Walks you can reach from Smithy Bridge by train
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Blackburn Station to Rishton Station (Lancashire)
45m direct from Smithy Bridge.
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
Todmorden Station to Hebden Bridge Station (Lancashire)
15m direct from Smithy Bridge.
A very enjoyable, direct and straightforward canal walk, almost entirely along the Rochdale Canal towpath following national cycle route 66. The terrain is nearly all level with a mostly gravel surface, though bridges and slopes past locks have cobbles and canal overflows run over cobbles across the towpath in several places. Tree cover gives a green-tunnel feel. Follows national cycle route 66 along the Rochdale Canal. Canalside interest: locks, houseboats, mileposts and stone bridges.
Easy: 7km, moderate ascents.
Canal overflows run over cobbles across the towpath in several places, with a raised plank alongside to keep feet dry.
Lunch: Refreshment opportunities along the canalside towards Hebden Bridge.
Documented by Slow Ways — download GPX route
Littleborough Station to Marsden Station (Lancashire)
3m direct from Smithy Bridge.
Tough: steep ascents. 16km.
Documented by Slow Ways — download GPX route
Blackburn Station to Whalley Station (Lancashire)
45m direct from Smithy Bridge.
A wheel-friendly route on good surfaces through the centre and suburbs of Blackburn, where cars often park partly on the pavement and opening into more interesting countryside with improving views after Ramsgreave & Wilpshire. Passes Ramsgreave & Wilpshire and Langho stations, useful for doing only part of the walk; also served by several buses.
11km.
Take care crossing Ribchester Road near the Wilpshire Hotel, where a sweeping filter lane carries traffic at speed.
Documented by Slow Ways — download GPX route
Todmorden Station to Littleborough Station (Lancashire)
3m direct from Smithy Bridge.
The scenery was very pretty. Almost entirely along the Rochdale Canal towpath, crossing the Pennine summit, on pretty Millstone Grit bridges and lock walls. The towpath has puddles and a few cobbled, cambered or planked sections, plus a wooded and muddy final stretch to Todmorden station. Follows the Rochdale Canal (including its summit) and is part of the National Cycle Network. Waterfalls tumble down the hills either side of the canal; an air vent for the railway Summit Tunnel can be spotted.
Easy: 9km, moderate ascents.
One tricky stretch of towpath under the A58 Halifax Road and up the side of Durn Lock is cambered, sloping and cobbled. The wooded final section to Todmorden station can be muddy with planks across it.
Lunch stop: the Summit Inn.
Documented by Slow Ways — download GPX route
Hindley Station to Atherton Station (Lancashire)
45m direct from Smithy Bridge.
A fairly direct route along a quiet road with fields on one side, then footpaths through woods and across fields, with a cut through Central Park towards the finish. Some sections off-road can be overgrown and one footpath surfaced with broken roof tiles. Finishes at St John's Church, Atherton.
7km.
A blind bend when crossing Coupland Road from the south; one short footpath was so overgrown it was easier to stay on the road.
Documented by Slow Ways — download GPX route
Bamber Bridge Station to Blackburn Station (Lancashire)
45m direct from Smithy Bridge.
some spectacular scenery through Hoghton and Pleasington. A mostly picturesque and enjoyable route with wide views across Lancashire's hills, including a gorgeous descent to Hoghton Bottoms and a section through Witton Country Park. Fields can be very waterlogged and parts (especially around gates) exceptionally muddy after wet weather; a mossy ford and stepping stones to cross and plus some steep sections and two railway level crossings. Includes a 1.5km detour to use the next footbridge after the collapsed bridge over the River Darwen at Hoghton Bottoms; passes through Witton Country Park.
16km. Moderate ascents.
Two railway level crossings (at Gregson Lane and Hoghton); careful navigation needed through the fields at Gregson Lane. The road at Butler's Bridge can be very busy (a playing field alongside avoids it). Some steep sections. Can be muddy.
Documented by Slow Ways — download GPX route
Preston Station to Blackburn Station (Lancashire)
45m direct from Smithy Bridge.
A long route with a very enjoyable, good-surfaced opening section to Bamber Bridge and with a minor road to cross and a narrow 62 cm gap. Avenham Park near the start has free toilets.
20km.
Documented by Slow Ways — download GPX route
Blackburn Station to Darwen Station (Lancashire)
45m direct from Smithy Bridge.
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
Church and Oswaldtwistle Station to Accrington Station (Lancashire)
45m direct from Smithy Bridge.
A short, direct and predominantly off-road walk along the Hyndburn Greenway, a tree-covered former railway track bed (part of National Cycle Route 6) following the train line. Even, good-condition surface with lighting; some noticeable gradients joining and leaving the old railway formation and but no restrictive barriers. A short graffitied underpass passes below the active railway.
2km.
Documented by Slow Ways — download GPX route
Kearsley Station to Swinton (Manchester) Station (Lancashire)
30m direct from Smithy Bridge.
a magnificent view from meccano bridge at Nob End. A great walk that winds downhill from Swinton into a lush country park created from former mining land, contrasting natural beauty with industrial monoliths and past a lake and marina. There is one short steep climb to a fine viewpoint near the end. Starts near the birthplace of L S Lowry. The route can be extended to Ringley to see the bridge and the River Irwell, and to Nob End for the viewpoint.
Easy: 6km, moderate ascents.
A field on the route often contains horses; an alternative around it is suggested. Part of the published route uses a private road.
Lunch: A cafe at Clifton Country Park, mid-route.
End-of-walk reward: the Horseshoe.
Documented by Slow Ways — download GPX route
Salford Crescent Station to Manchester Oxford Road Station (Lancashire)
30m direct from Smithy Bridge.
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.