As a Preston local, I know there’s no better way to get to know the city than by taking a walk.
Whether you’re looking for a peaceful stroll to clear your head or a challenging hike to get your blood pumping, Preston has something to offer.
Here, I’ll share with you my 15 favorite walks in Preston, from city strolls to nature trails.
So, grab your walking shoes and let’s get started!
Avenham Park
You’ll love exploring Avenham Park; with its winding pathways, lush greenery, and stunning views, it’s the perfect spot for a leisurely stroll.
Avenham Park is a large, picturesque park located in Preston, Lancashire. It features a wide variety of plants and trees, as well as a large lake and a boating pond.
The park also has a number of walkways, with each one offering different views. There are also plenty of benches and picnic areas, so you can take a break and enjoy the scenery.
Whether you’re looking for a peaceful walk in nature or a more challenging hike, Avenham Park has something for everyone. With its scenic beauty and wide range of activities, it’s no wonder it’s one of the best walks in Preston.
Brockholes Nature Reserve
Brockholes Nature Reserve offers an idyllic escape from the hustle and bustle of everyday life, with plenty of opportunities for exploration and relaxation.
The reserve is a great place to observe nature, with a variety of bird species to watch out for, including wigeons, tufted ducks, and shovellers.
It also boasts a wealth of wildflowers and other flora, making it a perfect spot to explore nature’s secrets.
There are several excellent walking routes at Brockholes Nature Reserve, with various paths and trails winding through the reserve’s many habitats, including wetland, woodland, and meadows.
With plenty of benches and picnic spots, you can take your time to soak up the beauty of the reserve and enjoy the peacefulness of the nature around you.
Haighton Greenway
Haighton Greenway is a stunning pathway through Preston, providing an excellent opportunity to explore the local area and discover its hidden gems. The greenway is a 4.25 mile pathway that connects the city of Preston to the nearby village of Haighton.
It is a popular spot for walkers, runners, cyclists, and nature enthusiasts. The pathway has a variety of different routes, including wheelchair accessible pathways, which makes it a great spot for people of all ages and abilities.
Along the way, you’ll find an abundance of wildlife and natural beauty, with a variety of plants, birds, animals, and fungi to explore. The Greenway also provides a great opportunity for bird watching, with a number of different species of birds inhabiting the area.
The Greenway is a great place to take a leisurely stroll or to get some exercise and explore the local area. Whether you’re looking for a peaceful escape from the hustle and bustle of the city or an adventurous hike, the Haighton Greenway is sure to provide an unforgettable experience.
Preston Docks
Experience a unique journey through Preston’s rich maritime history and explore the fascinating docks along the Haighton Greenway.
Preston Docks is a beautiful area that offers a great escape from the hustle and bustle of everyday life.
Stroll along the waterfront and take in the sights and sounds of the place.
Take a break and enjoy a picnic overlooking the dock, or take a boat ride to explore the many islands that dot the area.
The docks are home to a variety of wildlife, including ducks, swans, and geese.
The area also has a number of historic buildings, including warehouses, a railway station, and a maritime museum.
Spend a day discovering the rich history of the area and exploring its unique landscape.
Whether it’s a leisurely walk or a more adventurous journey, Preston Docks offers something for everyone.
Ashton Park
Come explore Ashton Park and take in the stunning views of the surrounding countryside. Located in the heart of Preston, Ashton Park is a great spot to go for a leisurely stroll and get away from the hustle and bustle of city life.
The park offers a variety of trails and paths to explore, winding through woodland areas and stunning gardens. Along the way, you’ll be able to take in the breathtaking views of the surrounding countryside.
The park also has a variety of features to discover, including a lake, a boating lake, a bowling green, a children’s play area, and a cafe.
Whatever your preference, Ashton Park offers something for everyone, making it the perfect spot for a peaceful and enjoyable walk.
Ribble Valley
Take a break from the city and explore the beautiful Ribble Valley, filled with rolling hills, lush green fields, and quaint villages.
