Rufford Old Hall Circular Walk
A picturesque dog friendly circular walk on the outskirts of Rufford Old Hall. Enjoy the peaceful sights along the Leeds and Liverpool canal.
Near to
Rufford Old HallStart point
Rufford Old Hall car park (L40 1SG)Trail information
Difficulty
Full trail
DistanceMiles: 2 (km: 3.2)Total stages: 12
Total stages: 12
Start point
Rufford Old Hall car park (L40 1SG)
Stage 1
When leaving the entrance of Rufford Old Hall, turn left onto the main road (A59) following the stone wall bordering the perimeter of the property.
Stage 2
Walk along the road until you see a sign for Fettler’s Wharf Marina and Rufford Train Station to the left. Turn left onto Church Road and walk directly ahead towards St Mary the Virgin Church.
Stage 3
In the churchyard there are some members of the Hesketh family buried here, dating as far back as the 18th century.
Stage 4
Exit the churchyard using the main gate. This gate leads directly onto the road, so please be careful and aware of traffic. Cross the road and you will see St Mary’s Marina which contains many narrow boats. Turn left with St Mary’s marina on your right and walk straight ahead towards the green-railed bridge which crosses the canal.
Stage 5
Once you have crossed the bridge, turn left onto the canal tow path and follow this path alongside the canal. To your right you will see lovely countryside and grand landscapes, whilst on your left beyond the houses you will see the grounds of Rufford Old Hall.
Stage 6
On the opposite side of the canal, you will see Rufford Old Hall house and gardens.
Stage 7
Further down the canal you will find an opening in the trees to you right. With your back to the Rufford Old Hall grounds and the canal, look across the fields and in the far distance you will spot a small tower on top of the hill. This is a local landmark called Darwen Tower.
Stage 8
Continuing your walk along the canal’s tow path, you will see on your right there is an abundance of wildflowers which give the canal a flash of colour. Whilst in the canal itself there are a variety of fish such as red-finned Roach and striped Perch.
Stage 9
If you look beyond the wildflowers to your right, there is a grand landscape which boasts many sights such as Pendle Hill, Winter Hill and Rivington Pike. Pendle Hill is located on the far left, Winter Hill is topped by masts and just to the right of Winter Hill you will see Rivington Pike.
Stage 10
Straight ahead is a white-railed canal bridge, marked with a number ‘8’ sign. Turn left onto the bridge and continue straight ahead down the footpath which is a little uneven, so please be careful. This brings you to the main road (A59). Once you reach the main road, turn left.
Stage 11
As you walk down the main road look to your left, you will see a woodland which is part of Rufford Old Hall’s grounds.
Stage 12
Continue down the main road until you find the entrance to the hall on your left. As you enter the property’s grounds, be sure to head to the tea-room for a well-deserved cup of tea and a scrumptious slice of cake.
End point
Rufford Old Hall car park (L40 1SG)
Trail map
Rufford Old Hall Circular Walk | © Crown copyright and database rights 2013 Ordnance Survey
Get in touch
200 Liverpool Road, Rufford, near Ormskirk, Lancashire, L40 1SG