Slaidburn walks

This walk takes in some beautiful Bowland scenery, on a clear day you will get a great view of Pendle Hill.

Without the optional ascent of Totridge this is a fairly long but mostly undemanding walk, apart from a moderate climb to the shoulder of Mellor Knoll. The fellside climb to Totridge is steep and the trig point is on high peat moorland (avoid in poor visibility), but the reward for the effort on a clear day is an exceptional view that includes Pendle Hill and the tops of the Yorkshire Three Peaks. The stepping stones may become impassable after heavy rain.

A pleasant stroll with superb views down the Hodder valley and a gentle pastoral return via a series of farms. One steep climb and descent above the stepping stones. Field paths may be muddy after rain and the stepping stones may be impassable when the river is in spate.

An easy stroll across the River Hodder via the stepping stones, returning via Burholme Bridge. One steep climb and some road walking. Field paths may be soft and muddy after rain and the stepping stones may be impassable when the river is in spate.

A somewhat wilder walk over Birkett Fell, rewarded with wide views over the Hodder valley and encounters with some intriguing limestone features. There are two moderate climbs; the moorland can be bleak in poor weather and paths may be indistinct and boggy in places.

A scenic walk along both sides of the Hodder valley; the river is crossed via two sets of stepping stones. Those at Stakes at the southern end are rather uneven and at the time of writing in 2015 one was dislodged, necessitating a nimble hop of about a yard; both sets may be impassable when the river is high (diversions are available). Field paths may be muddy.

Explore the Ribble and its tributaries, find three medieval crosses, and visit a pretty village. ⚠️ Please check the review as the gate at Grid Ref 779484 might be locked at waypoint (4), if you did the route, please help the author and let us know what the situation is. 😉

Three highlights: Swanside packhorse bridge, the idyllic village of Downham, and the ruins of Sawley Abbey.

Over the hill to pretty Downham and onwards to the top of the iconic Lancashire landmark.

A medieval packhorse bridge, a pretty stream, and a stroll through the village past the abbey ruins.

Admire spectacular panoramic views of the Yorkshire Dales, the Bowland Fells and the Ribble Valley on this rewarding hike to the summit of Beacon Hill before returning to the Spread Eagle via ancient drovers’ tracks for a well-deserved drink.

Amble along the well-trodden banks of the Ribble admiring this remarkably quiet section of a hidden industrial quarry.

A pleasant afternoon ramble through the pastures above Waddington and up onto the fell for breath-taking views over the Ribble Valley before returning via pretty wooded ghylls for a pint at a bustling pub at the heart of the village.

A short, hillside walk featuring some wonderful panoramas of Pendle, beautiful scenery and lively animals, then replenish your palate at The Lower Buck with some amazing food and drink.

Walk along ancient paths with never-ending views, and get in touch with your inner nature lover as you wander further out into the wilderness.

The walk starts from St Leonard Church on Downham main Street and follows the clockwise circular route via Worsaw Hill, Chatburn and packhorse bridge.

This adventurous hike explores the foothills of Pendle, offering extensive views of the Ribble Valley, before diving into the wooded valleys beneath its flanks. It's the perfect route for a Sunday morning ramble or a summer evening amble.

This Lancashire walk starts from the pretty village of Downham and provides a relatively easy ascent of Pendle Hill. In good weather the views are extensive over the Ribble Valley to the Yorkshire Dales and the Southern Lake District, across Burnley to the Southern Pennines and across Clitheroe to the Trough of Bowland. The route is fairly easy to follow although do be careful during the descent as paths shown on maps are not very accurate.

The walk starts from Information Barn Downham and follows the anticlockwise circular route via Worsaw Hill, Worston and Little Mearley Hall.

Explore the scenic foothills of the splendid Pendle Hill and enjoy panoramic views across the magnificent Ribble Valley, before returning to the cosy Calf’s Head, in the beautiful village of Worston, for a tasty meal.