Best walks to or from Whalley

Whalley Station to Clitheroe Station

impressive views; a lovely view towards Great Mitton. A pleasant route on generally good path surfaces, dropping down to the River Ribble and the Ribble Way and then crossing fields with some muddy patches towards a viaduct and into Whalley. Mostly clear footpaths with narrow bridges and tight kissing gates; some tree roots cross the path. Follows the Ribble Way for part of the route. A Snack Shed honesty cafe at Shuttleworth Farm takes cash or contactless. Toilets in the park at the Clitheroe end. Excellent shops, pubs and cafes at both ends.

9km.

A brief stretch on the B6243 Edisford Road can be busy; use the pedestrian crossing. Some fields are very muddy after rain.

Lunch: An honesty Snack Shed cafe at Shuttleworth Farm where the route leaves the Ribble Way (cash or contactless).

Documented by Slow Ways — download GPX route

Blackburn Station to Whalley Station

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

Whalley Station Circular via Whalley Viaduct

River Calder circular contrasting two viaducts: the 48-arch brick Whalley Viaduct and the disused ten-arch stone Martholme Viaduct, near the historic village of Whalley with its parish church and abbey ruins.

9km.

Highlights: Whalley Viaduct (A 48-arch brick railway viaduct striding across the Calder valley) and Whalley Abbey (The ruins of a 14th-century Cistercian abbey beside the River Calder).

Documented by Community Rail Lancashire (PDF).