Get your walking shoes and boots on for a series of wonderful walks around the Borough’s beautiful countryside during the West Lancashire Walking Festival.


West Lancashire Borough Council Parks and Countryside Ranger Service works alongside walk leaders from different organisations to provide routes that cover as much of West Lancashire as possible. All the walks are free and there is something to suit all abilities, from short themed walks on which walkers can learn more about the local countryside to long-distance rambles.

Councillor Yvonne Gagen, portfolio holder for Leisure, said: “There are some lovely trips planned for the West Lancashire Walking Festival so come and join in. You will see some beautiful countryside and parts of the borough you may never have seen before.”

The festival calendar begins on Saturday 29 July with the eight-mile Beacon Canal Loop walk, which starts from Beacon Country Park Visitor Centre at 10am. A seven-mile Tarleton Circular walk takes place the following day (Sunday 30 July), starting from Tarleton Library at Mark Square at 10am.

Then on Wednesday 2 August, there is a short walk of between one and two miles around Mere Sands Wood with a talk on the reserve, its history and local wildlife, starting from its Visitor Centre at 2pm. People taking part in this walk should note there is £2 parking charge to park at the reserve car park.

Other walks take in countryside across Burscough, Dalton, Halsall, Lathom and other parts of the borough. The final event is the six-mile Clieves Hill Loop on Monday 28 August, which starts from the Coronation Park Bowling Pavilion at 10am.

Visit www.westlancs.gov.uk/walkingfestival for the full list of festival walks. You can find out more by calling the rangers on 01695 622794, or emailing beacon.park@westlancs.gov.uk.

There is no need to book for any of the walks, but please turn up to the meeting point 10 minutes before the walk you are joining is due to start so it can set off on time.

Walks are open to all but anyone under the age of 14 should be accompanied by an adult aged 18 or older. Please ensure that you wear clothing and footwear to walk through uneven/countryside terrain. Longer walks – seven miles plus – will have a scheduled lunch stop and you will require a packed lunch. It is good practice to carry a drink with you on all walks.
Dogs are not allowed on the Martin Mere walk, but are welcome on the other walks. In the case of inclement weather please check with the rangers if individual walks are going ahead.

For more information about volunteering opportunities with the Parks and Countryside Ranger Service please email beacon.park@westlancs.gov.uk or phone 01695 622794. You can also follow the Rangers on Twitter @WLBC_Rangers or visit the www.facebook.com/wlbc.rangers.