The best walks and hikes around Blackburn

Yes, there are over 130 hiking routes to explore around Blackburn. The trails range from easy park strolls to more demanding moorland treks, offering plenty of options for all fitness levels.

The area is highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.5 stars. Reviewers often praise the mix of scenery, from the peaceful reservoir paths and quiet woodlands to the expansive views from the West Pennine Moors.

Absolutely. There are many gentle walks suitable for families. Witton Country Park is a popular favorite, offering 480 acres of woodlands and fields with playgrounds and a cafe. For a simple, scenic loop, the View of the Five Sisters loop from Seafield is a great choice that takes just over an hour.

Yes, Blackburn is generally a dog-friendly area for hiking. Many parks, like the highly-regarded Witton Country Park and Sunnyhurst Wood, are popular spots for dog walkers. It's always a good idea to keep your dog on a lead, especially near livestock on the moors and in areas with ground-nesting birds.

For a walk featuring a waterfall, head towards the Roddlesworth area. The Roddlesworth Waterfall is a well-known spot within a beautiful woodland setting, perfect for adding a scenic highlight to your hike. The surrounding Roddlesworth Woods offer numerous paths to explore.

Yes, the West Pennine Moors provide plenty of challenging terrain. For a significant long-distance trek, you can tackle sections of the Witton Weavers Way, a 32-mile trail exploring the wilder parts of the region. Ascents up hills like Winter Hill or Great Hill also offer strenuous climbs with rewarding panoramic views.

There are numerous circular routes available. A good moderate option is the Enduraland Headquarters – Path to the Meadow Pyramids loop from Blackburn, a 6.2-mile (10 km) walk that gives you a great feel for the local landscape. Many of the reservoir and park walks are also loops.

Yes, many trailheads are accessible by public transport. Bus services from Blackburn town centre can get you close to popular starting points like Witton Country Park, Tockholes for the Roddlesworth Reservoirs, and the area around Darwen for the Jubilee Tower walk. Always check local bus timetables in advance to plan your journey.

A hike to the Jubilee Tower on Darwen Hill rewards you with some of the most expansive views in the region. On a clear day, from the top of the tower, you can see across the West Pennine Moors, out to Morecambe Bay, Blackpool Tower, and sometimes as far as the Lake District, the Isle of Man, and the mountains of North Wales.

Yes, the reservoirs offer some of the best walking in the area. Turton & Entwistle Reservoir is known for its easy, accessible circular path, making it ideal for a relaxed stroll. For a slightly more moderate hike through woodlands, the trails around the Roddlesworth Reservoirs are an excellent choice.

The Witton Weavers Way is a 32-mile circular long-distance footpath that explores the history and landscape of the West Pennine Moors around Blackburn. It can be walked in its entirety or broken down into four shorter, manageable sections, each offering a different perspective on the region's natural and industrial heritage.