Stonyhurst College & the Ribble Way loop from Hurst Green

Hiking trails & Routes

Aighton, Bailey And Chaigley

Stonyhurst College & the Ribble Way loop from Hurst Green

Moderate

4.8

(310)

1,898

hikers

Stonyhurst College & the Ribble Way loop from Hurst Green

03:02

11.4km

130m

Hiking

Embark on the Stonyhurst College & the Ribble Way loop from Hurst Green, a moderate hike that winds through the picturesque Ribble Valley. This 7.1-mile (11.4 km) route, with an elevation gain of 440 feet (134 metres), typically takes around 3 hours and 2 minutes to complete. You will experience…

Last updated: April 23, 2026

Tips

Your route passes through protected areas

Please check local regulations for:

Forest of Bowland AONB

Waypoints

Start point

Parking

Get Directions

1.39 km

Stonyhurst College

Highlight • Historical Site

Stonyhurst is known for its historic and architecturally significant buildings. The main building, Stonyhurst Hall, dates back to the 16th century and is an impressive structure with a rich history.

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4.80 km

Cromwell's Bridge Over the River Hodder

Highlight • Historical Site

This ancient crossing over the River Hodder is named after Oliver Cromwell, who, in 1648, lead his army across it on the way to the Battle of Preston. Today, it …

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7.80 km

Confluence of the Rivers Calder and Ribble

Highlight • Natural Monument

This is the confluence of two of Lancashire's great rivers, the Ribble and the Calder. From here, the Ribble flows out to the Irish Sea at the Ribble Estuary beyond …

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10.9 km

Shireburn Arms Pub & Tolkien Trail Start

Highlight • Trail

The Shireburn Arms is a gorgeous, characterful pub in the picturesque village of Hurst Green. Set in prime walking country, there's plenty to see in the surrounding area, from beautiful …

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11.4 km

End point

Parking

Way Types & Surfaces

Way Types

4.66 km

3.66 km

2.12 km

858 m

< 100 m

Surfaces

8.36 km

2.01 km

566 m

355 m

< 100 m

Elevation

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Weather

Friday 9 October

11°C

7°C

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Comments

August 5, 2024,The Tolkien Trail from Hurst Green loop – Forest of Bowland AONB

A very pleasant rural walk with connections to "the Lord of the Rings"

May 12, 2024,Lancashire - Tolkien Trail (Group Walk)

A walk with my walking group - Mindfulness On The Move.

Note: Stonyhurst College is private land, you will more than likely be asked to leave the gardens. Be polite and agree to leave.

May 17, 2025,The Tolkien Trail

Lovely walk with friends in the Ribble Valley. By the River Ribble and Hodder. Tolkien spent a lot of time writing his epic novels here and some of the scenery certainly reminds me of the Shire. Plenty of sand martins, herons, egrets, lapwings and oyster catchers. Can definitely recommend it.

March 30, 2024,The Tolkien Trail part 1

It's rare I venture north these days, but when I do, I'm reminded of why I enjoyed growing up in this area so much. I spent the first 25 years of my life in the Ribble Valley and still have somehow not walked, run or ridden many of the paths.