10 great walks in the South Pennines

The South Pennines are enjoyed by residents on both sides of the Lancashire/Yorkshire border.

Nobody quite knows where the South Pennines starts and finishes, as it isn't a designated national like the Peak District or the Yorkshire Dales, so its designation is very much open to interpretation.

Straddling the Yorkshire and Lancashire border, the South Pennines' western portion encompasses Burnley, Ramsbottom, Littleborough and Rawtenstall, while Yorkshire towns include Hebden Bridge, Haworth, Keighley and Todmorden.

We pick our favourite walks that explore the beauty and diversity of the region from both sides of the border.

Irwell Valley path, Bacup (Image: Keith Carter)

Bacup
This walk starts out in the centre of Bacup and heads north, passing by sections of the Irwell Sculpture Trail and the Rossendale Way.
Click here to view the details of the, Bacup walk

The view from Boulsworth Hill (Image: Archant)

Boulsworth Hill
Trawden is a village situated just south-east of Colne. This walk takes you to the summit of Boulsworth Hill and rewards you with stunning panoramic views of the South Pennines.
Click here to view the details of the Trawden and Boulsworth Hill walk

Hollingworth Lake, Littleborough (Image: Archant)

Hollingworth Lake
Littleborough is synonymous with Hollingworth Lake, a great starting point for walks in the area due to its proximity to the Rochdale Canal, the Pennine Bridleway, the Rochdale Way and the Weighvers Way, some or all of which can be included in a days walk.
Click here to view the details of the Hollingworth Lake and Littleborough walk

Foulridge reservoir (Image: john lenehan)

Foulridge
This walk is very much water-themed, for the early part it follows a section of the Leeds-Liverpool canal, then passes by Foulridge Reservoir and the wharf.
Click here to view the details of the Foulridge walk

The Singing Ringing Tree, Burnley (Image: Archant)

Burnley
This walk starts out at Towneley Park in Burnley, passes through a section of the Wayside Arts Trail and takes you to the summit of Crown Point, where the Singing Ring Tree Panopticon is located.
Click here to view the details of the Burnley Singing Ringing Tree walk

Hebden Bridge (Image: not Archant)

Hebden Bridge
Explore the beautiful countryside surrounding Hebden Bridge and take in some of the Pennine Bridleway path.
Click here to view the details of the Hebden Bridge walk

Redbrook Reservoir and Pule Hill (Image: Archant)

Marsden Moor
Follow an ancient route linking Marsden to neighbouring Lancashire, you will pass reservoirs and trig points that highlight the diverse landscape.
Click here to view the details of the Marsden Moor and Standedge walk

Stoodley Pike (Image: Archant)

Todmorden
Stride out along moorland tracks and old packhorse routes that cross the wide open spaces of the South Pennines near Todmorden.
Click to view the details of the Todmorden and Stoodley Pike walk

Cow and calf, Ilkley (Image: Archant)

Ilkley Moor
Rediscover some of the most visited moorlands in Yorkshire high above the spa town of Ilkley.
Click here to view the details of the Ilkley Moor and Cow and Calf walk

Top Withens, Haworth by Raymond Rickaby (Image: Archant)

Haworth
Tread in the footsteps of the Bronte sisters across rocky paths and wind-scoured grasses near Haworth.
Click here to view the details of the Haworth Bronte history walk

All the routes were correct at the time of publication, over time access to certain parts of the walk may be subject to change. We advise you acquire a recent OS map of the area you plan to visit and assure there are no major changes.