Circular dog walks in Lancashire

Circular Dog Walks in Lancashire

Lancashire is one of the best counties in England for circular dog walks, offering an incredible mix of hills, forests, rivers, waterfalls, and coast - often with dog-friendly cafés nearby. Whether you're planning a gentle weekend stroll, a longer countryside hike, or an off-lead adventure followed by coffee, this guide focuses on circular dog walks in Lancashire that pair perfectly with cafés and refreshment stops.

Unlike out-and-back routes, circular walks let you explore varied scenery without retracing your steps, making them ideal for both dogs and owners. Many of Lancashire's best routes are free circular dog walks, easily accessible year-round, and suitable for everything from quick morning walks to full afternoon outings.

This page brings together the best circular dog walks in Lancashire, highlighting routes with nearby cafés, off-lead potential, and varied terrain - all in one place.

Submit a walk

Why Choose Circular Dog Walks in Lancashire?

Circular dog walks are popular for good reason. They're easier to plan, more interesting to walk, and often better suited to dogs who enjoy variety and new scents. Lancashire's landscape is especially well suited to circular routes, with footpaths looping through countryside, woodland, reservoirs, and historic villages.

Many people searching for "circular dog walks near me" or "off lead dog walks near me" are also looking for:

  • Easy parking
  • Safe off-lead sections
  • Clear waymarking
  • Somewhere to stop for food or coffee afterwards

Lancashire delivers on all of these - particularly in areas like the Forest of Bowland, the Ribble Valley, Chorley countryside, and the county's coastal paths.

Free Circular Dog Walks in Lancashire

One of the biggest advantages of dog walking in Lancashire is how many routes are completely free. Most countryside paths, country parks, and coastal promenades have no entry fees, making them perfect for regular dog walkers.

Free circular dog walks can be found across:

  • Forest and hill landscapes
  • Riverside valleys
  • Country parks
  • Coastal promenades and beaches (seasonal restrictions may apply)

Many of these free routes also benefit from nearby dog-friendly cafés, meaning you can turn a simple walk into a full morning or afternoon out without spending much.

Forest & Hill Circular Dog Walks

Forest of Bowland

Pendle Hill Short Circular

A popular 3.9 km circular route from Barley visiting the Lower and Upper Ogden Reservoirs before ascending Pendle Hill via Ogden Clough. After enjoying views from the summit the path descends back to Barley through moorland and pasture.

3.9 km Terrain: Moderate Off-lead: Partial Parking: Paid
Map & directions View route externally Suggest an update

Last updated:

Pendle Hill Long Circular

A longer 10.9 km circuit starting from Downham village. The route climbs past Walker's fold and Hookcliffe Wood to the summit of Pendle Hill before descending to Downham through rough pasture and limestone outcrops.

10.9 km Terrain: Moderate Off-lead: Partial Parking: Free
Map & directions View route externally Suggest an update

Last updated:

Fair Snape Fell & Parlick Circular

A 9.5 km loop from Startifants Lane near Chipping climbing steeply up Parlick and along the ridge to Fair Snape Fell.

9.5 km Terrain: Moderate Off-lead: Partial Parking: Free
Map & directions View route externally Suggest an update

Last updated:

Barley to Pendle Hill Circular

A scenic circular route of around 6.8 km from Barley to the summit of Pendle Hill and back. The trail follows well‑marked paths through fields and cloughs, climbs to the 557 m trig point and returns via a different descent.

6.8 km Terrain: Moderate Off-lead: Partial Parking: Paid
Map & directions View route externally Suggest an update

Last updated:

Nicky Nook Circular

This moderate 5.8 km loop from the village of Scorton climbs to the 215 m summit of Nicky Nook before descending through Grizedale and past a reservoir. The hill offers panoramic views across the Fylde and Bowland, and the descent passes through woodland and farmland back to the start.

