The best walks and hikes around Burnley

Yes, Burnley has several great options for families. The Pendle Sculpture Trail in Barley is a popular choice, offering an engaging walk with interesting art for all ages. For a simple and scenic route, the Clowbridge Reservoir – Clowbridge Reservoir loop from Limey Lane is an easy 2.1-mile (3.3 km) walk that's perfect for a relaxed outing.

Certainly. Many trails around Burnley are suitable for dogs. The Brun Valley Forest Park is a local favorite, with over 16 kilometers of paths through meadows and woodlands. For a walk with rewarding views followed by refreshments, consider a hike up Hameldon Hill; the nearby Hapton Inn is mentioned by locals as a good pub to visit afterwards.

For panoramic views, the ascent of Pendle Hill is a classic, offering vistas across the Ribble Valley on a clear day. Another excellent viewpoint is the location of the Singing Ringing Tree, a unique sound sculpture on the moors overlooking the town.

Several trails are accessible without a car. The Gawthorpe Hall – Gawthorpe Hall loop from Rose Grove starts near the Rose Grove train station. Additionally, the Leeds and Liverpool Canal towpath runs directly through Burnley, providing level and easily accessible walking from many central points.

Yes, the area offers some demanding routes. The 40-mile (64 km) Burnley Way is a long-distance circular trail that covers the diverse landscapes of the region, from industrial heritage sites to the wild South Pennine Moors. For a shorter but strenuous climb, the Thieveley Pike Trig Point – The Singing Ringing Tree loop from Holme Chapel involves over 270 meters of ascent and provides a rewarding challenge.

The Singing Ringing Tree is a well-known, wind-powered sound sculpture located on the moors overlooking Burnley. Made of steel pipes, it produces an eerie, melodic sound as the wind blows through it. It's a unique landmark and a popular destination for hikers, offering fantastic panoramic views of the surrounding landscape.

Yes, the Burnley Wayside Arts Trail loop from Towneley Hall is a 6-mile (9.7 km) route that combines a walk through woodlands and fields with several unique art installations along the path. The trail starts from the historic Towneley Park.

The area has several reservoirs with scenic walking paths. Hurstwood Reservoir is a popular spot, and the Hurstwood Reservoir – View of Burnley loop from Worsthorne offers a moderate hike with great views. For a shorter, more accessible option, the Rowley Lake loop from Turf Moor is a gentle walk of about 3.2 miles (5.2 km).

There are over 240 hiking routes to explore around Burnley on Komoot. These range from easy, short walks in local parks and along canals to more challenging, full-day hikes across the Pennine moorlands, catering to all fitness levels.

The hiking routes around Burnley are highly regarded by the Komoot community, with an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars. Hikers often praise the variety of the landscape, from the accessible paths in Towneley Park to the wild, open moorland and the unique industrial heritage visible on many trails.

Yes, the most significant is the Burnley Way, a 40-mile (64 km) waymarked circular route that showcases the best of the borough's countryside. It takes you through river valleys, moorlands, and past historical sites. You can tackle it in sections or as a multi-day challenge.

Heald Wood is a hidden gem popular with locals, featuring a waterfall and the scent of wild garlic in season. For a longer route that includes significant woodland sections, consider the Clowbridge Reservoir – Compston's Cross loop from Burnley, which passes through a mix of open land and forested areas.