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 Morecambe Bay. Choose from a huge range of walks, including the three day Wyre Way Challenge, easy access short walks, family activities, evening walks, wildlife strolls, heritage rambles, dog friendly trails and everything in between. Enjoy the landscape of Garstang and Wyre in the company of friendly and knowledgeable volunteer walk leaders.
If you’d like to learn more about Garstang Walking Festival, meet our Wyre rangers and volunteer walk leaders, book a walk or activity or find out how else you can get involved, come along to one of our pre-festival events!
Introduction to Garstang Walking Festival and a guide to the Forest of Bowland
Wednesday 22 March, 6pm – 7pm Online only, via Zoom Come along to this online talk to discover what walks and activities are on offer and to get a flavour of what you may discover during the Festival.
Walk
this Way – Information
You can book online at www.wyre.gov.uk /garstangwalkingfestival
There are some activities and walks which are led by our partners. To book these activities and walks, follow the booking instructions shown within the listing.
Booking is essential on all walks and activities unless otherwise stated.
Payments are taken at time of booking, through the online booking system. We are unable to take cash payments.
All chargeable activities need to be paid for in advance at the time of booking. All activities are non-refundable.
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 member of our booking team will also be available to speak to at Garstang Library, every Tuesday between February and May, from 11am to 3pm. We’ll be happy to answer any questions and guide you through the online booking system.
Garstang Library is located on Windsor Road, Garstang, Preston, PR3 1ED
Search for @GarstangWalkingFestival on Facebook to stay updated on the latest walking festival news.
You can also visit www.wyre.gov. uk/garstangwalkingfestival to stay updated on any changes to the festival programme.
To help you decide which is the walk for you, each walk has been assigned a walking grade, which indicates the difficulty of the walk and the type of terrain you may encounter.
Relatively flat, surfaced paths, no stiles, suitable for wheelchairs and pushchairs, may include road crossings.
Relatively level ground, fields, lanes and tracks, possibly with some gentle slopes, stiles, livestock.
Uneven ground, fields, lanes and tracks with some moderate slopes, expect stiles/livestock.
Uneven ground, fields, lanes and tracks with some steeper climbs, expect stiles/ livestock.
Limited paths, rough walking, steep climbs, expect stiles/livestock.
Tramper suitable Walk suitable for people using trampers. Trampers must be booked a minimum of seven days in advance. Email greatoutdoors@wyre.gov.uk to book.
Dog friendly walks are indicated with a pawprint icon, and also described as dog friendly in the walk details.
Please note 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.
Book online at www.wyre.gov.uk/garstangwalkingfestival unless stated otherwise below. Booking is essential on all walks unless otherwise stated.
Refreshments available for an extra cost at the end of all walks.
Grizedale Valley (G2) 9am – 5pm · £5
Garstang area, graded hard, 12 miles Follow the beautiful Grizedale Brook to its source at Grizedale Head in the Bowland fells. We will progress through pasture land and wooded valleys to wild upland moors and back, passing the Grizedale and Barnacre reservoirs and water catchment system. Weather permitting, we will get views over the Fylde, Morecambe Bay and Lake District from the rarely visited Stakehouse Fell.
Garstang and Lancaster Canal (G3) 10am – 12 noon · Free Garstang area, graded moderate, 4 miles A walk through Garstang, over the fields and along a stretch of the Lancaster canal, then back into the town.
Garstang Now and Then (G4) 10:30am – 2pm · £4
Garstang area, graded moderate, 5 miles A walk taking in some of the history of the area around Garstang, whilst enjoying the beautiful views.
Garstang Short Walk (G5) 2pm – 3pm · Free Cherestanc Square, Garstang PR3 1EF Graded all, 2 miles A relaxed walk on the footpaths and tracks around Garstang’s countryside and
the historic Market Town. Taking in fresh air and enjoying the views of the River Wyre, Lancaster Canal and the Bowland hills. An easy walk aimed to be accessible to all. Dog friendly. No need to book on the walk, but Trampers must be booked seven days in advance.
Family Friendly Wildlife Tales (G6) 2pm – 3:30pm · Free Garstang area, graded easy, 1 mile Join the Rangers and Garstang Library team for a short walk around Garstang’s green spaces with a storytelling session along the way. To book email garstang.library@lancashire.gov.uk or visit the reception at Garstang Library.
Garstang Pub Heritage Walk (G7) 6pm – 7:30pm · Free Garstang area, graded easy, 1 mile A circular walk around the town passing many of Garstang’s pubs, both past and present.
The perfect day to explore Britain’s great countryside for yourself. Try out some of the brilliant self guided walks available on the websites listed.
