Lostock Hall to Howick Hall Wood and the Ribble

A nice walk if you fancy leaving the car at home. Mainly quiet lanes and footpaths. Some off lead opportunities. A little under 10 miles so quite tough.

Our walk started on Leyland Road and down our usual route, Bee Lane. Following the Lane to its end we made our way on to Kingsfold Drive, Pope Lane and out on to the roundabout on Golden Way. A muddy Bridleway led us alongside this busy road to the big roundabout (near Booths). Here, we turned on to a footpath leading off alongside Acorn Close, which led to the long straight footpath and road of Howick Moor Lane. This is really obvious if you look at the map and not hard to find.

Crossing Liverpool Road (care here) we made our way down Howick Cross Lane and in to Howick Hall Woods, managed by the Wildlife Trust. This was great, noone else around and a good spot for a mad run around. Nearly exhausted, we continued down Howick Cross Lane, past the electricity distribution complex, and to its end. The road turns into a footpath across fields, leading to the high embankment of the Ribble. We followed this downstream for a mile or so before following a nice little track over a stile, which led us back round to the bottom of Howick Cross Lane.

We retraced our steps, ending with a mad run on the field next to Penwortham Community Centre where, by chance, we bumped in to our equally mad neighbours dogs. Having kept our dog reasonably clean for a 9 mile walk, he ended up absolutely covered in mud from head to paw and, as usual, a shower was in order when we got home.

This was a long but enjoyable walk with plenty of variety and not too much walking near busy roads. Good for a sunny day.

Click here for a map of the area. The route is pretty obvious if you look for the long straight of Howick Moor Lane.

Click here for a link to the Wildlife Trust site containing information about Howick Hall Woods

Doggy rating 6/10

Around Beacon Fell Country Park

Ideal for short(ish) walks in the woods and a spot of open moorland. Easy access and great views. On the down side, it can get really really busy!

One sunny day a week or so ago we headed up to Beacon Fell for a wander round some of the various woodland trails that lead to the summit. Having lived in and around Preston for the last 17 years some people were surprised that this was my first trip to Beacon Fell. What a place!

Parking is easy in one of the many car parks. We parked up next to the cafe and visitors centre and followed a circular route round one of the many trails, leading to the quarry car park, up to the summit, and back through the woods. The trip was completed with a mug of hot chocolate and a mars bar from the cafe!

The whole place was absolutely heaving with people and dogs. There must have been 50 people on the top so not a place to go if you want solitude. There were a few places in the quiet woodland areas where the dog got a good run off the lead but in general I felt it was too busy to let our mad dog loose on the unsuspecting Lancashire public.

I think next time we visit we'll try a dull weekday!

Click here for map and further information.

Doggy rating 6/10 - would have been higher if it had not been so busy!