Darwen is a market town situated within the Blackburn with Darwen district, characterized by its diverse and scenic landscapes ideal for outdoor activities. The region is nestled against the West Pennine Moors and surrounded by the River Darwen, featuring a mix of moorland, hills, woodlands, and numerous reservoirs. This varied terrain provides opportunities for several sports like hiking, mountain biking, road cycling, jogging, and more.
Darwen offers a wide array of outdoor activities and routes…
104
Routes
4.5
(279)
Average rating
2494
People visited

4.7
(21)
68
riders
43.5km
03:30
700m
700m
Moderate mountain bike ride. Good fitness required. Advanced riding skills necessary.

4.3
(7)
26
riders
27.8km
02:16
440m
440m
Moderate mountain bike ride. Good fitness required. Advanced riding skills necessary.

4.6
(16)
56
riders
26.1km
02:14
410m
410m
Moderate mountain bike ride. Good fitness required.
Get access to more routes and recommendations from other explorers.
Already have an account?

5.0
(2)
161
riders
70.4km
03:29
1,030m
1,030m
Hard road ride. Very good fitness required. Mostly well-paved surfaces and easy to ride.

5.0
(1)
92
riders
44.2km
02:20
650m
650m
Moderate road ride. Good fitness required. Some segments of this route may be unpaved and difficult to ride.

30
riders
21.8km
01:13
370m
370m
Moderate road ride. Good fitness required. Mostly well-paved surfaces and easy to ride.

5.0
(2)
26
riders
27.4km
01:26
430m
430m
Moderate road ride. Good fitness required. Mostly well-paved surfaces and easy to ride.
Get access to more routes and recommendations from other explorers.
Already have an account?

4.8
(67)
202
hikers
Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Easily walkable paths.

4.9
(33)
172
hikers
Easy hike. Easily walkable paths.

4.3
(14)
53
hikers
Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Easily walkable paths.

4.7
(7)
75
hikers
Easy hike. Easily walkable paths.
Get access to more routes and recommendations from other explorers.
Already have an account?

119
runners
16.7km
02:03
420m
420m
Hard run. Very good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces.

39
runners
Moderate run. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces.

32
runners
6.70km
00:43
90m
90m
Moderate run. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces.

38
runners
20.5km
02:12
320m
320m
Hard run. Very good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces.
Get access to more routes and recommendations from other explorers.
Already have an account?

5.0
(2)
14
riders
24.8km
02:00
370m
370m
Moderate gravel ride. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces.

5.0
(2)
33
riders
32.6km
02:14
440m
440m
Moderate gravel ride. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces.

5
riders
53.0km
03:06
200m
200m
Moderate gravel ride. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces.

3.0
(1)
4
riders
23.2km
01:20
230m
230m
Moderate gravel ride. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces.
Get access to more routes and recommendations from other explorers.
Already have an account?

5.0
(1)
25
riders
29.8km
02:03
480m
480m
Hard bike ride. Very good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces.

5.0
(4)
19
riders
20.9km
01:27
330m
330m
Moderate bike ride. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces.

9
riders
34.1km
02:16
490m
490m
Hard bike ride. Very good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces.

8
riders
46.1km
03:21
630m
630m
Hard bike ride. Very good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces.
Get access to more routes and recommendations from other explorers.
Already have an account?
Darwen offers a variety of outdoor activities including hiking, mountain biking, road cycling, jogging, touring cycling, and gravel biking. The region features moorland, hills, woodlands, and reservoirs, providing diverse terrain for exploration. More than 150 routes are available on komoot.
Popular hiking routes in Darwen often include paths leading to Darwen Tower, through Sunnyhurst Wood, and around the various reservoirs like Entwistle and Roddlesworth. These trails offer a mix of moorland views and woodland paths. For more options, explore the Hiking around Darwen guide.
The Darwen Tower walk leads to an iconic landmark standing 85 feet (26m) tall on Darwen Hill, 1,220 feet (372m) above sea level. The ascent offers panoramic views of the Lancashire landscape, and on clear days, views extend to the Isle of Man and the Lake District. The tower was built in 1898 to celebrate public access to the moorland.
Darwen offers several family-friendly walks, particularly in areas like Sunnyhurst Wood and around the reservoirs. These routes often feature gentler terrain suitable for all ages. A dedicated guide for Family-friendly hikes around Darwen is available.
Yes, Darwen provides numerous easy hiking routes, especially around its reservoirs and within woodlands like Sunnyhurst Wood. These trails typically have less elevation gain and well-maintained paths. Consult the Easy hikes around Darwen guide for specific suggestions.
Many trails in Darwen are suitable for dogs, particularly those through woodlands and across moorland. It is advisable to keep dogs under control, especially near livestock. A guide for Dog-friendly hikes around Darwen can help identify suitable routes.
Darwen offers a range of cycling routes, including options for mountain biking, road cycling, and touring cycling. The varied terrain includes dedicated paths and scenic roads. Guides are available for MTB Trails around Darwen and Road Cycling Routes around Darwen.
Key natural features include the West Pennine Moors, Sunnyhurst Wood, and several reservoirs such as Entwistle and Roddlesworth. The most prominent landmark is Darwen Tower, offering extensive views. Bold Venture Park, a Grade II listed park, also features a lake and sculpture trail.
Darwen's outdoor routes are popular, with more than 28,000 visitors having shared their experiences on komoot. The routes have an average rating of 4.57 out of 5 stars, indicating high user satisfaction across more than 150 available routes.
Komoot offers several guides for Darwen, covering various activities and interests. These include guides for Family-friendly hikes, MTB Trails, General Hiking, and Road Cycling Routes.
Information regarding Darwen Town Council can be found on their official website. For general inquiries related to the wider Blackburn with Darwen Borough, the Blackburn with Darwen Borough Council website is a resource. The contact number for the Blackburn with Darwen Borough Council is 01254 585920.

