Lancashire is a truly beautiful county in winter as snow and frost settles on the hilltops. From short, gentle rambles to long distance treks, New Year’s is a wonderful time to get back to nature.
Just wrap up nice and warm! You’ll also likely need wellies or sturdy footwear for 11 Lancashire winter walking trails.
5. Pendle Hill
Pendle Hill dominates the landscape of north-eastern Lancashire. As the sun crosses the horizon on its low winter trajectory, grey clouds loom above Pendle Hill and shadows dance ominously on its slopes as the wind sways the surrounding forest. The history of Pendle Hill is as fascinating as it is mysterious. From here, the Pendle witches were led to Lancaster for trial in 1612. There are a number of trails up and around Pendle Hill that tell the stories of this impressive landmark and those who walked it before. Photo: Lancashire Post
6. Darwen Tower, Darwen
The Darwen Tower, completed in 1898 to commemorate Queen Victoria’s Diamond Jubilee, stands tall and proud above the town whose name it shares. A path to the octagonal 85-feet high monument bisects the Earnsdale and Sunnyhurst Hey reservoirs where wildfowl seek refuge in the colder months. Take care on wintry days, it is said that Oliver Cromwell turned back his troops on this moor in bad weather. There is a staircase inside the 86-feet sandstone tower offering views of Snowdonia, the Irish Sea and even the Isle of Man on a crisp, clear day Photo: Lancashire Post
7. Fairy Glen, near Parbold
Fairy Glen is a woodland vale above Appley Bridge and close to Parbold Hill. The footpaths through Fairy Glen pass cliff edges, long-fallen trees and cascading waterfalls. A little imagination and some storytelling and the little ones will truly believe this is a magical place. Look closely and you’ll see the outline of mythical faces carved by time in the gnarly tree trunks. A peaceful haven in winter, Fairy Glen is pleasantly sheltered from the wind that can whip across High Moor above. Photo: Lancashire Post
8. Avenham & Miller Parks, Preston
Located in the heart of Preston, these two Victorian parks are the perfect place to grab some fresh air and take in the festive atmosphere. Popualr with families, the parks are just a stone's throw from the city centre and boast a beautiful Japanese garden, a modern pavilion café, a Preston statues trail, a natural amphitheatre and a listed fountain. Also next to the the park you will find the Continental pub featuring British cuisine, riverside views and live music - an ideal place to enjoy a New Year's beverage or two. Photo: Lancashire Post