The Tolkien Trail from Hurst Green loop – Forest of Bowland

Hiking trails & Routes

Aighton, Bailey And Chaigley

The Tolkien Trail from Hurst Green loop – Forest of Bowland

Moderate

4.8

(315)

1,891

hikers

The Tolkien Trail from Hurst Green loop – Forest of Bowland

02:52

10.7km

130m

Hiking

Embark on a moderate hike through the picturesque Forest of Bowland on the Tolkien Trail from Hurst Green. This 6.6 miles (10.7 km) loop takes you along undulating farmland, through lush woodlands, and beside the Rivers Ribble, Hodder, and Calder. You will gain 422 feet (129 metres) in elevation over…

Last updated: April 23, 2026

Tips

Your route passes through protected areas

Please check local regulations for:

Forest of Bowland AONB

Waypoints

Start point

Parking

Get Directions

1.40 km

Stonyhurst College

Highlight • Historical Site

Stonyhurst is known for its historic and architecturally significant buildings. The main building, Stonyhurst Hall, dates back to the 16th century and is an impressive structure with a rich history.

Tip by

4.27 km

Cromwell's Bridge Over the River Hodder

Highlight • Historical Site

This ancient crossing over the River Hodder is named after Oliver Cromwell, who, in 1648, lead his army across it on the way to the Battle of Preston. Today, it …

Tip by

5.68 km

Winkley Piggeries

Highlight • Settlement

Keep an eye out for the animals on this working farm, along the Tolkien Trail.

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7.22 km

Confluence of the Rivers Calder and Ribble

Highlight • Natural Monument

This is the confluence of two of Lancashire's great rivers, the Ribble and the Calder. From here, the Ribble flows out to the Irish Sea at the Ribble Estuary beyond …

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8.59 km

Cross Gills Cross

Highlight • Historical Site

Just off the Ribble Way, The base of the cross dates to the early Christian period and was originally sited to the north of Cross Gills Farm. It was moved …

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9.59 km

Blackburn Corporation Aqueduct over the River Ribble

Highlight • Historical Site

Crafted in the 1880s by the Blackburn Corporation, this elegant stone aqueduct served as a conduit for water sourced from Whitewell.

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10.4 km

Shireburn Arms Pub & Tolkien Trail Start

Highlight • Trail

The Shireburn Arms is a gorgeous, characterful pub in the picturesque village of Hurst Green. Set in prime walking country, there's plenty to see in the surrounding area, from beautiful …

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10.7 km

End point

Parking

Way Types & Surfaces

Way Types

4.87 km

3.68 km

1.28 km

860 m

Surfaces

7.79 km

2.08 km

460 m

357 m

Elevation

Nothing selected – click and drag below to see the stats for a specific part of the route.

Weather

Thursday 22 October

11°C

6°C

95 %

Additional weather tips

Max wind speed: 35.0 km/h

to get more detailed weather forecasts along your route

Comments

May 12, 2024,Lancashire - Tolkien Trail (Group Walk)

A walk with my walking group - Mindfulness On The Move.

Note: Stonyhurst College is private land, you will more than likely be asked to leave the gardens. Be polite and agree to leave.

May 17, 2025,The Tolkien Trail

Lovely walk with friends in the Ribble Valley. By the River Ribble and Hodder. Tolkien spent a lot of time writing his epic novels here and some of the scenery certainly reminds me of the Shire. Plenty of sand martins, herons, egrets, lapwings and oyster catchers. Can definitely recommend it.

August 5, 2024,The Tolkien Trail from Hurst Green loop – Forest of Bowland AONB

A very pleasant rural walk with connections to "the Lord of the Rings"

March 30, 2024,The Tolkien Trail part 1

It's rare I venture north these days, but when I do, I'm reminded of why I enjoyed growing up in this area so much. I spent the first 25 years of my life in the Ribble Valley and still have somehow not walked, run or ridden many of the paths.