Get Active in Lancashire

Forget the gym, let our beautiful (and sometimes challenging) Lancashire landscape inspire you to get active.

Walking
Its free, doesn’t require specialist equipment (except for comfy shoes) and you can do it anywhere. This vastly underrated form of exercise is proven to help reduce the risk of developing chronic illnesses, is suitable for all ages AND we’ve got loads of free walking routes to download from visitlancashire.com.

Walk along canal towpaths, on city centre heritage trails, through sculpture parks, along promenades and of course through two Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty. From 1 to 50 mile choose a route to suit your ability, mood and the weather!

Cycling
Cycling is the third most popular recreational activity in the UK. An estimated 3.1 million people ride a bicycle each month – and whilst you do require a bike and helmet, these can be hired from a number of locations across Lancashire. From the flat plains of West Lancashire and our historic coastline (stretching from Lytham right up to just past Morecambe) to the hilly and often challenging terrain of the Pennines, Forest of Bowland and around Rivington (there’s a reason that many elite Cyclists are based in Lancashire!), you’ll find a choice of routes to suit your ability on our new website cyclelancashire.com. Many routes in Lancashire are off road which is ideal for younger children and those less experienced.

Sailing
As an island nation and with our extensive canal network it’s a wonder more of us don’t give saving a go (Did you know that there are 1.2 million’s boats of some kind in the UK?) Lancashire’s 137 mile coastline makes it prime for exploring the coastal areas, including Morecambe Bay  and we have a number of sailing schools to get you out on open waters. Inland there’s a multitude of canal boat companies on both the lock free Lancaster Canal and the Leeds Liverpool Canal. And if nether or these appeals what about trying a self-guided canoe safari at WWT Martin Mere ?

Skiing
Ok so skiing isn’t your typical summer sport but did you know that Ski Rossendale near Rawtenstall has the longest slope in the northwest? And because its outdoors you get to enjoy the sunshine and the magnificent views across the Rossendale Valley.

Golf
Here in Lancashire we’re particularly proud of our championship courses, especially Royal Lytham St Annes, which has hosted the Open on several occasions and is hosting the Walker Cup in September this year. You don’t need to be a pro to play a game on our courses. From the links courses on the coast to the beautiful Ribble Valley Lancashire’s got lots of variety whether you’re a beginner or an expert.

And for something completely different…

Fancy a game of Footgolf?
All the rules of golf are the same as golf, the player with the lowest score wins but there are no clubs, just feet and a bigger ball! You can play this new and unusual sport at Mytton Fold Hotel & Golf Complex.