Attractions and Places To See around Catterall - Top 20
Best attractions and places to see around Catterall include a blend of historical landmarks, natural beauty, and local points of interest. This Lancashire village is situated on the banks of the River Wyre, offering picturesque countryside. The area features significant natural landscapes, including lowland raised bogs and hills with expansive views. Visitors can explore a variety of sites, from ancient churches to canal systems and nature reserves.
Best attractions and places to see around Catterall
- The most popular attractions is Nicky Nook Summit, a viewpoint and summit. This 215-meter-high hill on the western side of the Forest of Bowland offers expansive views towards the sea, Fleetwood, and Blackpool from its summit.
- Another must-see spot is Ribble Link Staircase Locks and Holding Basin, a river and man-made structure. This impressive series of locks connects the Lancaster Canal to the River Ribble, allowing boats to navigate between the canal and tidal waters.
- Visitors also love Haslam Park Nature Reserve, a nature reserve and trail. This diverse area features grassland, river, and forest habitats, with walking and cycling paths accessible from the Lancaster Canal.
- Catterall is known for its historical landmarks, natural features, and walking and cycling routes. The area offers a variety of attractions to see and explore, from Grade II listed buildings to significant natural sites.
- The attractions around Catterall are appreciated by the komoot community, with more than 80 upvotes and 10 photos shared by visitors.
Last updated: June 20, 2026
Cartford Toll Bridge
Highlight • Bridge
Tip by
Ribble Link Staircase Locks and Holding Basin
Highlight • River
Tip1
If you see only Tip1, open this highlight using the link:
komoot.com/highlight/3843027
Some suggestions below in Tip2.
The Ribble Link Staircase is visited by several Komoot tours - for example, check out these links:
komoot.com/tour/610244459
komoot.com/tour/1118780163
Take care with children at all points near the holding basin and staircase locks.
The locks join the Lancaster Canal to the start of the river navigation along Savick Brook, which flows three locks below at the bottom of the staircase.
To view the photos alongside these descriptions, use a split-screen.
Photos 1 and 2: the holding basin, taken from a new bridge that carries the Lancaster Canal 'towpath' over a short channel. That channel branches off the canal and widens into the holding basin at the top lock, with moorings for boats waiting to descend the staircase and continue along the brook to the River Ribble.
Photo 3: looking from the basin towards the towpath bridge and the canal, just visible under the bridge.
Photo 4: looking across the holding basin to the top lock.
The Ribble Link Navigation follows the course of Savick Brook west towards the north bank of the Ribble, where the brook passes through the sea lock and into its tidal waters to join the Ribble.
Departure down the staircase to the Ribble is only possible when the tide is right. It's timed so that boats arrive at the junction of Savick Brook with the Ribble near high tide.
Photo 5: two boats descending - the canal boat is reversing down the staircase to avoid a U-turn in Savick Brook.
Photo 6: at the bottom lock the boat is reversing into the Savick Brook winding hole - too narrow for a long boat to turn. It then moves forward and turns slightly left to continue on along the brook.
Photo 7: the raised walkway that follows Savick Brook under the railway bridge. Low bridge - mind your head.
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Haslam Park Nature Reserve
Highlight • Trail
Photo-Guide or Satnav through the Nature Reserve to Cottam Lane - Walk or 10min Cycle
The 3rd photo, P3, shows this highlight's location, red 2, beside Lancaster Canal bridge 15.
If you see only Tip1 open:
komoot.com/highlight/4114660
Despite the above "Cycling not permitted at this location", photo P4, taken from this location, shows a cycle path, a Haslam Park/Nature Reserve sign and a blue-bike sign.
Visitors to the park can include the Nature Reserve route in a walk or cycle. Parking at Cottam Lane and Bristow Avenue park entrances. Link:
komoot.com/highlight/4092174
You can use the route through the reserve as a detour from a Komoot tour that passes close to the park - e. g. via the canal towpath. Join the detour at the highlight location. The detour route ends near the Cottam Lane park entrance. Then rejoin your tour. See Tip2.
The P3 map shows part of a tour (blue route) that includes the photo-guide route through the reserve. If needed, satnav is provided along the detour by that tour, link:
komoot.com/tour/610244459
See Tips 2 to 4 below.
Route Description - Photo-Guide
View in split-screen (Tip6) or 2 screens to see photos alongside the description of the route through the reserve. Best to view photos in the Komoot app.
From the start, blue-bike sign P4, Highlight2 on P3, follow the gravel path - 20 paces. Fork right (P5) onto the off-grid path, hedge on right. In 30 paces go through gap in hedge (P6). Take care - safer to dismount and you may encounter a walker/cyclist approaching the gap. Follow path NW then W. Cycle times based on continuous cycling.
1 min - W to SW - group of trees straight ahead (P7). Continue straight on, W then S between points 5 and 6, on brown, off-grid path (P8 - top of map is west). If using satnav it may instruct to turn left onto blue, on-grid path - ignore it.
Path turns S - group of trees close (P9).
2.5 min - go south (P10). If using satnav, an instruction to turn right, back on-grid. Turn right (W) near the trees to bank of brook, then S and E around edge of field - brook on right.
3.5 min - path more distinct - maybe muddy (P11).
4.5 min - T-junction (P12). Turn right across bridge. No barrier- take care (P13). Turn right. Path divides (P14) - take right fork.
A feint path goes to hedge on left to Cottam Lane (P15).
6 min - P16 looks back through hedge.
Go right in Cottam Lane if you plan to join the canal at bridge 16.
See Tips 2 to 4 for options.
