If you’ve got some free time on your hands, you might be wondering what to get up to.
Getting outside for a walk has lots of benefits and you can do just that in some villages near Bolton.
So, if you’re looking for a pleasant and short village walk less than an hour’s drive from the town, look no further.
We’ve rounded up five village walks, which are under 5km, for you to try next time you fancy getting out in the fresh air.
5 village walks near Bolton for you to enjoy
Hurst Green, River Ribble and Hobbit Hill Circular
Difficulty: Easy
This village walk is 5km long and takes one hour and 19 minutes to finish on average plus you can enjoy it at any time of year as it’s always open.
You’ll start the walk in Hurst Green and head down to the River Ribble where you’ll walk alongside the water.
Then, you’ll head up past Hobbit Hill before following Whalley Road until you get back to the village.
If you’re looking for some refreshments after your exercise, you can visit the pub or café.
Make sure you wear appropriate footwear that’s waterproof and sturdy as the trail will be muddy after heavy rain.
Some of the fields along this route have animals in them so take care.
You can find out more about this walking route via the AllTrails website.
Downham, Hook Cliffe, Radbrook Circular
Difficulty: Easy
This route is another 5km one near Clitheroe and also takes an average of one hour and 19 minutes to complete.
The best time of year to do this walk is between March and October and it promises “wonderful views of the surrounding hills”.
The first part of the route will follow Downham Beck and you’ll pass “several rural hamlets and crossing streams”.
It’s described as being a walk that will suit families and those with dogs.
You can find out more about this walking route via the AllTrails website.
Rivington Hall and Rivington Pike Circular
Difficulty: Moderate
@chunky.hikers The Chunky Hikers’ guide to Rivington Pike! 🗻 We’ve walked here a lot but took an alternative route today and loveddd it, so many hidden secrets! ALSO, how cute are our lil stickers, designed and made by yours truly 🥰 #hikingadventures #hikingszn #hikers #hiking #fyp #walking #rivingtonpike #rivington #suzukijimny ♬ What a Wonderful World - Hana
This walk is slightly shorter at 3.5km and takes one hour and 22 minutes to do on average.
You can enjoy this walking route all year round and you can bring your dog along but they must be kept on a lead.
This route boasts “lovely views and scenic paths” as you walk over Brere’s Meadow, up to the Rivington Pike summit and back through Rivington Gardens and through the woodlands.
Be careful with the rougher and steeper sections and bear in mind that this route can get slippery and muddy so appropriate footwear is advised.
You can find out more about this walking route via the AllTrails website.
Wycoller Panopticon Trail
Difficulty: Easy
@raiannne_ Cute walk around Wycoller Country Park 🌳🍃 #explore #wycoller #lancashire #poochmooch #dalmatian #dalmatiansoftiktok #fyp ♬ Coming of Age - Blondes
This 2.6km walk is near Colne in Lancashire and takes 41 minutes, on average, to complete.
The best time to go on this walk is between March and June.
You’ll start the walk at Panopticon which is “a modern structure that acts as both a sheltered viewing point and a beautiful object in the landscape.”
Along the route, you’ll see hillside sheep pastures, Wycoller Beck and its “beautifulold bridges” plus the remains of Wycoller Hall.
AllTrails has posted a warning to people taking this route: “The footpath across the hillside pasture between Fosters Leap and Parson Lee farms can be very boggy at times and can pose a danger of walkers getting stuck when at its wettest.
“For this reason, this walk is best reserved for the drier months of the year (when you will probably not even see a drop of mud). The walk has a gradual descent at the start of the walk and the equivalent climb at the end.
“You will need to negotiate several kissing gates, steps and a couple of narrow footbridges but there are no stiles.”
When walking, you’ll see sheep as you go through the pastures so make sure you take care if you’ve got dogs with you.
Public toilets are located at the picnic site, around two thirds of the way along the route.
You can find out more about this walking route via the AllTrails website.
Cuerden Park and River Lostock Circular
Difficulty: Easy
@cuerdenvalleypk How lucky are we to have this on our doorstep? 🌅 #cuerdenvalleypark #beautiful #nature ♬ original sound - @cuerdenvalleypk
This 4.2km walk is located near Preston and takes one hour and 11 minutes to do on average.
The best time of year to set out on this walk is between March and October.
You can find out more about this walking route via the AllTrails website.
Ideal for families wanting to get out and about, this trail winds through the trees of Dog Kennel Wood and Gravel Hole Wood.
Recommended reading:
- 5 woodland and riverside walks you can enjoy in Lancashire this weekend
- 5 castles and ruins you can see in and around Bolton
- Lancashire beauty spot with ‘gorgeous landscapes’ among best places to travel
You’ll also walk along the River Lostock where you can enjoy scenic paths and look out for wildlife.
Those visiting are warned to look out for rougher sections of the route, especially in wetter conditions.
It’s also worth noting that Cuerden Valley Park gets busy at weekends and holidays.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here