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United Kingdom
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North West England

Bolton

Easy hikes and walks around Bolton

4.6

(461)

5,968

hikers

248

hikes

Hiking around Bolton offers access to varied landscapes, including the West Pennine Moors, which provide a backdrop of hills, reservoirs, and wooded valleys. The area features a mix of relatively flat terrain around the River Croal and more elevated sections leading to prominent hills like Rivington Pike. This geological diversity creates a range of easy hiking trails suitable for different preferences.

Best easy hiking trails around Bolton

  • The most popular easy hiking route is The Cakery Horsebox Café – Two Lads' Cairn loop from Barrow Bridge, a 4.2 miles (6.7 km) trail that takes 1 hour 55 minutes to complete. This route features a climb to Two Lads' Cairn and offers views of the surrounding moorland.
  • Another top favourite among local hikers is Seven Arched Bridge – Rivington Pike Tower loop from Horwich, an easy 4.2 miles (6.7 km) path. This trail includes landmarks such as the Seven Arched Bridge and the historic Rivington Pike Tower.
  • Local hikers also love the Liverpool Castle Replica Ruins – Lower Rivington Reservoir loop from Horwich, a 4.1 miles (6.5 km) trail leading through reservoir scenery and past the Liverpool Castle Replica Ruins, often completed in about 1 hour 43 minutes.
  • Hiking around Bolton is defined by its moorland hills, tranquil reservoirs, and wooded valleys. The network of easy hiking trails offers options for various ability levels, from short walks to longer loops.
  • The routes in Bolton are highly rated by the komoot community with an average score of 4.7 stars from over 400 reviews. More than 4000 hikers have used komoot to explore Bolton's varied terrain.

Last updated: June 30, 2026

4.6

(11)

122

hikers

#1.

The Cakery Horsebox Café – Two Lads' Cairn loop from Barrow Bridge

6.69km

01:55

170m

170m

Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.

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Easy

Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.

Easy
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Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.

Easy

4.0

(3)

83

hikers

Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.

Easy

Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.

Easy

Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.

Easy

5.0

(1)

29

hikers

Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.

Easy

Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.

Easy

Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.

Easy

4.8

(4)

22

hikers

Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.

Easy
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Popular around Bolton

Easy hikes around Horwich

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Tips from the Community

Jessica Mather
July 3, 2026, View from the Pike

Rivington Pike with lovely views, steep steps on one side but the tracks round the back are less steep.

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Always quieter than Rivington Pike with great views.

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Had an amazing cloud inversion on my visit

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Dean Mills Reservoir - Wikipedia https://share.google/xcJfmFDcgXvXptnbF

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Wes Fortune
December 7, 2025, Mackie's Stumble

Can be slippy

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An amazing area even when covered in snow

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Komoot recommends this hike; so do I. There are quite a few twists and turns on this route, but it passes by quite a few interesting places, such as the Lever Bridge, the Japanese garden, the Pigeon Tower and the Rivington Pike, apart from the lovely scenery and remnants of Lever’s old bungalow.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What kind of terrain can I expect on easy hiking trails around Bolton?

Easy hiking trails around Bolton offer a mix of landscapes. You'll find relatively flat paths along the River Croal, as well as more elevated sections leading to hills within the West Pennine Moors. The area features sparkling reservoirs, peaceful wooded valleys, and open moorland, providing varied scenery without extreme difficulty.

Are there any easy circular walks recommended in Bolton?

Yes, Bolton offers several easy circular walks. For example, the Bradshaw Brook Weir – Jumbles Reservoir loop from Bromley Cross is a pleasant option. Another is the Old Railway Path loop from Blackrod, which follows a former railway line.

What natural features can I see on easy hikes near Bolton?

The easy hikes around Bolton often feature the natural beauty of the West Pennine Moors. You can expect to see tranquil reservoirs, such as those on the Liverpool Castle Replica Ruins – Lower Rivington Reservoir loop from Horwich, and peaceful wooded valleys. The moorland also offers expansive views and unique geological formations.

Are there any family-friendly easy hikes in Bolton?

Many of the easy trails around Bolton are suitable for families. Routes that explore the reservoir areas or wooded valleys tend to be particularly good for all ages. The The Fairy Door, Borsdane Woods – Borsdane Wood loop from Borsdane Wood is a charming option that can be enjoyable for families.

Can I bring my dog on easy hiking trails in Bolton?

Most easy hiking trails around Bolton are dog-friendly, especially those in the West Pennine Moors and around the reservoirs. It's always recommended to keep dogs on a lead, particularly near livestock or in nature conservation areas. The Seagulls at Crompton Lodges – Nob End loop from Moses Gate offers open spaces suitable for walks with your dog.

What landmarks or points of interest can I find along easy hiking routes?

Easy hiking routes around Bolton offer several interesting landmarks. You can visit the historic Two Lads' Cairn, which offers panoramic views, or explore the Cheetham Close Trig Point and Stone Circle. Some routes also pass by unique structures like the Seven Arched Bridge or the Liverpool Castle Replica Ruins.

Are there cafes or pubs near the easy hiking trails in Bolton?

Yes, you can find places to refresh near some easy hiking trails. For instance, the The Cakery Horsebox Café – Two Lads' Cairn loop from Barrow Bridge starts near a cafe. The area around Rivington also has options for refreshments after your walk, such as The Pike Snack Shack.

What is the average duration for easy hikes in Bolton?

Most easy hikes in Bolton typically range from 1.5 to 2.5 hours to complete. For example, the Liverpool Castle Replica Ruins – Lower Rivington Reservoir loop from Horwich takes approximately 1 hour 43 minutes, while the The Cakery Horsebox Café – Two Lads' Cairn loop from Barrow Bridge is about 1 hour 55 minutes.

What do other hikers enjoy most about the easy trails in Bolton?

The easy trails in Bolton are highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.7 stars. Hikers often praise the varied landscapes, from tranquil reservoirs to open moorland, and the well-maintained paths. The accessibility to natural beauty and the presence of interesting landmarks are also frequently highlighted.

Are there easy hikes that offer good viewpoints around Bolton?

Absolutely. Many easy hikes in the region lead to elevated spots offering excellent views. The Two Lads Cairns – Two Lads' Cairn loop from Horwich, for instance, takes you to Two Lads' Cairn, a prominent viewpoint with expansive vistas of the surrounding moorland.

How many easy hiking trails are available around Bolton?

There are over 120 easy hiking trails available around Bolton, offering a wide variety of routes to explore the region's diverse landscapes, from moorland hills to tranquil reservoirs and wooded valleys.

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