The best walks and hikes around Tunstall

This guide focuses on hiking in and around the village of Tunstall in Lancashire, located near the western edge of the Yorkshire Dales National Park. The trails explore the River Lune valley, rolling fells, and open moorland characteristic of this region.

Yes, the region offers a good selection of easier walks suitable for families. While many trails involve ascents into the fells, there are gentler paths, particularly those following the River Lune. Out of more than 200 routes available, over 80 are classified as easy, providing plenty of options for a relaxed day out.

Absolutely. The landscape around Tunstall, particularly towards the Yorkshire Dales, features impressive water-carved scenery. For a route that specifically showcases this, consider the Waterfall and Dry Falls – Ease Gill Kirk Gorge loop from Cowan Bridge. It's a moderately challenging trail that takes you through a dramatic gorge system.

The open fells and riverside paths around Tunstall are great for walking with dogs. However, be aware that you will be hiking in an area with active livestock farming. Always keep your dog on a lead when near sheep or cattle and be mindful of ground-nesting birds on the moors, especially during spring and early summer.

Yes, the proximity to the Yorkshire Dales National Park provides plenty of challenges. For a demanding day out with significant elevation gain, the Leck Fell Lane and Gragareth loop from Leck is a great option. This 10-mile route involves a steep ascent onto the fells, rewarding you with expansive views.

The hiking routes around Tunstall are highly regarded by the komoot community, with over 7,700 visitors contributing to an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars. Reviewers frequently praise the mix of pastoral river valleys and the wild, open feel of the fells and moorland paths.

There is a wide variety of trails to choose from. You can explore over 220 hiking routes in the region, ranging from easy riverside strolls to difficult ascents in the Yorkshire Dales National Park.

Yes, many of the best routes are loops, allowing you to start and finish in the same place without retracing your steps. A great example of a moderate circular walk is the Radical Steps – Path Along the River Lune loop from Whittington, which combines riverside scenery with some small hills.

The terrain is quite varied. You'll find gentle, well-trodden paths along the River Lune valley, which are generally flat. As you head east towards the Yorkshire Dales, the trails become more rugged, involving ascents onto open fells and moorland with uneven and sometimes boggy ground.

Yes, for a route that offers a bit of everything, try the Cow Dub Waterfall – Ease Gill Kirk Gorge loop from St Peter's, Leck. This trail includes a waterfall, the impressive Ease Gill Kirk gorge, and a climb that provides wonderful views over the surrounding landscape.

While the trails themselves often traverse remote fells and farmland, they frequently start or pass through nearby villages like Kirkby Lonsdale, Whittington, or Cowan Bridge. These villages typically have traditional pubs and cafes perfect for refreshments before or after your hike.

Parking is generally available in the towns and villages that serve as trailheads, such as Leck, Cowan Bridge, and Whittington. This often consists of on-street parking, so please park considerately. For more remote routes, you may find small lay-bys or designated informal parking areas near the start of the path.