Welcome to the 2025 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 Wyre Way Challenge, 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 terms and conditions before booking your walks
These terms and conditions 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 terms and conditions 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.
Saturday 15 February 10am - 12:30pm
Saturday 22 February 10am - 12:30pm
Saturday 15 March 10am - 12:30pm
Saturday 26 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 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 2025
Book online at www.wyre.gov.uk/garstangwalkingfestival
Booking is essential on all walks unless otherwise stated.
SATURDAY 3 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 (hopefully!) we will hear the chorus of bird song. Bring binoculars, warm clothing and a hot drink. We will keep records of wildlife spotted, which will be shared with the Lancashire Environmental Record Centre. It may be a bit dark at the start, so bring a torch just in case.
Garstang to the Fells and Back (G1.2)
9am – 5:30pm · £6
Garstang area, graded very hard, 16.5 miles
A walk from Garstang, rising through pastures and villages to high moorland, taking in some fantastic views along the way.
Garstang Library Family Nature
Discovery Activity (G1.3)
10am – 11am · Free
Garstang Library, Windsor Road, PR3 1ED
A family friendly indoor nature discovery activity! Drop in any time between 10am and 11am. Parent or guardian must stay with children at all times. No need to book, just turn up.
Garstang Now and Then (G1.4)
10am – 2pm · £4
Garstang area, graded moderate, 5.5 miles
An interesting walk visiting important features of the area around the town and its environs.
Garstang Short Walk (G1.5)
11am – 12 noon · Free
Cherestanc Square, off Park Hill Road, Garstang, PR3 1EF
Graded easy, 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. No need to book to attend. Suitable for Trampers, which must be booked separately seven days in advance to ensure availability (see page 3).
Sunday 4 May
Fleetwood, Jewel of the Bay (G2.1)
10am - 2pm · £4
Fleetwood area, graded moderate, 7.5 miles
A walk around Fleetwood taking in many of its historical buildings and some birdlife.
Coast, Countryside and Canal (G2.2)
10am – 3:30pm · £6
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.
Bluebell Walk (G2.3)
12 noon – 1:30pm · Free Calder Vale Village, by the River Bridge, PR31SQ, 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). No need to book, just turn up.
Grizedale Circular (G2.4)
1:30pm – 4pm · £4
Scorton area, graded moderate, 4 miles
Discover the delights of Grizedale Valley and the surrounding area on this picturesque walk.
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 or scan the QR code to read the countryside code online!
Monday 5 May
Wyre Way Day 1 (G3.1)
9am – 4pm · £8
Wyre area, graded hard, 10.5 miles
Part 1 of a 3 day walk along the Wyre Way from from its source in the Forest of Bowland fells to its mouth in Morecambe Bay. From Dolphinholme we take transport to Abbeystead. We then walk following the river to Marshaw, over the Forest of Bowland moorland to Tarnbrook, past the Abbeystead reservoir and its magnificent curved spillway, and along to Dolphinholme.
Hare
Appletree Lowland (G3.2)
9am – 1:30pm · £6
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.
Springtime around Nicky Nook (G3.3)
10am – 1pm · £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.
Coronation Anniversary Walk (G3.4)
2pm – 3pm · Free
Cherestanc Square, off Park Hill Road, Garstang, PE3 1EF, graded access for all, 2 miles
A pleasant gentle walk, to and around Garstang Millennium Green, next to the River Wyre with views towards the Forest of Bowland, returning to the square. No need to book, just turn up.
Tuesday 6 May
Winmarleigh Day
Refreshments available for an extra cost at the end of all daytime walks which start from the Church.
Winmarleigh Moss Walk (G4.1)
9:30am – 3:30pm · £6
Winmarleigh area, graded hard, 8 miles
Heading out through lowland farmland towards Winmarleigh Moss: a hidden gem, the largest of Lancashire’s low raised bogs. Here we will hopefully see native flora and fauna associated with bog habitat, whilst learning about how crucial peatland habitats help in the battle against climate change.