Discover Wyre www.discoverwyre.co.uk
Forest of Bowland AONB www.forestofbowland.com
Morecambe Bay Partnership www.morecambebay.org.uk
Dolphinholme to Abbeystead (G8)
9:30am – 3:30pm · £5
Abbeystead area, graded moderate, 8.5 miles
A steady hike through a green mix of woodland and farmland with the opportunity to do a bit of bird spotting at Abbeystead Reservoir. There are some moderate inclines and the trail runs through field and woodland. There will be opportunity for coffee breaks at Long Wood and the Reservoir.
Glasson Dock and Galgate: 2 villages with a shared history (G9)
10am – 2pm · £4
Condor Green area, graded moderate, 7.5 miles
A walk from Condor Green to Galgate returning via Glasson Dock and the connecting canal.
Bluebell Walk (G10)
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). An ideal family activity suitable for all ages. WC at start. Bring a drink and binoculars if you have them. Dog friendly. No need to book, just turn up.
Springtime around Nicky Nook (G11)
10am – 12:30pm · £4
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!
Sunset Walk - Moments at the Mount (G12) 7:45pm – 9pm · Free
Fleetwood area, graded easy, 1 mile
A short inspirational walk with the Fleetwood Wellbeing Way Team, following the route of the Wellbeing Way before finishing at the Mount where we will be able to enjoy the views over Fleetwood, the Wyre Estuary and Morecambe Bay. A great photo opportunity. A warming cup of tea will be available at the Mount.
Wyre Way Day 1 (G1.1) 9am – 4pm · £5
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 we provide transport to Knott End. We set off following the riverbank towards Out Rawcliffe, then depart from the river and cross through farmland back to St Michael’s.
Reservoirs and Water Revelations (G13)
10am – 2:30pm · £5
Scorton area, graded moderate, 6 miles A walk through a wooded valley past various water storage facilities of interest.
Coast and Countryside (G14) 9:30am – 2:30pm · £5
Condor Green area, graded moderate, 8.5 miles
Circular walk from Conder Green via Glasson Dock, the coastal footpath passes the remains of Cockersands Abbey and then on to Thurnham Hall before returning to the start.
Garstang - Canal and Countryside Walk (G15)
2pm – 4:30pm · £4
Garstang area Graded moderate, 4.5 miles
A lovely walk heading out of Garstang along the Lancaster Canal and returning using little used footpaths across pastures to the west of town.
Winmarleigh Day
Refreshments available for an extra cost at the end of all walks.
Winmarleigh Moss Walk (G16)
9:30am – 2:30pm · £5
Winmarleigh area, graded moderate/ hard, 8 miles
From Winmarleigh church we will head out through lowland farmland towards Winmarleigh Moss - a hidden gem, but the largest of Lancashire’s lowland raised bogs. We will hopefully see native flora and fauna associated with bog habitat whilst learning about how crucial peatland habitats help the battle against climate change. We will make our way back to the church using local lanes and footpaths through the Fylde lowland plain, with views out to Bowland and the Lakeland fells.
Over Wyre Canal and Wildlife Walk (G17)
10am – 12:30pm · £4
Winmarleigh area, graded moderate, 3 miles
A circular walk from Winmarleigh Church, taking in rural footpaths that link in with the Lancaster Canal. Along the way we will spot the farmland and wetland wildlife of the area. Join us for a hot drink and cakes at the Church (donations welcome) at the end.
Winmarleigh Nature Activity Drop-in (G18)
12:30pm – 2pm · Free
Winmarleigh area, graded easy, 3 miles
Join The Bay, Wyre Rivers Trust and the Wyre rangers for fascinating nature, wellbeing and wildlife based activities. No need to book, just turn up.
Winmarleigh – a little village with a big history (G19) 1pm – 4:30pm · £4 Winmarleigh graded easy, 3 miles A walk including a visit to Winmarleigh Hall and St Luke’s Church to learn about their history. Refreshments will be available in the Church for an extra charge.
Stanah Short Walk (G20) 2pm – 3pm · Free Wyre Estuary Country Park, Stanah, Thornton, FY5 5LR Graded access for all/easy, 2 miles Join our volunteer walk leaders for an estuary walk, taking in views of the Wyre Estuary saltmarshes and woodlands around Stanah. Well behaved dogs on leads welcome. Can be muddy in places. Tramper friendly. No need to book on the walk, but Trampers must be booked seven days in advance.
Forgotten Footpaths (G21)
6pm – 8:30pm · Free St Luke’s Church, Church Lane, Winmarleigh, PR3 0LA Graded moderate, 4.5 miles
An evening walk through woodland and pastures along some little used footpaths around Winmarleigh. There are some lovely panoramic views of the fells on the return. No need to book, just turn up.