5.8 km Terrain: Moderate Off-lead: Partial Parking: Free
Map & directions View route externally Suggest an update

Last updated:

Pendle Hill & Ogden Reservoir Circular

This classic Pendle Hill circular walk combines waterside paths, dramatic moorland scenery, and one of Lancashire’s most iconic hill climbs. Starting from the village of Barley, the route loops around the Lower and Upper Ogden Reservoirs before a steep ascent to the summit of Pendle Hill. From the top, walkers are rewarded with sweeping views across the Ribble Valley and surrounding countryside before descending through open heather moorland and Boar Clough back to Barley.

7.9 km Terrain: Moderate Off-lead: Partial Parking: Paid
Map & directions View route externally Suggest an update

Last updated:

Ribble Valley

Hurst Green & Ribble Valley Circular Walk

A moderate 8.7 km ‘Walks with Taste' route starting from the 17th‑century Shireburn Arms in Hurst Green. The walk descends along Lambing Clough Lane to the River Ribble, crosses the footbridge at Dinkley and follows the Ribble Way through Marles Wood and pasture before looping back to the village.

8.7 km Terrain: Moderate Off-lead: LeadOnly Parking: Free Cafe: 2 nearby
Map & directions View route externally Suggest an update

Last updated:

Hurst Green & Hobbit Hill Circular

A scenic loop of around 10.6 km starting from Hurst Green and following part of the Tolkien Trail past Stonyhurst College and along the Rivers Hodder and Ribble. The route climbs gently through farmland to the Hobbit Hill glamping site before returning to the village with views of Pendle Hill.

10.6 km Terrain: Moderate Off-lead: Partial Parking: Free Cafe: 2 nearby
Map & directions View route externally Suggest an update

Last updated:

Rivington

Rivington Terraced Gardens

An easy loop around Lord Leverhulme's 45-acre terraced gardens at Rivington with features including the Japanese Garden, Lever Bridge and Pigeon Tower. The 4.3 km route climbs gently through woodland and formal gardens before descending past waterfalls near you and grottos back to the Great House Barn.

4.3 km Terrain: Easy Off-lead: Partial Parking: Free Cafe: 1 nearby Shack: 2 nearby
Map & directions View route externally Suggest an update

Last updated:

Liverpool Castle, Rivington Gardens & Rivington Pike Circular

A longer circular walk near you of around 9.7 km linking the replica Liverpool Castle, Rivington Terraced Gardens and Rivington Pike. Starting from Lower House car park, the route passes through ornamental gardens and past the Pigeon Tower before climbing to the summit of Rivington Pike and returning via lakeside tracks.

9.7 km Terrain: Moderate Off-lead: Partial Parking: Free Cafe: 1 nearby Shack: 2 nearby
Map & directions View route externally Suggest an update

Last updated:

Royton Lane Circular Walk

Short circuit in Rivington Terraced Gardens taking in steep woodland paths near you and the historic Royton Lane. From the Pigeon Tower the trail drops down past the Japanese Gardens to the broad track of Royton Lane before looping back past the replica ruins of Liverpool Castle and along the reservoir edge.

2.6 km Terrain: Easy Off-lead: Partial Parking: Free Cafe: 1 nearby Shack: 2 nearby
Map & directions View route externally Suggest an update

Last updated:

Rivington Pike & Brere's Meadow Circular

A moderately challenging loop from Rivington Hall Barn climbing through Brere's Meadow and Rivington Terraced Gardens to reach the prominent Rivington Pike summit before returning via Belmont Road and Royton Lane. The route takes in woodland paths, ornamental gardens and open moorland with panoramic views near you.

5 km Terrain: Moderate Off-lead: Partial Parking: Free Cafe: 1 nearby Shack: 2 nearby
Map & directions View route externally Suggest an update

Last updated:

River & Valley Circular Dog Walks

Ribble Valley

Hurst Green & Ribble Valley Circular Walk

A moderate 8.7 km ‘Walks with Taste' route starting from the 17th‑century Shireburn Arms in Hurst Green. The walk descends along Lambing Clough Lane to the River Ribble, crosses the footbridge at Dinkley and follows the Ribble Way through Marles Wood and pasture before looping back to the village.

