Best walks to or from Bolton

Bolton Station to Farnworth Station

A largely green urban walk using the Darcy Lever Viaduct disused railway line and Moses Gate Country Park, on a mix of good paths, pavements and quiet access roads. A long muddy section between Hall Lane and Hacken Bridge Road and with steep steps up to Bolton station. The route passes through Moses Gate Country Park, between artificial lakes, and uses the former railway over the magnificent Darcy Lever Viaduct (now a walking and cycling route, caged in).

5km.

A long muddy section between Hall Lane and Hacken Bridge Road that may be worse after a wet winter (fairly solid under the mud). A short stretch of the busy A6053 Hall Lane, crossed at a pelican crossing, and steep steps up to the Bolton meeting point.

Documented by Slow Ways — download GPX route

Lostock Station to Bolton Station

An excellent, varied route: a surfaced track tucked between Middle Brook and the railway, then through impressive Queen's Park along the River Croal, a large spacious cemetery with good valley views and the historic centre of Bolton. A flight of steps down to the railside track. Follows the Community Rail Trail between Wigan and Bolton, through Queen's Park (cafe and toilets), past the Victorian Dobson Bridge, and through Heaton Cemetery (stated opening times). Passes several of Bolton's grand buildings including the Town Hall and art gallery.

Easy: 6km, moderate ascents.

An unavoidable flight of steps down to the path beside the railway (a step-free bridge alternative is unconfirmed). The pavement at the top of White Lion Brow has three steps and an awkward junction.

Lunch: A cafe and toilets in Queen's Park.

Documented by Slow Ways — download GPX route