Refreshments available for an extra cost at the end of all walks.
Wyre Way Day 2 (G1.2)
9am – 3pm · £5
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 we take transport to St. Michael’s. We then follow the river and cross fields through to Churchtown, Garstang and Scorton to reach Dolphinholme.
Over Wyre Circular (G22)
9am – 3:30pm · £5
Pilling area, graded hard, 12 miles
A circular walk from Pilling to Knott End and back, discovering some of Pilling’s maritime past.
Pilling Village and Coast (G23)
10am – 2pm · £4
Pilling area, graded moderate, 5 miles A walk from Pilling to the coast returning via the village centre. Dogs on a lead welcome.
Langden and Hareden (G27)
9:30am – 2:30pm · £5
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.
Navigation for Walkers – Day 1 (G28)
9am – 5pm · £10 Bleasdale area, graded easy, 3.4 miles
An introduction to navigating with map and compass, in the Bleasdale area. There will be a classroom session in the morning, with slides and discussion, and practical navigation in the afternoon during a local, low-level farmland walk. Day 1 must be completed in order to take part in day 2.
Pilling Churches (G24)
1pm – 3:30pm · £4
Pilling area, graded moderate, 2.5 miles
A countryside walk through the local fields and lanes taking in all four of the Pilling Churches.
Fleetwood’s Oldest Buildings (G25)
1:30pm – 3pm · Donation welcome
Fleetwood area, graded easy, 2 miles Find out about the history of Fleetwood on a guided walk with local volunteers. To book visit Fleetwood Museum Reception or call on 01253 876621. Reception open 10:30am to 4pm, Monday to Saturday.
Pilling Short Walk (G26)
2pm – 3pm · Free
Pilling Village Hall, Taylors Lane, Pilling PR3 6AB
Graded moderate, 2 miles
A pleasant rural walk along paths, lanes and across fields around Pilling. Dog friendly. No need to book, just turn up.
Follow the Faithful (G29) 10am – 3:30pm · £5 Churchtown area, graded moderate, 6.5 miles
A countryside walk to discover Garstang’s rich religious tradition from pre-Christian to medieval and the history of more modern churches and chapels. The walk follows roads and tracks, and footpaths across fields, with one or two stiles.
Brock Valley Ramble (G30)
10:30am – 3:30pm · £5 Claughton area, graded moderate, 7.5 miles
Circular walk from Cobble Hey via the attractive Brock Valley before returning to the start along country lanes and footpaths.
Calder Meander (G31)
1:30pm – 3pm · Free Catterall area, graded easy, 2 miles
Join the Friends of Garstang Walking Festival volunteers and Wyre Rivers Trust to stroll across pasture to reach the River Calder and the Lancaster Canal, returning alongside the riverbank.
Stalmine Short Walk (G32)
2pm – 3pm · Free Stalmine Playing Fields, Hallgate Lane, Stalmine, FY6 0PJ
Graded moderate, 2 miles
A country circular walk along lanes, tracks and across fields. Possibly using stiles. Dog friendly. No need to book, just turn up.
Sullom Evening Walk (G33)
5:30pm – 8:30pm · £4
Calder Vale area, graded moderate, 4.5 miles
A walk in the Calder Vale area over to Sullom Hill for the views and the pretty Calder Valley.
Friday 12 May
Wyre Way Day 3 (G1.3)
9am – 3pm · £5
Abbeystead 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.
Navigation for Walkers – Day 2 (G34) 9am – 5pm · £10
Bleasdale area, graded easy, 3.4 miles Those who completed day 1 of Navigation for Walkers can then move onto day 2! A learning session in the morning is followed by some more practical navigation in the afternoon during a local, low-level farmland walk.
Sykes Geology Walk (G35) 10:30am – 12:30pm · Free Bowland area, graded easy, 1 mile
A short walk to look at the rocks, minerals and fossils in the area around Sykes. Look amongst the old mine waste for samples of the minerals worked, then go on to observe the limestone rocks and fossils in the disused quarries.
Coastal Birdwatch (G36) 2pm – 3:30pm · Free Knott End area, graded easy, 3 miles Join The Bay: A Blueprint for Recovery team for an exciting bird watch event on a local coastline, looking for wading and seasonal species with a bird specialist. Book online at www.thebay.org.uk/events
Old Tythe Map of Stalmine (G37) 1:30pm – 3pm · Free Stalmine Playing Fields, Hallgate Lane, Stalmine, FY6 0PJ Graded moderate, 2 miles
A walk along roads, tracks, and public footpaths, across fields that are on the 1844 Tithe Map. Discover some of Stalmine’s history - who owned and occupied the land, and the names of the fields. We may cross one or two stiles. Dog friendly. No need to book, just turn up.