Whether you want to take a leisurely stroll or a challenging hike, the Ribble Valley has something to offer for all types of walkers.
From the famous Pendle Hill to the stunning views along the Ribble Way, the area is full of stunning scenery and diverse wildlife.
The area is easily accessible from Preston, with plenty of options for transport, from buses to trains.
The Ribble Valley offers some of the best walking opportunities in the country, with a range of levels and lengths of trails.
From the more challenging routes, such as the Pendle Hill, to the leisurely strolls along the banks of the River Ribble, there is something for everyone.
If you’re looking for a bit of adventure, why not take a hike up to the top of the hill and take in the stunning views of the surrounding countryside?
Whether you’re an experienced hiker or just starting out, the Ribble Valley has something to offer.
Longton Brickcroft
Explore Longton Brickcroft and marvel at the unique wildlife that calls this tranquil spot home. From rare species to more common birds, it’s a nature enthusiast’s paradise!
Longton Brickcroft is a nature reserve spread across 40 acres of wetland and meadows along the River Ribble. This area is one of Lancashire’s most important wildlife sites and is a designated Local Nature Reserve.
It is home to a range of birds, mammals, amphibians, and invertebrates and is a popular destination for birdwatchers. The reserve is also accessible to the public with two way-marked trails offering stunning views of the local landscape.
Visitors to the reserve can also take part in guided walks and educational activities, giving them a unique opportunity to learn more about the reserve and its wildlife.
Cuerden Valley
Experience the tranquil beauty of Cuerden Valley and discover its unique wildlife.
Nestled between the cities of Preston and Chorley, the Cuerden Valley is a large area of parkland and countryside, with a variety of walking and hiking trails.
The unique landscape of the valley makes it a great place to explore, with its lush greenery, rolling hills, and tranquil streams.
When walking around this area, you can observe a variety of wildlife, including birds, butterflies, and other small animals.
The Valley is also home to some rare species of plant life, such as the rare wild garlic and snowdrops.
It’s a great place to take a peaceful stroll or a more challenging hike, with plenty of sights and sounds to enjoy along the way.
Whether you’re looking for a leisurely stroll or a more strenuous hike, Cuerden Valley offers something for everyone.
Haslam Park
Discover the captivating beauty of Haslam Park and marvel at its rich history. Located just outside of Preston, this sprawling park is home to a variety of native wildlife and lush plant life. It’s a great place to get away from the hustle and bustle of the city and take a peaceful stroll.
The grounds are well kept and the paths are clearly marked, making it the perfect spot for a leisurely walk. The park itself is made up of many different sections, including a lake and a cafe. It also has a playground for children and numerous picnic areas to enjoy.
There’s plenty of room for long, meandering walks, and plenty of wildlife to observe along the way. Whether you’re looking for a quiet, scenic walk or a more energetic hike, Haslam Park is the perfect place for you.
Penwortham Orchard Walk
Take a journey through Penwortham Orchard Walk and uncover its tranquil beauty.
Located in the heart of the Ribble Valley, this picturesque walk offers a stunning combination of open fields, lush vegetation, and the tranquil trickling of the River Ribble. It’s the perfect place to escape the hustle and bustle of the city and enjoy the beauty of nature.
The walk takes you through a variety of different landscapes, from open fields and woodlands to orchards and meadows. Along the way, you’ll encounter a range of wildlife, from birds and butterflies to deer and hares. You’ll also pass by traditional stone walls and cottages, as well as the ruins of an old chapel, providing a fascinating insight into the history of the area.
Whether you’re looking for a peaceful stroll or an invigorating hike, Penwortham Orchard Walk is the perfect place to explore.
Warton Crag Nature Reserve
Embark on a journey through Warton Crag Nature Reserve and explore its diverse landscapes and wildlife.
Spanning over 40 hectares of land, this nature reserve is home to a variety of habitats including woodland, meadows, and grasslands. The area provides a haven for wildlife, with many species of birds and other animals living here.
