Visit Burnley

Walking in Burnley

walking sign post

Without doubt walking is one of the most popular ways of enjoying the great outdoors and of keeping fit and healthy, so why not put your best foot forward and take a walk around some of Lancashire's forgotten countryside. Burnley has some great walks for everyone. Whether you want an easy ramble or a more strenuous hike the waymarked footpaths that criss-cross Burnley reveal historic landscapes, hidden valleys and beautiful views.

Burnley Way (40 miles / 64kms)

Download This WalkThis long distance walks mainly follows existing rights of way. It can be walked as a whole or in any combination of its five sections. It goes through varied terrain, past stately homes, over remote moorland and through towns and villages. Each section of the walk starts and ends on a public transport route, so that you can easily return to the start of your walk.

Bronte Way (42 miles / 68kms)

A long distance route starting a Gawthorpe Hall in Padiham and ending at Oakworth passing through the village of Haworth where the Bronte sisters lived.

Wayside Arts Trail (8 miles / 12kms)

Download This Walk A circular walk connecting Towneley Hall to Burnleys new panopticon high on the moors at Crown Point, The Singing-Ringing Tree is an award winning sculpture resembling a wind blown tree, constructed of metal pipes which have been tuned to give a melodic hum as the wind blows through them. Along the way you will pass carved Lancashire oak marker posts and bricks, which form a treasure trail on the upward route. There are options available to either shorten or lengthen this route.

Towneley Sculpture Trail (1.2miles / 2kms)

Download This WalkA walk through Thanet Lee Wood in the parkland next to Towneley Hall reveals surprises around every corner with fascinating outdoor sculptures hewn from the trees around, amazing animals and birds including a giant magpie and a crocodile emerging from its watery home stand alongside more abstract sculptures.

Clowbridge Circuit (1.5 Miles / 2.7kms)

Encircling Clowbridge Reservoir this gentle walk is suitable for all people and has excellent views over the reservoir, where sailing and windsurfing take place, to the moors beyond. This walk can be extended to include the short walk to the former hamlet of Gambleside and its fascinating crosses.

Eco Trail (1mile / 1.6kms)

On a leisurely stroll around the small woodland that makes up the Eco Trail you will be able to find hundreds of species of wildlife including mosses, plants and trees; insects and birds; and several species of mammals.

Dunnockshaw Community Woodland (Various)

A variety of walks of different lengths will take you through new and existing woodlands, past reservoirs, across moorland and pasture and to various points of interest including the Gambleside Crosses and the Panopticon. Trail orienteering courses, the Rossendale Valley Sailing Club and the Life for a Life memorial forests and gardens are all nearby.

Worsthorne Moor (Various)

Worsthorne Moor lies within the South Pennine Moors Special Protection Area (SPA) and is an internationally important Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI). Diverse plant life and nationally important numbers of moorland birds including golden plover, twite, curlew, dunlin and short eared owls can all be found in the area. Walks over the moors include the Shedden Clough Circuit up to Cant Clough reservoir, the Hushings Circuit across the site of limestone extraction in the 17th century and the Hurstwood Loop taking in the Elizabethan hamlet and the reservoir.

Walking with the Forest of Burnley

A set of 12 walks covering the whole borough will be available during 2007 and 2008. The first four walks are already available offering different challenges for the beginner to the more experienced walker.

Guided Walks

If you would like to discover more about Burnley then you can join one of the guided walks that take place throughout the year. Learn about the history of Burnley and Padiham on a town trail; walk through the Weavers Triangle to find out what Burnley was like when it was the leading producer of cotton cloth in the world; join the rangers on a ramble through the parks or take a walk with the Forest of Burnley team and learn about the wildlife, woodlands and geology of the area.

For further details click onto the events section or ring one of the contacts below and they will be able to give you details of their next guided walk.

Forest of Burnley Tel. 01282 664636

Burnley Council Ranger Service Tel. 01282 831053

Walking for Health Tel. 01282 477222

Ramblers Association Burnley & Pendle Group Tel. 01282 435352

Burnley Mountaineering Club Tel. 01282 702637

Pennine Prospects (South Pennines Heritage Area) Tel. 01274 753536

Footpath sign

 

Burnley Steps Forward

Burnley Steps Forward is part of a national initiative known as ‘Walking the Way to Health’. It aims to promote walking as a cheap, easy and accessible form of exercise to people who do little or none.

The free walks are led by trained volunteer leaders who provide useful information and advice for all abilities. The walks provide the chance to improve health, fitness and general well–being, meet new people and make new friends.

Tailor-made to suit individual or group needs, each route is chosen with care - whether you are looking for a leisurely stroll or something a little more strenuous. You certainly won’t get left behind! Every walk has also undergone a comprehensive risk assessment to ensure safety.

There are three levels of walks:

Beginners walks are shorter and take a slower pace.

Intermediate walks are more brisk and are for those who have developed their fitness.

The Bumper Wednesday Walk is longer and at a faster pace. There are also slower and shorter options available. A great chance to make new friends and stop somewhere for a drink and a chat (and a rest!!).

For more details and advice please contact Natalie at:

Burnley Healthy Lifestyles,
St. Peter’s Health Centre, Church Street, Burnley BB11 2DL.

Tel. 01282 664451
Email: nthompson@burnley.gov.uk

By 1886 Burnley was the largest producer of cotton cloth in the world and was making more looms than any other place in the country.