Lancaster Circular Walk

9.9 miles (16 km)

This 10 mile circular walk makes use of three of the long distance trails which run through the area surrounding the city. You'll pass along the River Lune on the Lune Valley Ramble before picking up the Lancaster Canal to take you to the coast. Here you follow the Lancashire Coastal Way to take you to along Morecambe Bay.
The walk starts at the train station in the city centre and first heads past Lancaster Castle and Priory. The medieval�castle dates from the 12th century and has a fascinating history. You can enjoy the courtyard spaces, external views of the historic building, two small exhibition spaces,�and the�giftshop without charge, but�public access to the interiors of the castle buildings is by guided tour only.
From the castle it is a short stroll down to the river where you pick up a nice riverside footpath to the impressive Millennium Bridge. You continue to the lovely Lune Aqueduct of the Lancaster Canal, which rises above the river. The�navigable aqueduct carries the�Lancaster Canal�over the�River Lune, and was completed in 1797. The route crosses the river here and continues along the towpath of the canal to Hest Bank on the coast. It's a lovely stretch of the canal with great views of the surrounding Lancashire countryside to enjoy.
At Hest Bank you pick up the coastal path to take you into Morecambe. There's lovely views of the attractive beach and the famous Morecambe Bay with lots of wading birds to look out for.
The final stage of the walk takes you along the Lancaster to Morecambe Cycleway. The shared surfaced path runs all the way back to the Lune in Lancaster.
The city is located on the edge of the Forest of Bowland AONB where there are miles of greating walking routes to try. You could head a few miles to the east and climb to Clougha Pike. From the hill summit there are wonderful views over Morecambe Bay, Snowdonia and the Lake District Fells.
Sunderland Point is located south of Lancaster and well worth a visit if you are in the area. There's nice footpaths to follow around a delightful peninsula with salt marsh salt marsh, beach, mud flats, farmland and lots of wildlife to look out for.
The Lunesdale Walk is another good option and can be picked up just to the north at Carnforth. It takes you through the Forest of Bowland, visiting many pretty villages and waterways.
The long distance Way of the Roses also passes through the city. It will also take you into the Forest of Bowland and then on into the Yorkshire Dales.
For another riverside stroll you could try the Lancaster to Caton route. The shared cycling and walking path takes you along the River Lune to nearby Caton.

Lancaster Circular Walk Ordnance Survey Map - view and print off detailed OS map

Lancaster Circular Walk Open Street Map - view and print off detailed map

Lancaster Circular Walk OS Map - Mobile GPS OS Map with Location tracking

Lancaster Circular Walk Open Street Map - Mobile GPS Map with Location tracking

Further Information and Other Local Ideas

On the south western side of the city you will find the Fairfield Nature Reserve. It's a pleasant place for a walk with wetlands, a lovely apple orchard and lots of birdlife to look out for. You can find the reserve in the Abraham Heights area of the city.