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Nicky Nook Summit
Highlight • Viewpoint
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The Barn, Scorton
Highlight • Cafe
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Tips from the Community
Cartford Bridge is a single-track toll bridge in the English county of Lancashire. Built in 1831, it spans the River Wyre, connecting Little Eccleston-with-Larbreck, in the Borough of Fylde, on the southern side of the river, to Out Rawcliffe, in the Borough of Wyre, on its northern side (known locally as "Over Wyre"), carrying both automotive and pedestrian traffic of Cartford Lane. The tolls are £1 for vehicles exceeding five tonnes, 70p for vehicles exceeding two tonnes, 60p for motorised vehicles not exceeding two tonnes, and 20p for two-wheeled vehicles.
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At the summit of Nicky Nook, runners are rewarded with panoramic views of the surrounding countryside. On a clear day, it is possible to see across the Forest of Bowland and even catch glimpses of the distant Lake District and Morecambe Bay.
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Cartford bridge is a great crossing point from Great Eccleston to the Over Wyre coast
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Bike racks to store bikes with indoor and outdoor seating options. Gets very busy.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What historical landmarks can I explore around Catterall?
Catterall boasts several historical sites reflecting its rich past. You can visit the 14th-century St. Helen's Church, a Grade II listed building, or see the Catterall Cross with its medieval base. The mid-18th century Catterall Hall Farmhouse is another Grade II listed building. Don't miss the Cartford Toll Bridge, a notable local landmark, and the historic Lancaster Canal, which features several listed bridges and an aqueduct.
Where can I find natural beauty and wildlife near Catterall?
The area around Catterall is rich in natural beauty. The village is situated on the banks of the River Wyre, offering picturesque countryside. For unique ecosystems, explore the Garstang and Catterall Mosses Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI), a lowland raised bog with a boardwalk trail. You can also visit Haslam Park Nature Reserve, which features diverse grassland, river, and forest habitats.
Are there good viewpoints or scenic spots in the Catterall area?
Absolutely! For expansive views, head to Nicky Nook Summit. This 215-meter-high hill offers panoramic vistas towards the sea, Fleetwood, and Blackpool. On a clear day, you might even catch glimpses of the distant Lake District and Morecambe Bay.
What kind of outdoor activities, like hiking or cycling, are available?
Catterall and its surroundings offer numerous routes for walking and cycling. You can explore paths along the Lancaster Canal or venture further afield. For hiking, consider routes like the 'Nicky Nook Summit – Grizedale Reservoir loop from Garstang'. Cyclists might enjoy the 'Lancaster Canal Towpath – Haslam Park Nature Reserve loop from St Helen's'. You can find more options for hiking at Hiking around Catterall and for cycling at Cycling around Catterall.
Are there any family-friendly attractions or activities in Catterall?
Yes, several attractions are suitable for families. The Cartford Toll Bridge is considered family-friendly, as is Haslam Park Nature Reserve with its walking and cycling paths. The nearby The Barn, Scorton, is a popular cafe and restaurant with facilities that cater to families.
What are the best places to go for a walk or hike near Catterall?
Beyond the popular Nicky Nook Summit, you can enjoy walks along the Lancaster Canal. The Garstang and Catterall Mosses SSSI offers a unique boardwalk trail through lowland raised bogs. For more structured routes, explore the 'Boats on the Canal – Dannie's Deli loop from Garstang' or the 'View of Greenhalgh Castle – The Roasting Joint loop from Garstang'. Find more hiking routes at Hiking around Catterall.
Where can I find amenities like cafes or restaurants near Catterall's attractions?
A popular spot for refreshments is The Barn, Scorton, which is a favorite among local cyclists and offers plenty of indoor and outdoor seating, along with great cake and coffee. There are also other cafes and pubs in the surrounding villages.
What is the Ribble Link and can I visit it?
The Ribble Link Staircase Locks and Holding Basin is an impressive series of locks that connects the Lancaster Canal to the River Ribble. It allows boats to navigate between the canal and tidal waters. It's worth stopping here to look around and observe the engineering, though care should be taken with children near the holding basin and locks.
Are there any mountain biking trails near Catterall?
Yes, there are mountain biking opportunities in the vicinity. Routes such as the 'Grizedale Reservoir – Scorton Climb loop from Kirkland' and the 'Owd Nell's Tavern – Beacon Fell loop from Broughton' offer moderate challenges. You can discover more MTB trails and their details at MTB Trails around Catterall.
What do visitors enjoy most about the attractions around Catterall?
Visitors particularly appreciate the diverse range of experiences, from the panoramic views at Nicky Nook Summit to the unique engineering of the Ribble Link Staircase Locks. The natural beauty of places like Haslam Park Nature Reserve and the welcoming atmosphere of local spots like The Barn, Scorton are frequently highlighted. The community also enjoys the numerous walking and cycling routes available.
What other nature reserves or parks are accessible from Catterall?
Beyond Haslam Park Nature Reserve, you can explore the Wyre Estuary Country Park for more natural environments. Beacon Fell Country Park, with its extensive woods and moorland, is also a popular choice for outdoor enthusiasts. Brockholes Nature Reserve, known for its floating visitor village and diverse wildlife trails, is another excellent option nearby.
What is the best time of year to visit Catterall for outdoor activities?
While Catterall offers attractions year-round, the spring and summer months (April to September) are generally ideal for outdoor activities like hiking and cycling, thanks to milder weather and longer daylight hours. Autumn also brings beautiful foliage. Some community events, like a summer fete and Christmas market, occur seasonally, adding to the local charm.
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Most popular attractions around Catterall
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