s Windmill, following the promenade leading to Fairhaven Lake.
2. Silverdale to Jenny Brown’s Point
Those in the know are adamant that Silverdale is one of Lancashire’s most stunning stretches of shoreline. You will pass an old copper smelting site, a secret cave in the cliffs and a birdwatching hide named after Eric Morecambe who was a keen twitcher. Nearby is Leighton Hall which is open to the public.
3. Red Squirrel Walk, Formby
If you and your waggy tail aren’t wild about clocking up too many paw miles but wildlife is your bag, then this Formby trail is for you. The two-mile ramble is one of the most popular dog friendly beaches in Lancashire, it packs in a lot so take your time to enjoy the spectacular beach and its dunes that host pine trees and red squirrels.
Best Woodland Walks in Lancashire for Dogs
1. Springwood Walk, Whalley
Famous for its carpets of bluebells in the spring, woodland walks in Lancashire don’t get better than this. It takes you along the banks of the River Calder, crossing fields to Read Old Bridge. This six-mile trail climbs to Horse Bowers before dropping down into the historic town of Whalley with its abbey ruins. Allow at least three hours for this moderate hike.
2. Fairy Glen, Parbol Hill
This magical woodland walk is as long as you want to be. Near Wigan, it is next to Parbold Hill. Walk the footpaths with Fido in tow and discover spectacular waterfalls and cliff faces. This is ancient broadleaf woodland where you will see blue jays in the beeches and buzzards soaring overhead.
3. Pendle Sculpture Tramper Trail
Taking in Aitkin Hill this is a hike with history that is 2.75 miles. The Pendle Witches of 1612 was the inspiration of four sculptors who have created pieces in wood, steel and stone that line the trail. Aitken Wood is moderately steep but pushes pooch for the climb to the top for stunning views of Pendle Hill.
Country Park Walks
1. Bell Sykes Hay Meadow
If you are wowed by wildflowers and butterflies in rich meadows then this country park walk surrounded by the Bowland Fells is a perfect choice. Make sure your four-legged buddy is on his best behaviour because the Bell Sykes meadows are designated Sites of Scientific Interest. It is only two miles but takes at least two hours to absorb your surroundings.
2. Beaconfell Woodland
This is a short but ever so sweet ramble that takes you through the woods of Shield, Tarn and Middle. It takes about 40 minutes to complete, perfect for pooches with short legs and those in their golden years. As you go round the trail you will pass the different species of trees that have become wildlife habitats.
3. Haigh Hall Country Park
This 4.5-mile route takes you and your dog through ancient woodland that is accessed by steep steps leading from the hall’s Plantation Gates. It ends in the quaint village of Haigh. Here you and your four-legged buddy will be welcomed by one of the many dog pubs, more specifically, the Victoria Inn with a perfectly poured pint for you and fresh water and treats for him.
Last Word
This historic part of the UK is fondly known as the Red Rose County and it has been delighting dogs and their chaperones for centuries. The best pet friendly days out in Lancashire have to be its hikes, walks, trails and beachcombing.
Going to the other extreme, if your fur baby loves the water then head for the coast such as Morecambe Bay and Bolton-le-Sands where walks not only take you along the shoreline and along estuaries full of birdlife.
Lancashire’s diverse landscape, ancient woodland, summits, fells and coastline make it an ideal choice for dog owners. The dog walks nearby are geared so that you can get your Mother Nature to fix while Fido can feel the wind in his fur and go to places he has only ever dreamt about before returning to one of the many Lancashire dog friendly hot tub cottage holidays.