Thirlmere Aqueduct (G38)
9am – 5pm · £5
Claughton area, graded hard, 12 miles
A walk along roads and tracks, and across fields (via stiles) to contemplate the work of Victorian engineers. Spot features in the landscape which give away the presence underground of the Thirlmere Aqueduct, and listen for the sound of the water. We might spot some nesting lapwings too.
Claughton Estate Walk (G39)
10am – 12:30pm · £4
Claughton area, graded moderate, 2 miles
A special walk with the owners of the estate taking a look at its historical landscape, including a visit to a historic walled garden and a lovely Bluebell woodland which is also a heronry. Don’t forget to bring your binoculars as the herons (if present) are perched at the very tops of the trees!
Lapwings and Hares Tramper Trek (G40)
10am – 12:30pm · £4
Claughton area, graded moderate/hard, 3 miles
Join the countryside rangers to look for lapwings (and hopefully their chicks) and maybe a hare or two. Walkers welcome. Tramper friendly, please book your Tramper seven days in advance.
Knott End Estuary and Bay (G41)
2pm – 4pm · Free Knott End area, graded moderate, 4.5 miles
A walk around the estuary to Knott End. Dogs welcome on a lead.
Barnacre Short Walk (G42)
2pm – 3pm · Free
All Saints Church, Delph Lane, Barnacre, Preston, PR3 1GP Graded moderate, 2 miles Discover Barnacre on the western edge of the Forest of Bowland. One of our more advanced short walks over paths,
tracks and fields, which may be muddy. Dog friendly. No need to book, just turn up.
All events are based around the Bleasdale Parish Hall. Come for the day and enjoy a variety of events. Refreshments will be available in the Parish Hall for an extra charge at the end of the walks, and toilets are available.
Bleasdale Skyline (G43) 9am – 3:30pm · £5
Bleasdale area, graded hard, 12 miles
From the Parish Hall this walk crosses farmland, ascends Parlick and follows the skyline along the fells (with impressive views on a clear day) before gradually descending and returning to Bleasdale.
A Ramble Around Bleasdale (G44) 10am – 3:30pm · £5 Bleasdale area, graded moderate, 8 miles A lowland circular walk along the foot of Fair Snape Fell, winding through farmland with views out across the Wyre District. There will be some moderate to short, sharp inclines and occasionally stiles to cross. There are plenty of opportunities to stop for a coffee and a bite to eat, so bring a packed lunch.
Wildlife of the Upper Brock (G45) 10am – 12 noon · Free Bleasdale area, graded moderate, 2 miles Exploring one of the Brock rivers that run from the Bleasdale fells in search of freshwater and riverside wildlife with Wyre Rivers Trust and the Wyre rangers. Bring your binoculars and a hand lens if you have one. Be sure to wear wellies! We may even do a bit of river dipping.
Brock Valley & Beacon Fell (G46) 10:30am – 3:30pm · £5
Bleasdale area, graded moderate, 8.5 miles A varied walk across field and pasture land to the foot of Parlick, then up Beacon Fell and returning via the River Brock.
Bluebell Walk (G47)
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). An ideal family activity suitable for all ages. WC at start. Bring a drink and binoculars if you have them. Dog friendly. No need to book, just turn up.
11:30am – 3pm · £4
Bleasdale area, graded easy, 3.5 miles
A gentle walk taking in the beautiful Bleasdale scenery enhanced by descriptions of the lives and events from the past, seen through the eyes of journalists from the local papers who reported in the area throughout the twentieth century. An exhibition of photographs will be available in the Parish Hall both before and after the walk. Don’t forget to bring a snack or packed lunch. Tramper friendly, please book your Tramper at least seven days in advance.
Festival Celebration meal
4pm – 5:30pm · £10
Bleasdale Parish Hall
As the Garstang Walking Festival draws to an end for 2023, join us for an early evening meal to celebrate. Price includes a 2 course meal, followed by cheese and biscuits and coffee.
Evening Springtime Stroll (G49)
6pm – 7pm · Free
Bleasdale Parish Hall
Graded moderate, 2 miles
Take a short early evening saunter around Bleasdale on our last walk of this years’ festival. No need to book, just turn up.
For regularly updated information about what’s going on in Wyre visit www.discoverwyre.co.uk
For information on the Forest of Bowland visit: www.forestofbowland.com
The Friends of Garstang Walking Festival and Wyre Council would both like to thank our volunteer walk leaders, our partners, local enthusiasts and members of the community for their support of and commitment to Garstang Walking Festival.
Photography throughout by Mike Coleran.
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
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.