The best walks and hikes around Whittle-Le-Woods

Whittle-Le-Woods offers a variety of hiking experiences with over 25 routes available. These range from easy strolls to more challenging hikes, ensuring options for different ability levels.

Yes, Whittle-Le-Woods has several easy routes perfect for beginners or families. For instance, The Top Lock Pub – The Malthouse Farm loop from Preston England Temple is an easy 3.3 km trail that takes about 52 minutes, leading through local paths and by the canal. Another accessible option is the Denham Quarry loop from Clayton-le-Woods, which is 5.3 km long and also rated easy.

Hiking around Whittle-Le-Woods offers a diverse landscape. You'll encounter extensive woodlands, as nearly half of the region is covered in forests. Tranquil waterways like the River Lostock and the Leeds and Liverpool Canal are prominent features, offering pleasant waterside walks. The area also includes prominent hills and reservoirs, providing varied terrain and scenic views.

Yes, many of the routes in Whittle-Le-Woods are circular, allowing you to start and end at the same point. Examples include the moderate Top Lock, Wheelton – The Malthouse Farm loop from Preston England Temple, which is 10.6 km, and the easier The Top Lock Pub – The Malthouse Farm loop from Preston England Temple, a 3.3 km loop. The region research also mentions the 'Abbey Village Reservoirs Circular' which follows a disused railway line.

The area around Whittle-Le-Woods features several elevated points and historical landmarks offering superb views. You can visit Rivington Pike Tower, a Grade 2 listed tower with expansive views. Further afield, Winter Hill Summit and TV Mast offers significant hiking experiences and views, while Darwen Tower (Jubilee Tower) provides panoramic views that can stretch to the Lake District and Blackpool Tower on a clear day.

Yes, Whittle-Le-Woods benefits from access to several natural open spaces. Brockholes Nature Reserve, spread across 250 acres, offers ancient woodland, lakes, and diverse wildlife viewing points. Cuerden Valley Park is another award-winning natural space featuring parkland, farmland, and woodlands, along with the River Lostock and a wide variety of wildlife.

Absolutely. The Leeds and Liverpool Canal is a significant feature of the region, offering pleasant waterside trails. Routes like Withnell Canal Towpath Access – The Malthouse Farm loop from Preston England Temple follow the canal towpath, providing easy walking and scenic views. The River Lostock also winds through the region, adding a natural element to many journeys.

The area is highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.5 stars from over 775 reviews. Reviewers often praise the diverse landscapes, including the quiet woodlands and scenic canal towpaths, as well as the variety of routes suitable for different fitness levels. The blend of natural beauty and historical interest is also frequently highlighted.

Yes, the area has a rich history. You can find traces of the Lancaster Canal and a limekiln in Whittle Spinney. The disused Lancashire Union Railway line, now a nature reserve, adds a historical dimension to some walking routes, such as the 'Abbey Village Reservoirs Circular.' Additionally, Kem Mill Ruins along the River Lostock are popular with walkers, and the region is known for Roman-era sandstone quarries.

For more detailed information on the history of the village and its surroundings, you can visit the official parish council website: whittlelewoods-pc.gov.uk.

Yes, the region features several reservoirs that offer picturesque waterside routes. The 'Abbey Village Reservoirs Circular' is a notable walk that highlights the presence of Roddlesworth Lower and Higher Reservoirs. You can also find Roddlesworth Reservoirs and Lower Rivington Reservoir as points of interest in the wider area.