Hoghton Gorge and the Leeds and Liverpool Canal

Barry Smith

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This walk takes you around the outside of Hoghton Towers Estate and partly on it, through one of the most impressive gorges in Lancashire and over some beautiful countryside. By river and canal, woods and fields, it has something for everyone and every level of fitness. The wildlife is fantastic, particularly the birds; do not forget your camera. There are three pubs on the walk: The Royal Oak, The Boar's Head and The Boatyard. You can start or finish at any one of them, they all provide excellent repast and comfort and are open all year round, although not all are open every day!

England - North England - Lancashire - River Walk

Features

Birds, Great Views, Pub, River, Toilets, Wildlife

4/25/2021 - Barry Smith

Francine Sagar Thank you for the comments! The Boatyard burned down a little while ago unfortunately, so use the bridge as the landmark, do the 'U Turn' 30 mtrs before the bridge on the A675.

4/23/2021 - Francine Sagar

NB: We were asked by locals to park on the road rather than part-block the pavement. Ideal walk for a dry day - today it was perfect, with splendid views. Do watch out for the 'sharp right' at point 14: we couldn't see the Boatyard pub (if it still exists?) and the signs have all disappeared; the turning is almost a U-turn rather than a right! Dogs who can handle a wide variety of stiles will enjoy this walk, but preferably on a lead due to sheep and wildlife!

7/5/2018 - Barry Smith

Thank you Nicola for the report, I am very pleased you liked the walk! I have edited the text to take future walkers on the shorter route until (if/when) the bridge is repaired. The little hamlet of Houghton Bottoms is still worth the short walk around the corner, stop on the bridge to see the trout in the river and maybe have a little drink break or you packed lunch!

7/4/2018 - Nicola Howarth

The bridge has now gone all together. We retraced our steps to the shorter route to access under the viaduct. This was before attempting several times to cross the river?? Beautiful walk! Thankyou

8/25/2016 - Paul and Tracy Dawson

Superb varied walk, though definitely muddy in places. Going through the gorge was a joy, care must be taken though as it is slippery in places! There's some water power under the viaduct! The bridge at point 6, as mentioned in the earlier comment, is still damaged though we walked across it as it's not obvious that it's closed on the direction the walk takes, it's up to you! :-) We made a height gain of 750ft? though nice and flat walking by the canal. Walk details fine, some stiles/ladder stiles and gates changed or broken or replaced.

5/31/2016 - Marie Eperson

Please note that the bridge at point 6 is damaged and cannot be used. There is a ford just downstream if you don't mind getting you feet wet.

7/21/2010 - Adrian Perkins

Our thanks to Chris Baines for his update for this walk. Adrian (Admin)

7/21/2010 - Chris Baines

Just completed this walk in summer, and the only significant mud was at waymark 6 as described. Otherwise a really enjoyable walk. It seems that the British Waterways sign and footpath sign have now been removed at waymark 14, but if you take the path at the end of the fence you should be fine.

2/11/2007 - John Lever

11/02/07 John Lever. Excellent walk well signed throughout. Shows what Lancashire has to offer. But the walk would be better done in the Spring/Summer (very muddy today).

4/2/2004 - Michael and Marian Vaughn

Marian Vaughn - Having two phobias - heights and water - I might not have started this had I read the complete walk first - see Waymark 9!! However, I did it and what a sense of achievement!! Right about the mud but beautiful walk - must do it again in good weather.

5/11/2003 - Bob Jackson

Point 11 - The White building has been demolished, but the picture and bus stop details make the path easy to find.