Photograph by Mike Coleran
Welcome to the 2026 Garstang Walking Festival
Coordinated by the Friends of Garstang Walking Festival and supported by Wyre Council.
With over 40 walks for all ages and abilities, the festival is the perfect chance to experience the best of springtime in the countryside around Garstang, rural Wyre, the Forest of Bowland and the Fylde Plain. Choose from a huge range of walks, including the three day long distance Wyre Way Walk, easy access short walks, family activities, evening walks, wildlife strolls, heritage rambles, dog friendly trails and everything in between. Enjoy the landscapes of Garstang, Wyre, Morecambe Bay and the Forest of Bowland in the company of friendly and knowledgeable volunteer walk leaders.
JOIN THE FESTIVAL TEAM
Would you like to join the Friends of the Garstang Walking Festival and help us to lead and coordinate the festival?
It is a great way to explore the areas paths and countryside and to meet like-minded people.
If you are interested email greatoutdoors@ wyre.gov.uk and our Friends of Garstang Walking Festival team members will arrange to meet and welcome you!
Read our event guidelines before booking your walks
These event guidelines will provide you with the necessary information to be prepared before you book and set out on your walk. It’s always best to be prepared - we’ll be experiencing all types of weather and terrain, walking through remote areas, and sometimes will be out all day without a place to buy food or drink. View our event guidelines online at www.wyre.gov.uk/garstangwalkingfestival to ensure you are fully prepared for the activity!
BOOKING INFORMATION
How to book
Booking is essential on all walks and activities unless otherwise stated. You can book online at www.wyre.gov.uk /garstangwalkingfestival
Making a payment
Payments are taken at time of booking, through the online booking system at www.wyre.gov.uk/ garstangwalkingfestival
All chargeable activities need to be paid for in advance at the time of booking. All activities are non-refundable. We are unable to take cash payments.
Booking a Tramper
If you would like to book a Wyre Council Tramper for use on a walk, email us at greatoutdoors@wyre.gov.uk in advance of booking online, to make sure a Tramper is available.
If you wish to bring your own Tramper on a walk, please make your booking as normal and then contact us by email or phone to make us aware that your booking includes a Tramper.
Get in touch
If you require assistance with any aspect of booking, you can email us at greatoutdoors@wyre.gov.uk or call 01253 887502 and leave a message. We will get back to you as soon as possible.
A few members of our team will be available on various dates at Garstang Library, Windsor Road, Garstang, Preston, PR3 1ED. We’ll be happy to answer any questions you may have, and guide you through the online booking system.
Thursday 16 April 5pm - 7pm
Saturday 25 April 10am - 12:30pm
Follow us online for updates
Follow @GarstangWalkingFestival on Facebook or visit www.wyre.gov.uk/ garstangwalkingfestival to stay updated on the latest walking festival news.
USEFUL INFORMATION
Make sure that you arrive 15 minutes before the start of your activity to allow for registration. Come prepared for all weather conditions. Walking shoes or boots are always recommended.
Walking grades
To help you decide which walk is for you, each walk has been assigned a walking grade, which indicates the difficulty of the walk and the type of terrain. The duration of each walk is listed in the description and may vary from 1 hour to over 4 hours.
All - Relatively flat, surfaced paths, no stiles, suitable for wheelchairs, pushchairs and Trampers. May include road crossings.
Easy - Relatively level ground, fields, lanes and tracks, possibly with some gentle slopes, stiles, livestock.
Moderate - Uneven ground, fields, lanes and tracks with some moderate slopes, expect stiles and/or livestock.
Hard - Uneven ground, fields, lanes and tracks with some steeper climbs, expect stiles and/or livestock.
Very Hard - Limited paths, rough walking, steep climbs, expect stiles and/or livestock.
Tramper suitable - Suitable for using Trampers.
Dog friendly walks are indicated with a pawprint. Check the grade and duration of the walk and ensure the route is suitable for your pet.
When walking with your dog, remember to be respectful of farm animals and nesting birds.
Poor weather
A ranger/walk leader will be at the start of an activity whatever the weather. In extreme conditions, the leader of the group will take a decision on the day whether or not to cancel.
Garstang walking Festival Programme 2026
Book online at www.wyre.gov.uk/garstangwalkingfestival
Booking is essential on all walks unless otherwise stated.
SATURDAY 2 may
Garstang Day
Refreshments available for an extra cost at the end of all walks.
