Walks you can reach from St Annes-on-the-Sea by train

A route using quiet roads (with pavements until past Treales) for the first third and the Lancaster Canal towpath for most of the rest and generally very pleasant though the first canal section can be very muddy after rain. A flight of shallow steps down to the towpath; the canal becomes more urban approaching Preston. Passes the entrance to the Millennium Ribble Link, a canalised river opened in 2002 connecting the Lancaster Canal to the River Ribble; detour possible at Haslam Park.

Time: 3h30–7h30

2 lunch spots: the Hand and Dagger, or the Final Whistle cafe

Warnings: The first stretch of the canal path can be very muddy after rain. The first half of the canal is within the emergency zone for the Westinghouse nuclear fuel works (test siren on the first Tuesday of certain months).

Walk details: Slow Ways.

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.

Time: 5h30–10h30

Walk details: Slow Ways.

Time: 4h–8h

Walk details: Slow Ways.

A varied route through parks and woods between Blackpool and Staining, then farm tracks and field paths parallel to the railway, with some long grass and parallel cycle paths that can confuse. Avoids a fast and narrow pavement-less road between Weeton and Wesham. Passes through Stanley Park, with its Art Deco cafe building; woods carpeted with wild garlic in spring; Staining lies about a third of the way along.

Time: 4h–8h30

Lunch: Staining, about a third of the way, has a pub and a convenience shop.

Walk details: Slow Ways.