This trail in Lancashire takes you through the landscapes that inspired Middle-earth.

Start: Hurst Green Memorial Hall Car Park

Distance: 6.73 miles

Duration: 2-3 hours

Elevation: 475 feet

Difficulty: Easy

Navigation: Follow step-by-step on komoot, or download GPX file

About the route

A circular walk from Hurst Green Memorial Hall car park, looping past Stonyhurst College, into Over Hacking Wood, alongside the River Hodder, over Cromwell’s Bridge, and back along the Ribble bank and aqueduct. Landscapes here are rumoured to have inspired parts of The Hobbit and The Lord of the Rings.

Route difficulty

This is an easy, beginner-friendly route with no major climbs. Paths can get muddy, but it’s otherwise straightforward and well-marked — perfect for a half-day adventure.

Why is it called the Tolkien Trail?

The trail is named after J.R.R. Tolkien, author of The Lord of the Rings, who spent time at Stonyhurst College during World War II while visiting his son, John, who was training for the priesthood. During his visits, Tolkien is believed to have written parts of The Lord of the Rings, drawing inspiration from the lush Ribble Valley countryside. Local place names like Shire Lane and the River Shirebourn bear striking similarities to the Shire and other elements of Middle-earth, making this a literary and scenic journey all in one.

Why you’ll love this walk

If you’ve ever dreamed of wandering through the Shire, this trail is for you. Peaceful riverside paths, ancient woodland, Tolkien lore around every bend, and a storybook pub stop to warm up mid-way. It’s atmospheric, historical, and just the right amount of whimsical.

Route highlights

Stonyhurst College — where Tolkien stayed during WW2 while visiting his son. Looks like Hogwarts, feels like history.
Shire Lane & River Shirebourn — local names that echo The Shire.
Hacking Boat House — believed to have inspired Buckleberry Ferry.
New Lodge viewpoint — possibly the real-life view from Tom Bombadil’s house.
The Shireburn Arms — cosy pub with LOTR vibes and great food.
Millie’s Café — home-baked cakes and a huge Middle-earth map on the wall.
Over Hacking Wood descent — woodland steps leading to verdant Hodder riverside.
River Hodder, Ribble & Cromwell’s Bridge — historic packhorse bridge said to have featured in local lore.
Views of Pendle Hill from fields above the riverside section — dramatic skyline.

Getting to the starting point

By train/bus: Train to Whalley or Clitheroe, then local buses (Clitheroe–Whalley–Preston) to Hurst Green. Check bus schedules for specifics.
By car: Sat nav to BB7 9QB. Park at the Memorial Hall car park (£5 donation recommended). Limited roadside space.

How to extend your adventure

Stonyhurst College museum (booking required) to explore Tolkien-related history.
Post-walk refreshment at The Shireburn Arms, Bayley Arms, or cake at Millie’s Café.
Extend into Forest of Bowland walks like Pendle Hill or Stocks Reservoir.

Is this walk suitable for beginners?

Yes, if you're okay walking ~3 hours over fields and riverside paths. Expect some mud in wet weather and around woodland stairs. A couple of short climbs but nothing too strenuous. Some of the route is way marked, but boots and route map advised.

When’s the best time to do this walk?

Late spring – early autumn is ideal for wild garlic and bluebells in Over Hacking Wood and clear riverside views. Winter is doable but muddy; waterproof footwear essential.

Following the route

I use komoot and OS Maps for offline navigation. Follow the full route step-by-step komoot, or download GPX file and upload it to your preferred app.

Good to knows

Waymarking minimal — Rely on map/GPX.
Footwear essential — Wooded and riverside bits can get muddy.
Dog friendly: Yes, dogs on leads near livestock.
Facilities: Toilets, pubs and café only in Hurst Green.
Countryside code: Close gates, pick up litter, stay on paths.

The Tolkien Trail — Walk in the ƒootsteps of J.R.R Tolkien