Dawn Chorus (G1.1)
5am – 6am · Free
Garstang area, graded easy, 0.5 miles
On the weekend of International Dawn Chorus day, come along to this early morning birdwatch where we should hear the chorus of bird song. Bring binoculars and warm clothing.
Garstang to the Fells and Back (G1.2)
9am – 5:30pm · £7
Garstang area, graded very hard, 16.5 miles
A longer, circular walk from Garstang, through pastures to picturesque Calder Vale then rising to high moorland, and the furthest point at Fiensdale Head.
Exploring Nature Story Time with Garstang Library (G1.3)
9:30am – 10:30am · Free Garstang area
An indoor family nature discovery activity with the Wyre Coast and Countryside and the Garstang Library teams. Enjoy an interactive story time learning about nature, followed by crafts and handson activities. All children must be accompanied by a parent or guardian.
Garstang Now and Then (G1.4)
10am – 2pm · £5
Garstang area, graded moderate, 5.5 miles
Visit important features of the area around the town and its environs. Well behaved dogs are welcome and must be kept on a lead.
Garstang Short Walk (G1.5)
11am – 12 noon · Free Cherestanc Square, off Park Hill Road, Garstang, PR3 1EF
Graded easy, 2 miles
Join our Volunteer walk leaders for this easy, relaxed walk along the footpaths and riverbanks at Garstang. The views are splendid, taking in the Bowland hills and the lovely River Wyre. A one hour walk with no stiles. No need to book. Suitable for Trampers, which must be booked separately 7 days in advance to ensure availability (see page 3).
Garstang Bloomers Walk (G1.6)
6pm – 7pm · Free Cherestanc Square, off Park Hill Road, Garstang, PR3 1EF
Graded easy, 1 mile
A walk around Garstang looking at In Bloom floral features and meeting the volunteers who care for the award winning blooming green spaces in Garstang. No need to book.
Follow @GarstangWalkingFestival on Facebook for regular festival updates!
Sunday 3 May
Coast, Countryside and Canal (G2.1)
10am – 3:30pm · £7
Condor Green area, graded moderate, 9 miles
A circular walk from Condor Green via Glasson Dock on to the coastal footpath passing the remains of Cockersand Abbey. Then head across fields to Thurnham Hall and onto the canal past Thurnham Mill to return to the start.
500 Years of Garstang (G2.2)
10am – 12:30pm · £5
Garstang area, graded moderate, 3 miles
Join our wonderful volunteer Leaders on a guided walk around the tracks and fields of Garstang to discover the history of the town.
Springtime around Nicky Nook (G2.3)
10am – 2pm · £5
Scorton area, graded moderate, 6 miles with 200m ascent
A stroll from Scorton over Nicky Nook into the lovely valley of Grizedale, taking in some upland habitats and woodland glades. Bring your dog with you too!
Bluebell Walk (G2.4)
12 noon – 1:30pm · Free Calder Vale Village, by the River Bridge, PR3 1SQ
Graded moderate, 2 miles
A short walk through a beautiful Bluebell wood, a short steep climb to St John’s Church and then an easy country walk along farm tracks back to the Village Hall for afternoon tea (extra charge). Dog friendly. No need to book, just turn up.
Monday 4 May
Wyre Way Day 1 (G3.1)
9am – 4:30pm · £9
Wyre area, graded hard, 13.5 miles
Part 1 of a 3 day walk along the Wyre Way from Morecambe Bay to the Forest
of Bowland fells. From St. Michael’s village hall, we take transport to Knott End, follow the riverbank towards Out Rawcliffe then depart from the river, crossing through farmland back to St. Michaels.
Of Roman Legions and Pendle Witches (G3.2)
9am – 5pm · £7
Dunsop Bridge area, graded hard, 14 miles
A challenging walk. Starting from Dunsop Bridge, it skirts to the East of the Bowland Fells before picking up the Roman road up to the head of Whitendale, then following the Rivers Whitendale and Dunsop back to Dunsop Bridge. A mixture of field paths, country lanes and rough fell trails.
Hare Appletree Lowland
9am – 2:30pm · £7
(G3.3)
Dolphinholme area, graded hard, 9.5 miles
Amble through the lowlands to the foot of Hare Appletree Fell on our circular walk. From Dolphinholme we will explore the footpaths to Damas Gill Reservoir and Hare Appletree Farm, before skirting the foot of the fells back to the start.
Vanished Farms and Orchards
(G3.4)
1pm – 5pm · £5
Preesall area, graded moderate, 6 miles
A walk along tracks and paths within Preesall, that will take us to the sites of lost and abandoned farms in the southwest quarter of the parish. We will look at where the farms once stood with their barns, orchards and poultry pens. Who owned them or worked them and why were they demolished?
