Walks you can reach from Mills Hill by train

Blackburn Station to Darwen Station (Lancashire)

1h direct from Mills Hill.

A largely pavement walk (around 80%) between two urban centres and passing through industrial areas and some neglected neighbourhoods with little greenery. Near the River Darwen the path can become impassable with dense scrub.

Tough: steep ascents. 7km.

Close to the River Darwen the route can be impassable with impenetrable scrub across the path, requiring a detour to rejoin further on.

Documented by Slow Ways — download GPX route

Rochdale Station to Littleborough Station (Lancashire)

8m direct from Mills Hill.

excellent views across the Pennines. A direct, mostly traffic-free canal walk: a short stretch of main road and degraded-tarmac path, then over 60% along the Rochdale Canal towpath running alongside the railway. The Sustrans path can be muddy and slightly overgrown and a few steps and a fairly steep slope lead down to the canal. Follows the Rochdale Canal and National Cycle Network Route 66. Smithy Bridge station is near the route, so it can be shortened. Clegg Hall, a restored old manor house with a row of old weavers' cottages, sits on the opposite bank.

Easy: 6km, moderate ascents.

The Sustrans path can be muddy and overgrown, so good shoes and nettle protection are advised. A few steps at the canal access point mean it is not step-free.

Littleborough is a pleasant market town with plenty of cafes.

Documented by Slow Ways — download GPX route

Salford Crescent Station to Manchester Oxford Road Station (Lancashire)

30m direct from Mills Hill.

A largely off-road, well-paved city walk through Peel Park and a lengthy stretch following the River Irwell, before climbing into central Manchester via ginnels, squares and pedestrianised streets. Surfaces are tarmac or tightly packed throughout and but several flights of steps make it a foot-only route. Heron and cormorant can be seen along the Irwell. Peel Park is claimed to be the world's first public park.

0km.

Multiple flights of steps. Some passages (notably the gated, glass-atrium passage near the Central Library) are closed at night, so it's best done in daylight. Continual city-centre building works can impede progress.

Documented by Slow Ways — download GPX route

Bolton Station to Farnworth Station (Lancashire)

30m direct from Mills Hill.

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

Swinton (Manchester) Station to Salford Crescent Station (Lancashire)

30m direct from Mills Hill.

A largely green urban route on pavements, paved paths, alleyways and park tracks, all on hard surfaces. Steers away from the busier roads where possible and using safe underpasses to cross the A580. Includes a pleasant stretch through Buile Hill Park.

6km.

Take care crossing Wellington Road, where sight lines along Swinton Hall Road are blocked by a house on the corner.

Documented by Slow Ways — download GPX route

Eccles Station to Salford Crescent Station (Lancashire)

30m direct from Mills Hill.

A decent urban route, mostly on pavement past shops, with a gradual uphill section and a stretch through Buile Hill Park on wide tarmac paths. Generally accessible and though pavement parking and informal crossings can hamper passage.

Easy: 5km, moderate ascents.

Lunch: Many shops along the way.

Documented by Slow Ways — download GPX route

Lostock Station to Bolton Station (Lancashire)

30m direct from Mills Hill.

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

Entwistle Station Circular via Turton Tower (Lancashire)

45m direct from Mills Hill.

West Pennine Moors circular on the Witton Weavers Way, past a string of reservoirs, into the steep-sided Turton Bottoms valley and Grade I-listed Turton Tower. Rich in industrial heritage and birdlife.

13km.

A few short steep ascents.

Highlights: Turton Tower (A Grade I-listed manor house built around a medieval peel tower).

Documented by Community Rail Lancashire (PDF).

Darwen Station Circular via Darwen Jubilee Tower (Lancashire)

1h direct from Mills Hill.

Short, steep moorland circular climbing to the 1897 Darwen Jubilee Tower, with views to Pendle, the Bowland Fells, the Fylde coast and Lakeland hills, through Sunnyhurst Woods past the India Mill Chimney.

3km.

Short but steep in places.

Highlights: Darwen Jubilee Tower (A hilltop tower of 1897 commanding views over the West Pennine Moors to Pendle and the Fylde coast).

Documented by Community Rail Lancashire (PDF).