From the highest point of the reserve, which is Warton Crag itself, you can take in the spectacular views of the River Ribble and the surrounding countryside.
The reserve offers a wealth of trails for you to explore, each offering something unique. Whether you choose to take the short stroll around the woods or the longer hike up to the top of Warton Crag, the reserve provides an enjoyable experience for all.
There are also more challenging paths for those with an adventurous spirit, which offer a chance to explore further and discover hidden gems.
With so much to see and do, Warton Crag Nature Reserve is the perfect place to escape and enjoy the great outdoors.
Lancaster Canal
Sail along the tranquil Lancaster Canal and marvel at the picturesque scenery and abundance of wildlife.
This beautiful canal stretches from Preston in the north to Tewitfield in the south, providing a peaceful journey through the countryside.
The towpath takes you through forests, meadows, and rolling hills, allowing you to take in the stunning views.
You can spot plenty of wildlife along the way, from birds and butterflies to deer and otters.
The canal is also home to a number of locks, which add to the adventure.
Along the way, you can stop for a refreshing break at one of the many pubs or cafes, or just enjoy the serenity of the water.
Whether you’re looking for a leisurely stroll or a more challenging hike, the Lancaster Canal is the perfect place to explore.
Gogarth Woods
Discover the peaceful beauty of Gogarth Woods with a leisurely stroll through the area. Located in the outskirts of Preston, Gogarth Woods is a popular destination for those looking for a peaceful, tranquil walk.
With its lush foliage, meandering pathways, and picturesque views, the woodlands are a great way to escape the hustle and bustle of everyday life. The rolling hills and winding paths of the woods are perfect for those seeking a leisurely walk or a more challenging hike.
The area is also home to a variety of wildlife, including wild rabbits, foxes, and deer. With its abundance of natural beauty, Gogarth Woods is the perfect place for a leisurely stroll to enjoy the sights and sounds of the outdoors.
Whether you’re looking for a peaceful walk or an invigorating hike, Gogarth Woods can provide the perfect escape.
Avenham and Miller Parks
Take a break from the hustle and bustle of everyday life and explore the peaceful beauty of Avenham and Miller Parks. Situated in the heart of Preston, these two parks offer a tranquil escape to nature.
Avenham Park is a large green space with winding pathways, a river, and plenty of benches and picnic spots for visitors. Miller Park is a smaller park located adjacent to Avenham Park, boasting an elaborate rock garden and a number of interesting features.
Take a stroll through the lush greenery, while admiring the beauty of the riverside views. In the summer months, the park is alive with the vibrant colors of wildflowers and other plants. In the winter, the park is a peaceful retreat from the cold.
Enjoy the tranquility of the area while taking in the fresh air and the unique sights. Whether you’re looking for a leisurely stroll or an invigorating hike, Avenham and Miller Parks are a great place to explore nature and get away from it all.
Deepdale Trails
Away from the hectic city life, explore the serene trails of Deepdale and immerse yourself in nature.
With more than 100 hectares of open grassland, this is a great spot for some peaceful walks and hikes. You can find a variety of trails to choose from – from the easy, flat routes to the more challenging, hilly ones.
The area is home to a variety of wildlife, including birds, butterflies, and insects. You’ll also find plenty of wildflowers and plants along the way.
The trails also offer stunning views of the surrounding countryside. Whether you’re looking for a leisurely stroll or an invigorating hike, Deepdale Trails has something for everyone.
With its lush green landscape, it’s a great place to relax and unwind from the hustle and bustle of daily life. So make sure to take some time to explore the trails of Deepdale and reconnect with nature.
Conclusion
I had a great time exploring Preston on foot.
From the beautiful Avenham Park to the picturesque Lancaster Canal, there’s something to suit everyone.
Whether you’re looking for a relaxing stroll or an adventurous hike, these 15 best walks in Preston won’t disappoint.
I was particularly impressed by the Deepdale Trails.
It’s a great way to get out in the countryside and take in the stunning views.
All in all, these walks have left me feeling energized and ready to explore more of Preston!