Adventures that start and end at beautiful railway stations

Community Rail Lancashire, which is an organisation focused on improving community rail lines, stations and services, has launched a series of self-guided walks across the county.

The three videos take ramblers through some of the most beautiful scenery that Lancashire has to offer, from the stunning coastal backdrop of Fylde to the rolling hills of East Lancashire and the delightful farmland between Burscough and Rufford.

Each video has been designed to showcase adventures that start and end at well-known railway stations that are looked after by Community Rail Lancashire.

Richard Watts, Chair of Community Rail Lancashire, is delighted with the results.  He said: “This exciting project has been assisted by many local people, from historians to volunteer groups and many more, and this is evident in the end result, which has been expertly brought together by Huckleberry Films.

“We are extremely lucky to have access to all types of walks in Lancashire, from coastal to rural and everything in between, and I hope that people really enjoy everything on offer. 

“After a very difficult two years people are becoming increasingly confident to get out and about and have a wonderful time and there is no better place than in Lancashire!”

The videos, which have been produced by Huckleberry Films, are filled with interesting facts and figures about the rich histories of the towns, villages and hamlets they pass through.

Lytham to St Annes 

Starting at Lytham Railway Station, the first five-mile walk shows off breath-taking sea views, pristine parks and quaint streets. 

Items on the ‘must see’ list for this route include Lytham Windmill, which was built in 1805, The Clifton Memorial, which was erected in 1872 and the Spitfire Memorial, which is dedicated to local people that lost their lives in World War II. 

Ending at St Annes-on-sea Railway Station there are plenty of choices to stop for refreshments on the way, from the grand Clifton Hotel to the Clock House Tea Rooms, which was used as a rest break for tram drivers after it was built in 1918. 

Rose Grove circular walk

The next beautiful walk starts and ends in east Lancashire, at Rose Grove Railway Station. During this 2.5-mile walk, which can be extended to six miles with suggested detours, people can learn about the industrious history of the Leeds to Liverpool canal. At 127 miles long, it is the longest waterway in the UK and played a key part in the industrial revolution. 

From the station, walkers can take in the amazing views along the Padiham Greenway, which opened in 2011 and is looked after by a group of dedicated volunteers. 

There are lots of interesting things to see on this walk, the most notable being the portrait bench, which has three tribute statues to people from the area. 

Thomas Lund is a young boy who won a competition to design the logo for the Padiham Greenway, Margaret Pearson, also known at the Padiham Witch, was found guilty of witchcraft in 1612 and Albert Smith was born in Rose Grove in 1903 and worked at Rose Grove Sheds for more than 40 years. 

A wander through peaceful woodland near to Padiham is also a highlight and, if visited at the right time of year, walkers will be welcomed by a sea of bluebells. 

The route brings you back to Rose Grove Railway Station, passing by Burnley Barracks Railway Station.

Burscough to Rufford

Over in West Lancashire, the 4.5-mile Burscough to Rufford walk has something for everyone to enjoy. 

The first treat along the way is the quaint Burscough Wharf on the edge of the Leeds to Liverpool canal, which was a veterinary practice that treated the horses that pulled goods along the water.

It is now a thriving hub of small business including shops, cafes, health and beauty parlours and creative businesses.

Former steam powered corn mill, Ainscough Mill, has now been converted into luxury housing, but its recognisable building still dominates the skyline for miles. 

Burscough Community Farm is also a sight to behold. The 18-acre community smallholding offers locals the chance to grow fruit and vegetables or attend one of the many practical courses that are offered onsite. 

Ending at Rufford Railway Station, there are options to extend the walk or jump back on the train to one of the many interesting and exciting destinations on the West Lancashire line. 

A further video, based in East Lancashire, is also being planned and should be complete in time for Easter. 

The videos can be accessed here: https://communityraillancashire.co.uk/lancashire-by-rail/  

South Fylde Line CRP: a walk between Lytham and St Annes stations

East Lancashire CRP: a walk along the Padiham Greenway

West of Lancashire CRP: a walk between Rufford and Burscough Junction along the Rufford Branch and Leeds & Liverpool canals:

Route maps are also available for each walk.