This is your prompt to get out of town, switch off a bit and enjoy some proper Lancashire fresh air. That might mean hills and big views, rivers and woodland, or gentle fields and village lanes – you can choose the sort of countryside that feels most like you.
Pick a countryside area within a comfortable drive, check the weather, pack a few basics (layers, drinks, snacks) and head out for the day. You do not need a huge, serious hike: even a short circular walk, a picnic spot and a café stop can feel like a real break when you are surrounded by greenery instead of traffic.
Lucy loves…
“I love the countryside and Lancashire is around 80% rural. If you like to be in the countryside, but don’t fancy a walk, head to Cedar Farm or Owd Barn, West Lancashire, where there are lots of individual shops and businesses.
Why not head to Longton Marsh for a walk and then to The Dolphin Inn for a drink and a bite to eat afterwards.”
From a Lancashire Lass tips: Lucy Baxter is the host of the From a Lancashire Lass podcast that shares stories from Lancashire businesses and inspirational people. The aim of the podcast is to support businesses, whilst supporting Lancashire and celebrating the county’s heritage. Lucy is also a broadcast journalist who works on a range of national and international TV and radio programmes.
Forest of Bowland
For wild-feeling moorland, valleys and stone-built villages, the Forest of Bowland National Landscape (AONB) is a brilliant option. It covers over 800 sq km of rural Lancashire and Yorkshire, with everything from riverside strolls to longer hill walks.
You can choose one of the many signed walking routes or waymarked trails, ranging from easy family walks to more challenging days out.
Villages like Slaidburn, Dunsop Bridge and Chipping make great bases, with pubs, tearooms and short walks from the door.
Ribble Valley
If you enjoy rolling hills, rivers and pretty villages, the Ribble Valley is ideal for a countryside date.
Self-guided “Walks with Taste” routes combine circular walks with country inns and food stops, so you can earn your lunch and then enjoy it guilt-free.
Trails around the Ribble and Hodder valleys and the Ribble Valley Jubilee Trail take you through some of the area’s most scenic pastureland and up onto Pendle Hill for big views if you fancy more of a challenge.
You can keep it very simple: park near a village, follow a short signposted route and finish with a pub or café.
Beacon Fell and country parks
For something easy to navigate with parking and facilities, a country park is a good bet.
Beacon Fell Country Park, near Goosnargh and within the Forest of Bowland, has woodland, moorland and farmland with criss-crossing paths, hidden sculptures and a trig point at the top with views over the Lancashire Plain, Bowland Fells and even Morecambe Bay on a clear day.
Country parks are perfect if you want a mix of short walks, views, wildlife spotting and a nearby café rather than heading deep into the hills.
West Pennine Moors
If you are closer to the southern and eastern edges of the county, the West Pennine Moors offer wide-open spaces, reservoirs and hilltop towers.
Walks around Darwen Tower, Anglezarke, Rivington and Winter Hill range from short loops to big days out, all with plenty of sky and far-reaching views when the weather plays nicely.
You can pick a modest route around a reservoir or go higher if you are feeling more energetic.
Whether your countryside date is a gentle riverside or woodland loop with a picnic, a walk in the Ribble Valley, finishing with a pub meal or a simple wander around a country park followed by tea and cake; there is no right way to do it.
Just enjoy spend unhurried time outside together, away from screens and routine, in some of the green spaces that make Lancashire such a special place to live.
