Ribble Valley walks

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.

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

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.

A circular walk starting from Edisford Bridge travelling along the South side of the River Ribble before crossing the river at Gindleton to follow the North side of the river back to start.

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.

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.

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.

A circular pub walk from the Aspinall Arms taking in glorious riverside paths, grazing pastures, ancient lanes and wild moorland of Ribble Valley, with excellent views throughout.

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.

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 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.

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.

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

This riverside ramble starts from the Shireburn Arms and descends through farmland to the River Ribble, crossing the impressive footbridge at Dinkley, then following the river downstream towards Ribchester, returning through the woods and pasture to Hurst Green.

Admire spectacular views across two stunning valley landscapes. An early climb will be well worth it, with panoramic views across the Bowland Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty to the north, and then, once you have crossed the hill, the Pennines to the south. It is the perfect route for a mid-week escape followed by a sumptuous meal. Fairly challenging with an early climb to the top of the hill, ladder stiles and perhaps boggy in places.

Admire spectacular views of Pendle and the South Pennines as you pass through pastoral countryside. The trees along the route are also particularly interesting, with the route passing through beautiful old beech woods on the lowland following the shapes of weathered trees on the high ground. Long steady climb and a little wet in a few places.

The walk starts from Baker Brow above Ribchester Bridge and follows a clockwise circular route via Dinckley Bridge.

The walk starts Ribchester Arms, Ribchester and follows clockwise circular route via Duddle Wood, Higher Hud and River Ribble.

A walk taking in beautiful countryside and rich heritage features. A combination of fascinating Roman remains and stunning riverside scenery, including views of the magnificent Pendle Hill, with the White Bull providing the perfect welcome on your return.