Lancashire’s richness lies in its great variety of landscape, ranging from low-lying areas around Cockerham, Lytham, Martin Mere and Croston to the heights of Boulsworth Hill, Ward’s Stone, Fair Snape Fell and Pendle Hill. This guidebook takes the walker along Lancashire’s rivers, by its woodlands, moors, coastline, and to the county’s historic sites.

Lancashire does not have mountains similar to Munros or Corbetts, but it does have some high hills. They include Weets Hill, the heights above Darwen and Pendle Hill, all of which tempt the walker to climb onto their long grassy ridges, from which there are panoramic views. Those who prefer breezy coastal rambles will enjoy a bracing walk along the Cocker Channel, or a stroll on the embankment that edges part of Morecambe Bay. A trio of fine rivers, the Ribble, the Hodder and the Calder, can also be enjoyed on one of the walks.

If level ground is your choice for walking, Lancashire can fulfil this desire too. The Lancaster Canal provides great towpath walks, where you are often rewarded with a flash of petrol blue as a kingfisher flies low over the cut, perhaps at Glasson or Garstang and there are flat pastures between Martin Mere Wildfowl Centre and Mere Sands Wood Nature Reserve just waiting to be walked.

All the walks start from car parks or recognised parking areas and the relevant grid references are given. Many start points are approached along narrow, quiet lanes where care should be taken in case you meet a farm vehicle or a flock of sheep and can be accessed from the M6.

The walks in this guidebook are all circular with one exception and range in length from 8 to 19 km (5 to 13 miles). They all are suitable for most walkers as there is a variety of terrain to be explored. Some of the walks are more like gentle strolls that make a good introduction to the wonderful recreation of walking and help the less fit to prepare for more challenging walks.