Grizedale Circular (G3.5)
1.30pm – 4pm · £5
Scorton area, graded moderate, 4 miles Discover the delights of Grizedale Valley and the surrounding area on this picturesque walk.
Tuesday 5 May
Winmarleigh Day
Refreshments available for an extra charge at the end of each walk which starts from the Church.
Winmarleigh Moss Walk (G4.1)
9:30am – 3:30pm · £7
Winmarleigh area, graded hard, 8 miles
Discover Winmarleigh Moss, a hidden gem and the largest of Lancashire’s low raised bogs. Here we will hopefully see native flora and flora associated with bog habitat whilst learning about how crucial peatland habitats are to help in the battle against climate change.
Winmarleigh and Cabus - Canal and Countryside Local History
Walk (G4.2)
9:30am – 3pm · £7
Winmarleigh area, graded moderate, 9 miles
An interesting walk from Winmarleigh through Cabus, across pastures and along the Lancaster Canal, taking in some of the history and features along the way.
Winmarleigh Wander (G4.3)
9:30am – 11:30am · Free
Winmarleigh area, graded moderate, 4 miles
Enjoy a gentle scenic walk through Winmarleigh’s countryside, with views of the western Bowland fells along the way.
Winmarleigh Nature Activity and Wildlife Study Marquee (G4.4)
11am – 4pm · Free
St Lukes Church Car Park, Winmarleigh Join Wyre Rivers Trust, Wyre Coast and Countryside and The Bay: A Blueprint for Recovery for fascinating nature, wildlife and wellbeing information, plus some activities too. No need to book just turn up.
Lord Winmarleigh Talk (G4.5)
1pm – 1:45pm · Free Winmarleigh area
A short talk in St Luke’s Church about the fascinating history about Lord Winmarleigh.
Winmarleigh Hall Walk (G4.6)
1:45pm – 3:45pm · Free
Winmarleigh area, graded easy, 3 miles
A short countryside walk including a visit to Winmarleigh Hall to learn about its history.
Calder Vale and Peacock Hill
Views (G4.7)
4:30pm – 7:30pm · £5
Calder Vale area, graded moderate, 4.5 miles
A pleasant early evening walk from Calder Vale to Landskill and Cobble Hey, seeing the wildlife and views from the nearby fields and Peacock Hill. Returning with a walk along the River Calder.
Winmarleigh Moss: by Mike Coleran
Wednesday 6 May
Wyre Way Day 2 (G5.1)
9am – 3:30pm · £9
Wyre area, graded hard, 11.5 miles
Part 2 of a 3 day walk along the Wyre Way from Morecambe Bay to the Forest of Bowland Fells. From Dolphinholme village hall we take transport to St. Michael’s. We follow the river and cross fields through to Churchtown, Garstang and Scorton to reach Dolphinholme.
Navigation for Walkers – Day 1 (G5.2)
9am – 5pm · £11
Bleasdale area, graded easy, 3.5 miles
An introduction to navigating with map and compass. The sessions are delivered over 2 days. You must complete day 1 in order to take part in day 2.
Glasson Dock and Galgate: two villages with a shared history (G5.3)
10am – 2pm · £5
Condor Green area, graded moderate, 7 miles
This Glasson Dock and Galgate walk compares the two villages for their growth, similarities and differences.
Bilsborrow, Brockside Bluebell Walk (G5.4)
10am – 3pm · £7
Bilsborrow area, graded hard, 8 miles
A circular route starting from Bilsborrow. We make our way along tracks and through pastures and beautiful Bluebell Woods to Brock Bottom before returning via Rosie's Goat Farm.
Sykes Anticline Geology Walk (G5.5)
10am – 12 noon · Free
Bowland area, graded moderate, 1.5 miles
A short walk to look at the rocks, minerals and fossils in the area around Sykes. There will be opportunity to search amongst the old mine waste for samples of the minerals worked, followed by looking at the limestone rocks and fossils in the disused quarries.
Knott End Legstretcher (G5.6)
10:30am – 12:30pm · Free Knott End ferry shelter, graded moderate, 4 miles
Enjoy a 2 hour coastal and farmland legstretcher walk. No need to book.
Scorton Hilly Walk (G5.7)
10:30am – 1:30pm · Free Scorton area, graded moderate/hard, 5 miles
A walk up and over Nicky Nook and along the surrounding Grizedale Valley exploring conservation undertaken by Wyre Rivers Trust.
