Blackpool
Hike the best forest walks near Blackpool! 11 trails listed!
Hike the best forest walks near Blackpool! 11 trails listed!
Brockholes Nature Reserve by Galatas under license CC BY-SA 4.0
The table above lists all the best forest walks near Blackpool. Click on each name to be taken straight to the part of the blog post for that walk.
Are you looking for an exciting and unique holiday destination? Do you enjoy walking in beautiful forests and immersing yourself in nature? If so, then the majestic Blackpool in should be on your radar. Located on the north western coast of Lancashire, this incredible town is near some of the best hiking trails and natural beauty in all of England. From lush green countryside to secluded woodland paths, there are numerous opportunities for visitors to explore nature’s beauty at its finest. For those who want a break from busy city life, this idyllic place will provide a refreshing respite – with plenty to experience along the way! You can go birdwatching at Kew Woods, see the centuries old trees at Eggerslack Woods or take in the natural beauty of the Forest of Bowland.
Blackpool Forest Walks FAQ's
Gisburn Forest is the largest forest in Lancashire which covers 1256 hectares in total. The forest is managed by the Forestry Commission and consists of coniferous and broadleaved trees, including oak, ash and beech. There are also several lakes and areas of rough grassland. The forest is popular with walkers, mountain bikers and horse riders.
The Beacon Fell walk is a 3-4 km circular trail that takes just under an hour to complete. The route climbs up to the summit of Beacon Fell, providing wonderful views across Morecambe Bay and the Forest of Bowland. It's a great walk for experienced walkers and novices , with some steep sections and challenging terrain on the incline to the top.
Yes, the Forest of Bowland is a beautiful place. It's Lancashire's only Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and is visited by thousands of tourists year on year. The area is home to rolling hills and tranquil rivers and streams with picturesque spots for photos in every direction. There are plenty of hiking trails and picnic areas for visitors to enjoy, and the scenery is simply stunning.
11 Top Woodland Walks Near Blackpool
In this blog post, we will be listing the many forest walks near Blackpool.
Leave the beach for another day and head to one of the forests listed below to get in touch with nature! Have a look below at the forest walks available on the interactive map and click on the buttons below the map for each walk, to be taken to the Forestry England pages for further information on the forest trails.
Lord's Lot Forest
When it comes to taking in the fresh sea air and exploring picturesque woodland, there's no better place than Lord's Lot Forest. Located just north of Lancaster, the forest is a short drive from town. The canopy of towering Scots Pine, Red Oak and Beech trees with murmurings of birdsong provide a calming presence while the bright green grass refreshes your senses on the walking trails here.
Kew Woods
Head out to Kew Woods, a young woodland near Southport. You'll be able enjoy the perfect place for forest runs and leisurely strolls with great views all around! The bird watchers here have also discovered that it's an ideal spot as well--so don't forget your binoculars when you go because there are plenty of birds to see here!
Sefton Meadows
Made up of three beautiful woods, Sefton Meadows is perfect for an adventure in the wild! The Barn Owl Sculpture can be found at Jubilee Woods and you might also spot some hunting barn owls that frequent this area during dusk time. A wonderful area to explore not that far away from the city.
Eggerslack Woods
If you're looking to experience tranquil nature while visiting the bustling seaside town of Blackpool, you should take a trip to Eggerslack Woods around 27 miles away. Located just south of Kendal, the woodland boasts centuries-old trees among a wide range of holly, Ivy, and ferns. Witnessing wildlife in its natural habitat on your walk is also incredibly likely; rabbits, deer, and badgers can often be seen darting about the dense forest.
Brockholes Nature Reserve
Located a short drive away, Brockholes Nature Reserve is the perfect place for reconnecting with nature and enjoying some peace and quiet. With 250 acres of wetlands, woodlands, and meadows, there are plenty of spots to explore along with an abundance of wildlife waiting to greet you. There are also plenty of family-friendly activities on offer both inside the visitor centre and out in the natural environment. Check their website for further details.
The one way road around Beacon Fell Country Park by Ian Greig under license CC BY-SA 4.0
Beacon Fell Country Park
With 75 acres to explore and plenty of picturesque walking trails winding through the woodlands to the summit, Beacon Fell Country Park is the perfect place to get out and about in nature. The viewpoint 266 metres above sea level provides captivating views that are truly worth seeing in person. The area has a history dating back to the 2nd Century with records showing an ancient beacon at the summit all those years ago!
Bowland Forest High by Jim Walton under license CC BY 3.0
Forest of Bowland
Forest of Bowland offers a perfect escape from the hustle and bustle of the seaside town. Listed as an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty since 1964, you can find yourself immersed in the wild, surrounded by vast open fields, rolling countryside, and picturesque valleys. The possibilities for exploration and adventure in this area are endless - there’s something for serious walkers, leisurely hikers and casual day trippers alike.
Horrocks Wood
Nestled around 36 miles away, Horrocks Wood is the perfect place to see some beautiful displays of nature. The wood is home to a variety of wildlife including deer, rabbits, and hunting barn owls. The walking trails wind through the trees with plenty of opportunities to sit and enjoy the peace and quiet. In addition, Horrocks Wood is a great place for some local views where you can see all the way to the Jodrell Bank Observatory on a clear day.
Viridor Wood
Viridor Wood is the perfect place to take a walk with the area transformed into a greenspace that locals and visitors enjoy all year round. On your arrival, you’ll be met with stunning views of nature with the 5km of trails stretching through the woodland. The wood is home to a variety of trees, a lake, and some wide open grasslands.
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Daltons Crag Forest
This beautiful wooded area has trails that wind through a lush green landscape of new and old trees recently planted. Situated north of the town, the forest covering 119 hectares lies on a slope that faces southwest close to Hutton Roof Crags. The lesser-known forest at Daltons Crag is a bit of a hidden gem and with the unusual sights of limestone bursting through the forest floor, the woodland is well worth a visit.
Gisburn Forest and Stalks
With an abundance of paths and trails, Gisburn Forest is the largest in Lancashire. From refreshing walks through dense woods to star gazing at the Dark Sky Discovery site, there's something for everyone. Moreover, Gisburn Forest and Stocks is home to plenty of wildlife, making it an ideal destination for wildlife enthusiasts who want to observe birds, insects or mammals in their natural environment.
Conclusion
In this blog post, we have shared some of the woodland walks near Blackpool. To find out more about free things to do in the area, click on the links below:
Free Things to do in Blackpool
Please note...
All outdoor activities including forest walks involve a degree of risk. The walks are recommended due to the well known features of each forest but this may change over time and further research is required before undertaking any activity. The weather can also impact the surface and general conditions of each path so please keep yourself updated with the weather forecast before setting off to enjoy your walk!
Crown Copyright, courtesy Forestry Commission (13/12/22) licensed under the Open Government License.