Circular River Walks
Nothing beats a river walk!
Taking a walk in nature is a simple yet effective way to reduce stress and anxiety, improve your mood, and increase your physical activity levels. Whether you’re strolling along a scenic trail or exploring a local park, getting out into nature can provide a much-needed break from the hustle and bustle of everyday life.
In addition to its mental health benefits, walking in the countryside can also improve your physical health. Walking is a low-impact exercise that can help to strengthen your muscles, improve your cardiovascular health, and boost your energy levels.
Why did we create these river walks?
Our range of circular walks were created as part of our Ribble Life Together Project. Each of the 15 walks varies in location, length, terrain, and accessibility which means that there are walks suitable for everyone. The routes focus on river & freshwater features as well as local social, industrial & cultural heritage.
Most of the river walks pass our physical works such as woodlands, wetlands and fish passes. Each walk has an accompanying digital walk guide which features additional photos, videos and audio recordings and has been created through collaboration with partners and local organisations. The digital walk guides are downloadable through our Ribble Life app, which is available on both Apple and Android. Many of the walk routes also pass a Ribble Trust interpretation panel. Each of these contain further information about local river improvements, the area and wildlife.
The Ribble Life Together circular walks aim to help everyone to access rivers and learn more about the hidden heritage. Physical access improvements and exciting interpretation ensures that these walks are accessible and appeal to all of the community across the Ribble catchment.
During the summer months we often run guided river walks, so keep an eye out on our social media pages too! Click on the images below to download a copy of the route guides.
So take a break from your screens and step outside for a refreshing walk in nature. Your body and mind will thank you!
Our circular river walks
Barnoldswick
Stock Beck helped to make Barnoldswick the thriving manufacturing town we know today. Enjoy a variety of scenery, from the character of Barnoldswick town centre to the picturesque countryside of Bracewell and Brodgen.
Barrowford
This 5.3 mile route celebrates the industrial past of Pendle Water and the area’s historic links with witchcraft. It also showcases some fantastic views of the Pendle countryside. See if you can spot of fish pass on the way!
Bashall Brook
One of the longer walks in the series. Follow a scenic, rural route crossing Bashall Brook and its tributaries before joining the River Ribble at Clitheroe. In just over 6 miles you’ll visit 3 of our project sites and a bridge with a spooky reputation.
Calder and Brun
This route offers a rich mix of the cultural & natural heritage of the rivers that have shaped Burnley. Contrasting between the urban rivers at the heart of the town & the rural streams where they begin, fantastic views look over the Calder Valley to Pendle Hill.
Chipping
A short route, which highlights the industrial and agricultural heritage of the village of Chipping, part of the Forest of Bowland AONB. The watercourses in and around Chipping allowed industry to thrive here from the 1700s, making it the village we see today.
Darwen Tower
The Darwen tower walk route visits the picturesque woodlands of Sunnyhurst and Tockholes and showcases spectacular views from Darwen Moor. The industrial history of Darwen combines with the rugged countryside of the West Pennine Moors on this scenic walk.
Hyndburn Brook
This route celebrates the relationships between farming, industry, canals, and rivers. The walk follows the old packhorse route from Clayton-le-Moors to the Dunkenhalgh Estate, before joining the canal. It then joins Hyndburn Brook and climbs back up into Clayton-le-Moors.
Park Brook
A more difficult route taking in Park Brook, Dinckley Brook and Showley Brook, this route provides spectacular views of the Ribble Valley countryside. Work undertaken by Ribble Rivers Trust to improve Showley Brook is visible from the route.
Ribble Estuary
This walk celebrates the link between the river & sea, taking in Liggard Brook & the Ribble Estuary. In the 1800s, Lytham was a small fishing village with a few cottages. It grew with industrialisation, as railways allowed easier access for workers to the coast from surrounding areas.
Rivers and Bridges
This route passes built remnants of an industrial heritage gradually being reclaimed by nature. The bridges allow views along the River Ribble & these impressive structures are dramatic backdrops to the start of the river’s tidal character.
Ribchester
With the Roman baths and Roman museum located along route you’ll get a taste of Roman Britain and discover a village steeped in Roman history right on the banks of the River Ribble. This walk also follows a section of the Ribble Way.
Riversway Docklands
Take a short stroll in both the Preston Riversway Docklands and the River Ribble, which was diverted to create the dock. The route is rich in cultural heritage, with many features showing the contrast between the modern-day & historic use of these waterways.
Sabden
Sabden was a successful farming community from the 13th century and supplied meat, wool and milk to nearby settlements. This route celebrates the agricultural and industrial heritage of Sabden, part of the detached Forest of Pendle section of the Forest of Bowland AONB.
Slaidburn
This route celebrates the rural history along the banks of the River Hodder. Featuring the picturesque villages of Newton-in-Bowland and Slaidburn, this walk provides stunning views of the Forest of Bowland AONB.
Stainforth
A bracing walk in the upper area of the Ribble catchment. This route offers spectacular views of the Yorkshire Dales countryside and the opportunity to visit two waterfalls, Catrigg Force and Stainforth Force, via short detours.