Winmarleigh and Cabus - Canal and Countryside Local History
Walk (G4.2)
9:30am – 3pm · £6
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 Hall Walk (G4.3)
10am – 12 noon · Free
Winmarleigh area, graded easy, 3 miles
A short countryside walk including a visit to Winmarleigh Hall to learn about its history.
Lord Winmarleigh Talk (G4.4)
12 noon – 12:45pm · Free
Winmarleigh area
Join us in St Luke’s Church for this talk about the fascinating history of Lord Winmarleigh.
Winmarleigh Nature Activity and Wildlife Study Marquee (G4.5) 11am – 4pm · Free St Lukes Church Car Park, Winmarleigh Join the Wyre Rivers Trust, the Wyre Coast and Countryside team and The Bay: A Blueprint for Recovery for fascinating nature, wildlife and wellbeing activities. No need to book, just turn up.
Wednesday 7 May
Wyre Way Day 2 (G5.1)
9am – 4pm · £8
Wyre area, graded hard, 11.5 miles
Part 2 of a 3 day walk along the Wyre Way from its source in the Forest of Bowland fells to its mouth in Morecambe Bay. From St. Michael’s village hall, we take transport to Dolphinholme. We then walk following the river and across fields through to Scorton, Garstang and Churchtown to reach St. Michael’s.
Navigation for Walkers – Day 1 (G5.2)
9am – 5pm · £10
Bleasdale area, graded easy, 3.5 miles
An introduction to navigating with map and compass, in the Bleasdale area. The sessions are delivered over 2 days.
Participation in day 2 on Thursday 8 May is dependent on completing day 1. 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.
Glasson Dock and Galgate: two villages with a shared history (G5.3)
10am – 2pm · £4
Condor Green area, graded moderate, 7 miles
This Glasson Dock & Galgate walk compares the two villages for their growth, similarities and differences.
Bilsborrow and Brockside
Bluebell Walk (G5.4)
10am – 4pm · £6
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 to Bilsborrow. Please bring a packed lunch to be enjoyed with Rosie’s Goat icecream at Throstle Nest Farm (extra cost).
Sykes Geology Walk (G5.5)
10:30am – 12:30pm · Free
Bowland area, graded moderate, 1 mile
A short walk to look at the rocks, minerals and fossils in the area around Sykes. There will be opportunity to look amongst the old mine waste for samples of the minerals worked, followed by looking at the limestone rocks and fossils in the disused quarries.
Catterall Meander with Wyre Rivers Trust (G5.6)
1pm – 3pm · Free
Catterall area, graded moderate, 3 miles
Join the Wyre Rivers Trust to stroll across pasture to reach the River Calder and the Lancaster Canal, returning alongside the riverbank. Some historic features and river management topics will be highlighted on route.
Garstang Bloomers Walk (G5.7)
6pm – 7pm · Free Cherestanc Square, Off Park Hill Road, Garstang, PE3 1EF, graded easy, 1 mile
A walk around the Garstang in Bloom gardens meeting volunteers who care for the blooming green spaces in Garstang. No need to book, just turn up.
Follow @GarstangWalkingFestival on Facebook for regular festival updates!
Thursday 8 May
Pilling Day
Refreshments available for an extra charge at the end of each walk which start from the Village Hall.
Navigation for Walkers – Day 2 (G6.1)
9am – 5pm · £10
Bleasdale area, graded easy, 4 miles
Participants must have completed day 1 in order to attend. 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.
Pilling Village and Coast (G6.2)
10am – 2pm · £4
Pilling area, graded moderate, 6 miles
A walk through Pilling Village to the coast with views over Morecambe Bay to the southern Lake District.
