Winter Walks

Blog Post

Why not wrap up cosy and warm, grab a flask of mulled wine and some leftover turkey sandwiches then head on out for a Boxing Day stroll!

We’ve compiled a list for you of some of the best Winter Walks near each of our Parks, so if you find yourself near any of our parks over the festive period, why not dust off the cobwebs and take your family on a little adventure?

Fylde Coast

• Lytham: If you do like to be beside the seaside, then what better than to take a short trip into Leafy Lytham! If the tide is out, why not make the most of the dog friendly beaches? Take a short walk along the coast to Fairhaven Lake before returning to Lytham, and it's iconic windmill, for some pub grub or a post-walk coffee and cake in one of Lytham's many fantastic eateries!
• Stanley Park: Known for its bandstand, boating lake and Italian gardens, Stanley Park provides the perfect location for a peaceful walk all year round. Dogs on a lead are welcome to enjoy the beautiful surroundings of Stanley Park, whether that’s by walking around its 390 acres or sitting outside the Art Deco Café and watching the world go by. For the kids, Stanley Park has a fantastic Children's Playground!
• Sunderland Point: This is one of Lancashire's hidden gems, a place full of echoes from times gone by when it was a place of shipbuilding. Today it boasts a fine row of old houses, the poignant gravesite and some beautiful views. But be warned, keep an eye on the tide, as this walk starts at Overton and the causeway floods when the tide is in!
• Marton Mere: Once a rubbish tip, now a biodiversity hot spot, Marton Mere is a tranquil refuge on the edge of Blackpool. Home to hundreds of species of wildlife, including dragonflies, butterflies and orchids, this nature reserve is a beautiful place to enjoy a spot of wildlife watching or a peaceful walk.
• Beacon Fell Country Park: Consisting of 217 acres of woodland, moorland and farmland, and boasting spectacular views of the Forest of Bowland and Morecambe Bay, Beacon Fell is a fantastic location for both casual and experienced hikers. Even dogs are welcome to enjoy a visit to Beacon Fell, so choose which path suits you, including woodland trails, sculpture walks and summit hikes, and have fun exploring!

Don't forget: If you're bringing the pooch along -- Blackpool has great bus and tram services, meaning you can explore the entire Fylde Coast without worrying about parking! And what’s even better is that your dog can come too!

Black Beck

• Fell Foot Park: Situated at the southernmost tip of Lake Windemere, Fell Foot Park is a fantastic family-friendly location to play, explore and relax! With plenty of space to explore, including parkland and the south meadow, Fell Foot is a must when visiting Black Beck with your four-legged friend.
• Cumbria Way Walk: Linking the historic town of Ulverston to the city of Carlisle, the Cumbria Way is a low-level walk through some of the most beautiful landscapes Cumbria has to offer. From mountains, lakes and tarns to woodland walks and glacial valleys, you and your family are bound to enjoy the incredible adventure this walk provides. At 73 miles in length, the Cumbria Way is the perfect introduction to long distance walking, but even if you’re not up for the whole journey, it’s a stunning spot to enjoy some breath-taking views.
• Newby Bridge: The views on this moderately difficult walk are fairly different, providing explorers with fantastic moments while appreciating the local fauna and flora. Around Finsthwaite you can take a small detour and visit Bobbin Mill. The extensive working mill produced millions of wooden bobbins vital to the Lancashire spinning and weaving industries.

Tarn House

• Skipton Castle Woods: Set in a beautiful river valley with upper and lower paths covering over 2 miles, Skipton Castle Woods has a selection of easy, moderate and advanced routes for people of all experience levels to enjoy. While you’re there, why not venture into the 900-year-old Skipton Castle? Dogs are welcome to join you in exploring the rich history of this fantastic location!
• Embsay Reservoir: Found on the outskirts of the quaint village of Embsay, this 1-mile circular walk around the Embsay Moor Reservoir provides beautiful views of the surrounding fields and moorland edge. If you and your pooch prefer a longer adventure, take a hike up to the summit of Embsay Crag to get an even better view of the scenic Yorkshire landscape.
• Bolton Abbey: Located near the southern edge of the Yorkshire Dales National Park, Bolton Abbey is a great choice for a Boxing Day stroll! At the heart of Bolton Abbey Estate lies the Priory Church and Ruins of an Augustinian Priory in its beautiful riverside setting. If you make it here before January 2nd, you can even take part in the '12 Days of Christmas' trail! As you enjoy a walk through Strid Wood, clues connected to the popular ‘12 Days of Christmas’ carol will help you to solve the festive mystery on the trail sheet.

If you've exhausted the list of walks close by, why not hop in the car and see what our other locations have to offer in their local area?