A new 65-mile circular hiking route through the scenic rolling countryside and spectacular uplands of the Ribble Valley and Forest of Bowland
About the Ribble Valley Jubilee Trail
As part of the Borough’s Jubilee celebrations, Ribble Valley Mayor for 2022-23 Councillor Stuart Hirst is inaugurating a new circular walking trail around the beautiful Ribble Valley and Forest of Bowland Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.
As a keen walker, Stuart has devised this new 65-mile route with seven stages – linking scenic local villages and places of interest around the Ribble Valley.
Starting in the bustling town of Whalley, the route is split into seven easily manageable sections and is designed to be walked as a challenging three-day trek, or a more relaxed 5-7 day walking tour. Along the way, the walk visits picture postcard villages like Downham and Slaidburn and also climbs to the summit of iconic Pendle Hill.
The route has been planned, reconnoitered and waymarked personally by the Mayor with help from Council colleagues and the support of Lancashire Footpaths Officers. It is suitable for experienced walkers who are comfortable covering 7-12 miles a day in hilly terrain, although the shorter individual sections could comfortably be completed by less experienced walkers.
As well as a fitting Jubilee tribute to her Majesty Queen Elizabeth in her Platinum Jubilee year, the route will also be developed as a permanent visitor attraction supporting the Ribble Valley’s tourism offer to attract walkers to spend more time exploring our beautiful – but often overlooked – area of rural Lancashire.
The Mayor’s inaugural walk took place in September 2022 and the route is now available to browse on these pages. Digital mapping and downloads are also available via popular walking Apps, including OutdoorActive & OS Maps.
