Best walks from Rishton

Blackburn Station to Rishton Station

A largely urban route that is mostly along the canal towpath, avoiding a nasty motorway roundabout. The towpath is gravel or degraded tarmac with a couple of uneven patches; there are some interesting old mills and but a lot of pylons and nearby roads. Some interesting old mills along the towpath. Dragonflies and a weasel were seen.

7km.

There are cycle barriers and a couple of uneven patches on the towpath. Leaving the towpath in Blackburn involves an unavoidable kerb and a cobblestone roadway.

Lunch: A cafe at Home Bargains in the retail park near the midpoint (accessed via steps).

Documented by Slow Ways — download GPX route

Rishton Station to Church and Oswaldtwistle Station

A short, pleasant route that leaves the residential edges of the towns to join the Leeds & Liverpool Canal, with a very good and well-drained tarmac towpath and expansive views east towards Pendle Hill. The constant drone of the M65 motorway is ever-present along the canal. The towpath crosses the Dunkenhalgh Aqueduct over the M65.

Easy: 2km, moderate ascents.

A barrier and slope at the canal bridge, plus width-restricted barriers along the route.

Lunch stop: Canal View Cafe.

Documented by Slow Ways — download GPX route