Across the county, we’re blessed with an array of wonderful spots to seek out, from hilly climbs, riverside meanders, country parks and coastal paths.
There’s lots of tasty cafes, pubs and bars near most of them too - perfect for a reward after your stroll.
Check out the pages below for some handy hints on where to try out.
5. Darwen Tower
A Darwen Tower walk at Christmas offers stunning moorland views, woodlands (like Sunnyhurst & Roddlesworth), and a rewarding climb to Jubilee Tower, perfect for burning off festive calories with routes ranging from 4 to 9 miles, often starting near Bold Venture Park or Tockholes, with options to extend via reservoirs or visit the historic Olde England Kiosk. | Grzegorz Gniady
6. Sunnyhurst Wood, Darwen
Sunnyhurst Wood is in an 85 acre wooded valley in Darwen and is a prime location for family walks and picnics. The site won the prestigious Green Flag Award status in 2005 and has retained it since. It was also declared a Local Nature Reserve in 2005 and was designated a Biological Heritage Site in 1993 by Lancashire Wildlife Trust. A wealth of wildlife, both woodland birds and plant life, can be found in the wood. Some 702 species of plant, bird, invertebrate and mammal have been recorded or observed in the wood. Water is a special feature of Sunnyhurst heron and kingfisher can often be seen at Dingle Lodges and the Moat. | Catherine Musgrove
7. Cuerden Valley Park
This 650 acre country park is a great place for a family walk with the dog. Several parking options, as well as a cafe and The Roost pizza and bar area. There are many walking options for different abilities - through woodland, into walled gardens, or next to the River Lostock. Photo: UGC
8. The Tolkein Trail
The Tolkien Trail follows in the footsteps of author JR Tolkein, who regularly stayed at Stonyhurst College. This five and a half mile circular walk, starting and finishing at Hurst Green in the Ribble Valley, explores the richly beautiful surroundings that inspired him. A number of names which occur in ‘The Lord of the Rings’ are similar to those found locally, including Shire Lane (in Hurst Green) and the River Shirebourn (similar to the name of the family which built Stonyhurst). Hurst Green is eight km/five miles west of Clitheroe and 15km/nine and a half miles north east of Preston on the B6243. There is limited car parking in the village. | submit