Thursday 7 May
Pilling Day
Refreshments available for an extra charge at the end of each walk which start from the Parish Hall.
Navigation for Walkers – Day 2 (G6.1)
9am – 5pm · £11
Bleasdale area, graded easy, 4 miles
If you've completed day 1 of Navigation for Walkers, then join us for day 2! We'll do classroom style session in the morning, with slides and discussion, and practical navigation in the afternoon during a local, low-level farmland walk.
Need any help or have questions? Email us at greatoutdoors@wyre.gov.uk or call 01253 887502 and leave a message. We will get back to you as soon as possible.
Pilling Village and Coast (G6.3)
10am – 2:30pm · £5
Pilling area, graded moderate, 6 miles
A walk through Pilling Village to the coast with views over Morecambe Bay to the southern Lake District.
The Reed Bunting Returns (G6.4)
10am – 12 noon · Free
Pilling area, graded easy, 1 mile
Join us for a guided nature walk around the grounds of Pilling Village Hall, with a chance to observe local wildlife. Refreshments will be available for purchase from the Village Hall café. No need to book, just turn up. Suitable for Trampers, which must be booked separately 7 days in advance to ensure availability (see page 3).
Pilling Churches (G6.5)
1pm – 3:30pm · £5
Pilling area, graded moderate, 2.5 miles
A countryside walk through pastures and along lanes taking in all four of the Pilling Churches.
Pilling Short Walk (G6.6)
2pm – 3pm · Free
Pilling Village Hall, graded moderate, 2 miles
A country circular walk along lanes, tracks and across fields. Possibly using stiles. No need to book, just turn up.
Friday 8 May
Wyre Way Day 3 (G7.1)
9am – 3:30pm · £9
Wyre area, graded hard, 10.5 miles
The last day of a 3 day walk along the Wyre Way from Morecambe Bay to the Forest of Bowland Fells. From Abbeystead we take transport to Dolphinholme. We follow the river into Abbeystead, then to Tarnbrook, over the Forest of Bowland moorland to Marshaw, returning to Abbeystead.
Wild Fox Gin, Brock Bottoms and Beacon Fell (G7.2)
9am – 1:30pm · £7
Inglewhite area, graded hard, 6.5 miles
A circular walk from Wild Fox Gin passing through Brock Bottom and historic woodlands before ascending to Beacon Fell, with spectacular views of the Fylde Coast and the Lake District. We finish back at Wild Fox Gin where we can eat our packed lunch.
Lapwings and Hares Tramper Trek (G7.3)
10am – 12:30pm · £5
Claughton area, graded moderate, 3 miles
Join the Wyre Countryside Rangers and Wyre Rivers Trust to look for Lapwings (and possibly their chicks) and maybe even a hare or two. Plus, learn about Wyre Rivers Trust's Landscape Recovery Project and how it supports farmers interested in environmentally friendly farming practices. Walkers welcome. Suitable for Trampers, which must be booked separately 7 days in advance to ensure availability (see page 3).
Lapwings and Hares Tramper Trek: by J Hickmott
Catterall Amble (G7.4)
1pm – 3pm · Free
Catterall area, graded moderate, 2 miles
Join Wyre Rivers Trust on a stroll across the pasture to reach the River Calder and the Lancaster Canal, returning alongside the riverbank. Learn how we help rivers become more resilient and full of wildlife. Under 18s must be accompanied by a parent or guardian.
Border Villages Elswick, Great Eccleston and the River Wyre (G7.5)
10am – 4pm · £5
Elswick area, graded moderate, 7 miles
A country walk linking Elswick, Lancashire’s ‘Best Kept Village’ 2023, and Great Eccleston, and including a Wyre Riverside walk. The route crosses open fields and includes quiet country lanes and village footpaths.
Historic Knott End (G7.6)
6pm – 8:30pm · £5
Knott End area, graded moderate, 5 miles
A look at the heritage surrounding Knott End – including brine wells, a disused railway, a disused windmill together with views over Morecambe Bay and Wyre Estuary.
Saturday 9 May
Langden and Hareden Valleys (G8.1)
9:30am – 2:30pm · £7
Bowland area, graded hard, 7 miles
A beautiful circular walk following Langden Brook rising to open moorland with picturesque views and descending via Hareden Brook. Weather dependent: if due to heavy rain it is not possible to cross the brook we will stay on Langden Valley covering a similar distance.
