FOR many people, their daily walks have been their solace during lockdown.

It’s given people a chance to explore their surroundings and discover beautiful areas that they never knew existed.

Restaurants and surrounding shops may be closed- but some local café and coffee shops have decided to remain open for takeaway services only.

We have tracked down five Lancashire walking routes with a nearby coffee shop.

This means you can spice up your regular walking route by enjoying a hot drink on the journey.

1. Chapeltown walk, Blackburn with Darwen

Want to embark on a lengthy five mile walk around Chapeltown?

This beautiful walking route takes you around Cheetham Close and over a portion of Witton Weavers Way.

It’s great little route to take your dogs around- if they can handle the many stiles you encounter on the way.

The walking route starts at Turton Tower, a distinctive country house and museum that dates back to the 15th century.

It is here that you can grab your hot drink as the Woodland Café is open for business.

This café is located at the base of the tower and is open from 10:30am-4pm.

(Facebook/Turton Tower Woodland Café)

As well as hot drinks, the café also serves cakes, pies and baps for you to tuck into.

2. Nicky Nook circular route, Preston

The Nicky Nook circular trail is a 3.6 mile walking route near Preston.

It’s ideal for those who love forest walks and outstanding views.

Once you reach the summit, you can see views of the Lancashire coast and even to the Lakeland fells.

According to the All Trails website, it is a moderate route with a couple of steep hills.

To get through the route, you are going to need some supplies.

(Facebook/Applestore Café)

Luckily, the nearby Applestore Café in Scorton is open for takeaways.

They are open from 9am-4pm every day and boast a full cafe-menu of yummy sandwiches, hearty homemade soups and scrumptious cakes.

3. The J.R.R Tolkien trail, Ribble Valley

Are you a fan of the Lord of the Rings franchise?

If so, you will love this route.

Stonyhurst College and its scenic surroundings were said to be the inspiration for the fictional world of Middle Earth in Tolkien’s Lord of the Rings.

The route itself is around five miles long and starts and ends at Hurst Green.

During the walk, you will find yourself walking past Hall Barn Farm and over Cromwell’s Bridge.

You will also find yourself walking by the historic Hacking Hall, which dates back to the 12th century.

You can find this full route on the Lancashire Council website.

If you want to visit a café after the walk, Millie’s in Hurst Green is one great option.

 
After warming your hands with a coffee, why not treat yourself to one of Millie’s delicious-looking sweet treats?

Handmade truffles, scones and sandwiches are just some items on the menu.

They are open every day, 9am-3pm.

4. The Bronte’s Trail, Pendle

If you are a bit of a bookworm who loves learning about Lancashire’s literary history, then this walking route could be perfect.

The Brontë sisters spent a lot of their time exploring Lancashire and the South Pennine Moors.

This walking route begins in the heart of the Trawden Forest and sees you walk by historic farmhouses and beautiful woodland.

It will take around 5 hours to complete, but it is completely worth it if you are excited to discover abandoned tram tracks and waterfalls.

You will even encounter the remains of Wycoller Hall on the route.

Lancashire Telegraph: Wycoller Hall Wycoller Hall

(Photo: Geograph/ Kevin Rushton)

The walk starts neat The Trawden Arms and The Old Rock Café.

If you want to grab a drink or a nibble for the journey, The Lakeside Cafe on Ball Grove Drive, Colne could be a great stop off point. 

They are open 9-4 on Mondays and 10-4 every other day of the week. 

5. Roddlesworth Nature Trail, Darwen

This relatively easy route should only take you 1.5 hours.

It is suitable for most people- but be aware that there are some short ascents.

The waymarked nature trail sees you walking through fields, woodlands and along the river itself.

It also takes you along the ruins of Halliwell Fold and Hollinshead Hall which was built in 1776.

This hall is said to be haunted by six ghostly spirits-  will you encounter any?

A popular stop off for people on this trail is Vaughns Country Café on Tockholes Road.

(Facebook/Vaughns Country Café)

It’s open 10:30am-2pm on Monday and Tueday and 10:30-3pm on Wednesday-Sunday.

While you’re there, be sure to pick up one of their jam shortbreads to dunk into your coffee- they are said to be a divine accompaniment with cappuccinos and lattes.

Where is your favourite walking route in Lancashire?