Tramper Experience & Springtime
Wander (G6.3)
10am – 12 noon · Free
Pilling Village Hall, Taylors Lane, Pilling, PR3 6AB, graded easy, 1 mile
Join us to learn about Trampers, and how they can assist people to access the wider countryside (hills, mud, wet grass) with ease. Come along on a short wildlife wander and Tramper trek too, if you are able. No need to book, just drop in.
Pilling Churches (G6.4)
1pm – 3:30pm · £4
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 (G6.5)
2pm – 3pm · Free
Pilling Village Hall, Taylors Lane, Pilling PR3 6AB, graded moderate, 2 miles
A pleasant circular country walk along lanes, tracks and across fields. Includes a few stiles. No need to book, just turn up.
Friday 9 May
Wyre Way Day 3 (G7.1)
9am – 4:30pm · £8
Wyre area, graded hard, 13.5 miles
Part 3 of a 3 day walk along the Wyre Way from its source in the Forest of Bowland fells to its mouth in Morecambe Bay. From Knott End car park we take transport to St. Michael’s. We then walk across farmland towards Out Rawcliffe and follow the riverbank to Knott End.
Brock Bottom History and Archaeology (G7.2)
10am – 12 noon · Free
Brock area, graded easy, 2 miles
A walk along the riverbank from Brock car park to the mill, looking at the structures in the vicinity
Knott End Short Walk (G7.3)
11am – 12 noon · Free Knott End Café, Bourne May Road, FY6 0EA, graded moderate, 2 miles
Enjoy views over the River Wyre and Morecambe Bay on paths and tracks around Knott End and nearby farmland. No need to book just turn up.
Lapwings and Hares Tramper Trek (G7.4)
1pm – 3:30pm · £4
Claughton area, graded moderate, 3 miles
Join the countryside rangers to look for lapwings (and hopefully their chicks) and maybe a hare or two. Walkers welcome. Suitable for Trampers, which must be booked separately seven days in advance to ensure availability (see page 3).
Wild Fox Gin, Brock Bottom and Beacon Fell (G7.5)
1pm – 5:30pm · £6
Brock area, graded moderate, 6.5 miles
A circular and informative walk, through native historic woodland, from Wild Fox Gin to Brock Bottom and Beacon Fell; with spectacular views (weather permitting) of the Fylde Coast and the Lakes. Walkers are invited to stay after the walk and experience ‘Food Truck Friday’ with food and drink to purchase and enjoy the sociable atmosphere – full details on booking.
Historic Knott End (G7.6)
6pm – 8:30pm · £4
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 10 May
Langden and Hareden Valleys (G8.1)
9:30am – 2:30pm · £6
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 moderate, 2 miles
A special walk with the owners of the estate, looking at its historical landscape including a visit to a 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!
Great Eccleston to St Michael’s (G8.3)
10am – 4pm · £6
Great Eccleston area, graded moderate, 9 miles
A circular walk along the banks of River Wyre; joining the Wyre Way to St Michael’s and returning through fields to rejoin the river and walk back to Great Eccleston. There are several stiles and some road walking.
Scorton to Dolphinholme Circular (G8.4)
10am – 1pm · £4
Scorton area, moderate, 5 miles
This walk takes in quiet country lanes, fields and woodland to arrive in Dolphinholme. Views of the Bowland fells throughout and Wyreside Hall. Returning along the Wyre Way.
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.
Sunday 11 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 · £6
Bleasdale area, graded hard, 12 miles
From the Parish Hall this walk 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
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. Being beside the river this will be a walk where wellies could be useful. Bring along your binoculars and a hand lens if you have one. We may even do a bit of river dipping. Suitable for all the family, under 18s must be accompanied by an adult at all times.
Bluebell Walk (G9.3)
12 noon – 1:30pm · Free Calder Vale Village, by the River Bridge, PR31SQ, 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). No need to book, just turn up.
Bleasdale Past to Present (G9.4)
1:30pm – 4pm · £4
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 · £10
Join 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 home made locally sourced meal and lots of good company.
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
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
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.