The best walks and hikes around Altham
4.4
(1738)
13,350
hikers
494
hikes
Hikes around Altham explore a landscape of rolling hills, canal towpaths, and former industrial lands. The region is situated near notable features like the Leeds and Liverpool Canal and the expansive Forest of Bowland National Landscape. The terrain offers a mix of level waterside paths and more demanding ascents onto nearby hills, providing varied walking routes near Altham.
Best hiking trails around Altham
- The most popular hiking route is Coppice Trig Point β Peel Park Monument loop from Accrington, a 2.8 mile (4.4 km) trail that takes around 1 hour 15 minutes to complete. This route involves an ascent to the Coppice Trig Point and Peel Park Monument.
- Another top favourite among local hiking enthusiasts is Peel Park Monument β Hameldon Scouts loop from Accrington, a moderate 9.0 mile (14.5 km) path. The trail features significant elevation gain as it climbs towards Hameldon Hill.
- Local hiking enthusiasts also love the Hapton Castle β Huncoat Trail loop from Huncoat, a 4.6 mile (7.4 km) trail leading through local countryside, often completed in about 2 hours.
- Hiking around Altham is defined by canal towpaths, rolling Pennine foothills, and paths through reclaimed industrial heritage sites. The network of footpaths in and around Altham provides options for both short, easy walks and longer, more challenging hikes.
- The routes in Altham are highly rated by the komoot community with an average score of 4.5 stars from over 1,500 reviews. More than 13,000 hikers have used komoot to explore Altham's varied terrain.
Last updated: June 21, 2026
5.0
(2)
52
hikers
4.43km
01:18
120m
120m
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
4.0
(1)
10
hikers
10.0km
02:39
100m
100m
Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
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3.0
(1)
7
hikers
14.3km
03:57
250m
250m
Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
9
hikers
7.39km
01:56
60m
60m
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
14
hikers
4.23km
01:16
130m
130m
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
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Tips from the Community
TP5340 - Peel Park S4608 County of Lancashire Trig Pillar #921
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Peel Monument, Peel Park, Accrington β Lancashire Past https://share.google/EqA2YRXD14ncnAa5Q
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T:UK - Peel Park https://share.google/W9Dt0yMT62znOCdCL
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Here is the half way point of the Leeds/liverpool Canal. Itβs a good spot to stop and have a break.
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Trig Point provides reference points for GPS navigation systems and other modern measuring technologies. https://spacewaves.io
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Β Leeds and Liverpool canal has a new halfway marker in time and distance in East LancashireΒ to help celebrate its 200th birthday. Canal and River Trust chief executive Richard Parry rolled up his sleeves and helped install a new milepost on the waterway near Rishton.
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Follow the road to St James and you will see a cut through that has a good road to Leeds Liverpool canal. When you get back on the canal the path going back to just riding on the grass a long the canal. Wonderful in summer but muddy in winter.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Are there many hiking trails to choose from around Altham?
Yes, there's a wide variety of options. You can explore over 450 hiking routes in the Altham area, ranging from gentle canalside paths to more challenging ascents into the Pennine foothills.
What do other hikers think of the routes around Altham?
The trails in this region are highly regarded by the komoot community. With over 1,500 ratings, the routes have an average score of 4.5 out of 5 stars. Hikers often praise the mix of industrial heritage, quiet countryside, and scenic hilltop views.
Are there any good circular walks that are not too difficult?
Definitely. For a straightforward circular route, consider the Hapton Castle β Huncoat Trail loop from Huncoat. It's a pleasant walk of about 7.4 km that takes you through local countryside without too much climbing.
Can I take my dog on the trails near Altham?
Many trails in the area are suitable for dogs, but it's always best to check for local signage, especially regarding livestock. The Tolkien Trail at Hurst Green is a particularly popular choice for dog walkers as it's known to be very dog-friendly.
Are there any family-friendly walks or trails with interesting features for kids?
Yes, the Pendle Sculpture Trail in Barley is an excellent option for a family outing. It's an easy-to-follow path where children can enjoy discovering the various sculptures related to the area's history, making the walk engaging and fun.
Where can I find a good walk along the Leeds and Liverpool Canal?
The canal towpath offers fantastic opportunities for level walking. A great option is the Hiking loop from Dill Hall, which incorporates sections of the canal path for a peaceful waterside experience.
Are there any hikes with good views nearby?
For expansive views, Hameldon Hill is a great objective. It's a well-known local peak, and reaching the summit rewards you with stunning panoramic vistas across the surrounding landscape. On a clear day, the views are truly impressive.
What are some popular places for hiking in the Altham area?
Besides the individual trails, hikers are drawn to several key areas. Pendle Hill is a major landmark offering challenging climbs and historic intrigue. For vast, remote moorland, the Forest of Bowland National Landscape is a top choice. For gentler walks, the Jackhouse Nature Reserve provides well-maintained paths around a reservoir.
Are there any trails with historical significance?
Yes, the area is rich in history. Many walkers are drawn to the trails around Pendle Hill, which is famously associated with the 17th-century Lancashire witch trials. The routes here combine a good hike with a deep sense of local history and folklore.
Where can I find a pub for refreshments after a hike?
Several walks are conveniently located near local pubs. After a hike up Hameldon Hill, The Hapton Inn is a popular spot for a meal. Similarly, the area around the Tolkien Trail in Hurst Green is known for having a great pub and cafe at the start/end of the walk.
What is the terrain like for hiking around Altham?
The terrain is quite varied. You'll find flat, easy-going towpaths along the Leeds and Liverpool Canal, gentle rolling hills through farmland, and more strenuous, steep ascents onto the open moorland of nearby fells like Pendle Hill.
Are there any more challenging, longer hikes available?
Yes, for those seeking a longer day out, the Hiking loop from Hyndburn is a great moderate option. At around 10 km, it provides a more substantial challenge while exploring the local landscape.
Most popular attractions around Altham
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