Claughton Estate Walk (G8.2)
10am – 12 noon · Free
Claughton area, graded easy/moderate, 2 miles
A special walk with the owners of the estate taking a look at the historical landscape, including a visit to lovely Bluebell woodland which is also a heronry. Bring your binoculars as the herons (if present) are perched at the very tops of the trees!
Fleetwood, Jewel of the Bay (G8.3)
10am – 2pm · £5
Fleetwood area, graded moderate, 7.5 miles
A walk around Fleetwood taking in many of its historical buildings and some birdlife too.
Explore
Wyre's great outdoors!
We run an annual, year-round programme of outdoor events in Wyre, offering hundreds of activities from guided walks and conservation days to wildlife experiences and familyfriendly fun
View the full calendar and book online at www.wyre.gov.uk/ greatoutdoors
Scorton to Dolphinholme Circular (G8.4)
10am – 2pm · £5
Scorton area, graded moderate, 6 miles
A walk along quiet country lanes, across fields and woodland, with excellent views of Bowland Fells.
Garstang
Fairtrade Walk (G8.5)
2pm – 4pm · Free Cherestanc Square, off Park Hill Road, Garstang, PR3 1EF
Graded Moderate, 6 miles
Join members of the Garstang Fairtrade team for a walk to the Garstang Quakers at Catterall, where we will stop for Fairtrade refreshments and then walk back to the town centre, learning how Garstang became the world’s first fairtrade town. No need to book, just turn up.
Sunday 10 May
Bleasdale Day
Refreshments available for an extra charge at the end of each walk which start from the Parish Hall.
Bleasdale Skyline (G9.1)
9am – 3:30pm · £7
Bleasdale area, graded hard, 12 miles
A circular walk that crosses farmland, ascends Parlick and follows the skyline (offering impressive views on a clear day). We will be able to see the extensive peatland restoration work before gradually descending and returning to Bleasdale.
Wildlife of the Upper Brock (G9.2)
10:30am – 1pm · Free
Bleasdale area, graded moderate, 2 miles
Join Wyre Rivers Trust as we explore one of the Brock rivers that run from the Bleasdale Fells in search of freshwater and riverside wildlife. Bring your wellies, binoculars and a hand lens (if you have them)! We may even do a bit of river dipping. Under 18s must be accompanied by a parent or guardian.
Bluebell Walk (G9.3)
12 noon – 1:30pm · Free Calder Vale Village, by the River Bridge, PR3 1SQ
Graded moderate, 2 miles
A short walk through a beautiful Bluebell wood, a short steep climb to St John’s Church and then an easy country walk along farm tracks back to the Village Hall for afternoon tea (extra charge). Dog friendly. No need to book, just turn up.
Bleasdale Past to Present (G9.4)
1:30pm – 4pm · £5
Bleasdale area, graded moderate, 3 miles
A gentle walk taking in the beautiful Bleasdale scenery enhanced by descriptions of lives and events from the past. Tea/coffee and homemade cakes will be served at an extra cost after the walk.
Festival Celebration meal (G9.5) 4:30pm – 6pm · £11.50
Meet the leaders and friends you have met throughout the Garstang Walking Festival and enjoy a celebration meal together on the last day of the Festival at Bleasdale Parish Hall. Two course, homemade, locally sourced meal and lots of good company.
Respect, protect, enjoy!
With more people visiting the countryside than ever before, it’s important we all do our bit to look after our beautiful green spaces.
Visit www.wyre.gov.uk/ wyres-countryside to read the countryside code!
Bleasdale Skyline: by M Jewel
WALK LOCATIONS
Visit www.discoverwyre.co.uk to find out about upcoming events taking place in Wyre as well as places to eat and drink, things to see and do and much more.
For information on Garstang and Garstang Town Council services, visit www.garstangtowncouncil.gov.uk
For information on the Forest of Bowland visit: www.forestofbowland.com
For information on Morecambe Bay visit www.morecambebay.org.uk
If you would like this information in large print, please contact Wyre Council.
Wyre Council, Civic Centre, Breck Road, Poulton-le-Fylde, Lancashire FY6 7PU. Tel: 01253 891000 www.wyre.gov.uk
Disclaimer
The information contained within this publication is given in good faith on the basis of information submitted to Wyre Council. Wyre Council cannot guarantee the accuracy of the information in this publication and accepts no responsibility for any error or misrepresentation. Although efforts are made to ensure the accuracy of the publication at the time of going to press, changes can occur and it is advisable to contact the booking office prior to the event to confirm the information provided.
Photograph by J Hickmott