8.7 km Terrain: Moderate Off-lead: LeadOnly Parking: Free Cafe: 2 nearby
Map & directions View route externally Suggest an update

Last updated:

Hurst Green & Hobbit Hill Circular

A scenic loop of around 10.6 km starting from Hurst Green and following part of the Tolkien Trail past Stonyhurst College and along the Rivers Hodder and Ribble. The route climbs gently through farmland to the Hobbit Hill glamping site before returning to the village with views of Pendle Hill.

10.6 km Terrain: Moderate Off-lead: Partial Parking: Free Cafe: 2 nearby
Map & directions View route externally Suggest an update

Last updated:

Forest of Bowland

Nicky Nook Circular

This moderate 5.8 km loop from the village of Scorton climbs to the 215 m summit of Nicky Nook before descending through Grizedale and past a reservoir. The hill offers panoramic views across the Fylde and Bowland, and the descent passes through woodland and farmland back to the start.

5.8 km Terrain: Moderate Off-lead: Partial Parking: Free
Map & directions View route externally Suggest an update

Last updated:

Rivington

Royton Lane Circular Walk

Short circuit in Rivington Terraced Gardens taking in steep woodland paths near you and the historic Royton Lane. From the Pigeon Tower the trail drops down past the Japanese Gardens to the broad track of Royton Lane before looping back past the replica ruins of Liverpool Castle and along the reservoir edge.

2.6 km Terrain: Easy Off-lead: Partial Parking: Free Cafe: 1 nearby Shack: 2 nearby
Map & directions View route externally Suggest an update

Last updated:

Coastal & Flat Circular Dog Walks

Forest of Bowland

Pendle Hill Short Circular

A popular 3.9 km circular route from Barley visiting the Lower and Upper Ogden Reservoirs before ascending Pendle Hill via Ogden Clough. After enjoying views from the summit the path descends back to Barley through moorland and pasture.

3.9 km Terrain: Moderate Off-lead: Partial Parking: Paid
Map & directions View route externally Suggest an update

Last updated:

Pendle Hill Long Circular

A longer 10.9 km circuit starting from Downham village. The route climbs past Walker's fold and Hookcliffe Wood to the summit of Pendle Hill before descending to Downham through rough pasture and limestone outcrops.

10.9 km Terrain: Moderate Off-lead: Partial Parking: Free
Map & directions View route externally Suggest an update

Last updated:

Fair Snape Fell & Parlick Circular

A 9.5 km loop from Startifants Lane near Chipping climbing steeply up Parlick and along the ridge to Fair Snape Fell.

9.5 km Terrain: Moderate Off-lead: Partial Parking: Free
Map & directions View route externally Suggest an update

Last updated:

Barley to Pendle Hill Circular

A scenic circular route of around 6.8 km from Barley to the summit of Pendle Hill and back. The trail follows well‑marked paths through fields and cloughs, climbs to the 557 m trig point and returns via a different descent.

6.8 km Terrain: Moderate Off-lead: Partial Parking: Paid
Map & directions View route externally Suggest an update

Last updated:

Pendle Hill & Ogden Reservoir Circular

This classic Pendle Hill circular walk combines waterside paths, dramatic moorland scenery, and one of Lancashire’s most iconic hill climbs. Starting from the village of Barley, the route loops around the Lower and Upper Ogden Reservoirs before a steep ascent to the summit of Pendle Hill. From the top, walkers are rewarded with sweeping views across the Ribble Valley and surrounding countryside before descending through open heather moorland and Boar Clough back to Barley.

