Walks and Trails

 

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The great things about Walking are - it's healthy and it's free. Local footpaths, trails and other public rights of way provide the ideal way to explore your local countryside

Footwear

Comfortable walking boots are essential for serious walking. Even if you only walk three or four times a year it may be worth while investing in a pair of good boots.

Socks

Wear a thin pair next to the skin and a thicker pair over the top. take spares in case the others get soaked.

Jackets

There are a wide range of jackets available. For hill walks take two woolen sweaters - one thick and one thin - to help maintain body heat if the weather changes rapidly.

Gloves

Take a pair that won't get soaked through in the rain.

Hat

A substantial amount of body heat is lost through the head. a woollen hat or balaclava should prove effective.

Other equipment

Compass - beware of mist which can set in without warning and obscure landmarks.

Whistle - For emergency use only

Torch - Useful for all types of walks - take spare batteries.

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A selection of walks and trails throughout the North West are listed below

Chatsworth Park Walk

Peak District

This short walk starts from Calton Lees car park at the south end of Chatsworth Park, goes past the house and up the hill behind, where you obtain an excellent view of the whole setting, and returns via Beeley Edge (7km). If you want to lengthen the walk or are interested in wildlife or archaeology then a diversion over Beeley Moor is also described, which lengthens the walk to about 11km.


Cumbria Way
A remarkably well balanced 75 mile route with gentle farmland at both ends, a dramatic middle section amongst high crags, and two generous chunks of classic Lakeland either side of that.
Start at Ulverston - Beacon Tarn, Coniston, Tarn Hows, Skelwith Bridge, Elterwater, Great Langdale, Stakes Pass, Langstrath, Borrowdale, Keswick, Skiddaw House, Caldbeck, Sebergham, Dalston - finish in Carlisle.
Details in "The Cumbria Way and the Allerdale Ramble" by Jim Watson (Cicerone Press)


Deepdale and Sheldon Walk

Peak District

Just over 6 miles in length, starts from the bank of the River Wye at the bottom end of Monsal Dale and climbs steeply up to Sheldon, a quiet little village high on the plateau above, before returning to the valley. There are some good views and industrial archaeology in the form of the many disused lead mines of the area.


Dovedale Circuit

Peak District.

Dovedale is one of the most famous areas of the Peak District and this 9 mile walk makes a circuit around the lower section of Dovedale, taking in all its most famous features as well as giving some unexpected views of the dale and a return route which should be considerably quieter than the main valley. The description starts from the car park at the Ilam end, but the walk could equally well be done from Alstonefield or Milldale. A shortened version is also possible from the Ilam starting point.


 

Fairfield Horseshoe

Cumbria

The route around Rydal Head is one of the best known in the region. Classic "short" horseshoe near Ambleside. Rydal, Heron Pike, Great Rigg, Fairfield, Dove Crag, High Pike and back to Ambleside.



 

 

Healey Dell Nature Trail

Lancashire

Between Rochdale and Whitworth.

Paths, trails and all-year-round wildlife


Irwell Sculpture Trail 

Lancashire.

The trail includes the work of over 50 artists and forms part of an existing 30 mile long footpath.


Matlock Bath Walk

Peak District.

The walk starts from the Pavilion building which houses the Lead Mining Museum. Following the 5 mile route the paths take you alongside Gulliver's Kingdom then the path climbs up through trees to the entrance to the Heights of Abraham. Following the route you will ascend around the Heights towards Matlock and then High Tor returning to Matlock Bath.


Sunnyhurst Wood

Lancashire.

Seven miles of footpaths around the moors of Darwen in Lancashire.


The Furness Way
Cumbria

One of three walks taking in much of the Lakes.

75 miles long and stays entirely within the bounds of the old Counties of Cumberland, Westmorland and the Furness district of Lancashire. Arnside, Crosthwaite, Cartmel, Lowick, Coniston, Boot to Ravensglass.


Win Hill and Lose Hill Walk

Peak District

Win Hill and Lose Hill is a magnificent day out and makes a fine walk of about 8.5 miles with excellent views on good ground with few route-finding problems - though there are some steep hills to climb.

The walk starts from the centre of Hope village and takes you  over Win Hill and Lose Hill via Hope cross and Jaggers Clough.


For sites with more information on walking in the North West and surrounding areas check out the LINKS page.

For sites with information on walking in the rest of the UK check out our Regional Links Directory.

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