ENGLAND is back in lockdown which means people across the country have to stay at home unless it’s for a specific reason.
However, we can still get some outdoor exercise with your household, or one member of another household.
This means you can still put your walking boots on and explore some of the most scenic places in East Lancashire this autumn.
Ian Beardsworth, a representiative for the Blackburn Ramblers (walking group) said: “I would definitely encourage people to go walking during lockdown.
“It’s good for you, it’s relaxing and it will take your mind off the bad things happening in the world.”
According to Ian, you can find some of the best views in Great Harwood and Pendle Hill.
Here are five walking routes to embark on during lockdown:
The J.R.R Tolkien Trail, Ribble Valley
Fans of the Lord of the Rings franchise will love this route.
Stonyhurst College and its scenic surroundings were said to be the inspiration for the fictional world of Middle Earth in Tolkien’s Lord of the Rings.
The route itself is around five miles long and starts and ends at Hurst Green.
During the walk, you will find yourself walking past Hall Barn Farm and over Cromwell’s Bridge.
You will also find yourself walking by the historic Hacking Hall, which dates back to the 12th century.
You can find this full route on the Lancashire Council website.
The Brontë’s Trail, Pendle
If you’re interested in a lengthy walk where you can also learn more about Lancashire’s literary history, then this is the ideal walking trail for you.
The Brontë sisters spent a lot of their time exploring Lancashire and the South Pennine Moors.
This walking route begins in the heart of the Trawden Forest and sees you walk by historic farmhouses and beautiful woodland.
Photo: Geograph/Kevin Rushton
Also on the route is Wycoller Hall, which experts say is the model for Ferndean Manor in Charlotte Brontë’s novel Jane Eyre.
The route ends as the summit of Boulsworth Hill.
Want to try this trail for yourself? View the full route on visitlancashire.com
The Wayside Arts trail, Burnley
This circular route starts and ends at Towneley Hall and is 8-12 miles long depending on the route you decide to take.
Artistic waymarkers, inspired by the local wildlife, have been placed along the route for you to follow and admire.
(Photo: Geograph/David Dixon)
During the walk, you will find yourself passing Burnley Golf Course and even Burnley’s ‘Singing Ringing Tree’ at Crown Point.
The Beamers Trail, Blackburn
If you are looking for a relatively easy walking route, then this Blackburn trail could be ideal for you.
It begins in Witton Country Park and is around six miles long.
During the walk you will find yourself passing many historic monuments, such as the disused Butler’s Delph quarry which was one of the last working freestone quarries in the area.
Keep you eyes out for any wildlife during your walk, as Mallard, Kingfisher and Heron can be spotted on the River Darwen.
Find the route online.
Darwen Tower, Darwen
(Photo: Geograph/Gordon Griffiths)
Darwen Tower was erected in the late 1800s to celebrate Queen Victoria’s Diamond Jubilee.
The tower is the focal point of this circular walking route, which should take you less than two hours to complete.
Starting with Darwen Town Hall behind you, this route sees you walking past the 1921 war memorial and even a 70-foot waterfall before taking you to the summit of Darwen Tower.
On a clear day, you can see the hills of North Wales from the summit of this hill; there is a circular viewing platform on the way up.
You can view the full trail online.
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