7.9 km Terrain: Moderate Off-lead: Partial Parking: Paid
Map & directions View route externally Suggest an update

Last updated:

Ribble Valley

Hurst Green & Hobbit Hill Circular

A scenic loop of around 10.6 km starting from Hurst Green and following part of the Tolkien Trail past Stonyhurst College and along the Rivers Hodder and Ribble. The route climbs gently through farmland to the Hobbit Hill glamping site before returning to the village with views of Pendle Hill.

10.6 km Terrain: Moderate Off-lead: Partial Parking: Free Cafe: 2 nearby
Map & directions View route externally Suggest an update

Last updated:

Rivington

Rivington Terraced Gardens

An easy loop around Lord Leverhulme's 45-acre terraced gardens at Rivington with features including the Japanese Garden, Lever Bridge and Pigeon Tower. The 4.3 km route climbs gently through woodland and formal gardens before descending past waterfalls near you and grottos back to the Great House Barn.

4.3 km Terrain: Easy Off-lead: Partial Parking: Free Cafe: 1 nearby Shack: 2 nearby
Map & directions View route externally Suggest an update

Last updated:

Liverpool Castle, Rivington Gardens & Rivington Pike Circular

A longer circular walk near you of around 9.7 km linking the replica Liverpool Castle, Rivington Terraced Gardens and Rivington Pike. Starting from Lower House car park, the route passes through ornamental gardens and past the Pigeon Tower before climbing to the summit of Rivington Pike and returning via lakeside tracks.

9.7 km Terrain: Moderate Off-lead: Partial Parking: Free Cafe: 1 nearby Shack: 2 nearby
Map & directions View route externally Suggest an update

Last updated:

Royton Lane Circular Walk

Short circuit in Rivington Terraced Gardens taking in steep woodland paths near you and the historic Royton Lane. From the Pigeon Tower the trail drops down past the Japanese Gardens to the broad track of Royton Lane before looping back past the replica ruins of Liverpool Castle and along the reservoir edge.

2.6 km Terrain: Easy Off-lead: Partial Parking: Free Cafe: 1 nearby Shack: 2 nearby
Map & directions View route externally Suggest an update

Last updated:

Rivington Pike & Brere's Meadow Circular

A moderately challenging loop from Rivington Hall Barn climbing through Brere's Meadow and Rivington Terraced Gardens to reach the prominent Rivington Pike summit before returning via Belmont Road and Royton Lane. The route takes in woodland paths, ornamental gardens and open moorland with panoramic views near you.

5 km Terrain: Moderate Off-lead: Partial Parking: Free Cafe: 1 nearby Shack: 2 nearby
Map & directions View route externally Suggest an update

Last updated:

Maps, PDFs & Planning Your Walk

Many people searching for circular dog walks in Lancashire map or circular dog walks in Lancashire PDF are looking for a simple way to plan ahead. While maps and downloadable guides are useful, the most important factors are often practical:

  • Where can I park?
  • Can my dog go off lead?
  • Is there a café nearby?
  • How busy does it get?

This directory focuses on answering those real-world questions, helping you choose walks based on how you actually plan your day out with your dog.

Tips for Enjoying Circular Dog Walks in Lancashire

  • Check parking early: Popular spots like Pendle Hill and Nicky Nook can fill up quickly on weekends.
  • Respect livestock: Many countryside walks pass through farmland - keep dogs under control when needed.
  • Look for cafés near the finish: Ending your walk near a café makes the whole route more rewarding.
  • Match terrain to your dog: Choose flatter coastal routes or riverside paths for older dogs, and hill or forest routes for more energetic walkers.

Finding the Best Circular Dog Walk for You

Whether you're searching for:

  • Free circular dog walks in Lancashire
  • The best circular dog walks in Lancashire
  • Off lead dog walks near me
  • Dog walks in Lancashire with waterfalls

Lancashire offers an exceptional range of options. By focusing on circular routes with nearby cafés, you can enjoy the perfect balance of exercise, scenery, and relaxation - for both you and your dog.

Use this page as a starting point, explore by area, and discover why Lancashire is one of the most dog-friendly counties in the UK for circular walks.