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…
110
Routes
4.5
(251)
Average rating
2759
People visited

4.7
(16)
57
riders
43.5km
03:30
700m
700m
Moderate mountain bike ride. Good fitness required. Advanced riding skills necessary.

4.3
(7)
24
riders
27.8km
02:16
440m
440m
Moderate mountain bike ride. Good fitness required. Advanced riding skills necessary.

4.6
(8)
16
riders
10.7km
00:56
180m
180m
Easy mountain bike ride. Great for any fitness level. Suitable for all skill levels.

4.6
(16)
57
riders
26.1km
02:14
410m
410m
Moderate mountain bike ride. Good fitness required. Suitable for all skill levels.
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5.0
(2)
409
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)
90
riders
43.7km
02:15
650m
650m
Moderate road ride. Good fitness required. Some segments of this route may be unpaved and difficult to ride.

5.0
(2)
39
riders
53.2km
02:36
620m
620m
Moderate road ride. Good fitness required. Mostly well-paved surfaces and easy to ride.

5.0
(1)
66
riders
49.0km
02:37
790m
790m
Moderate road ride. Good fitness required. Mostly well-paved surfaces and easy to ride.
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4.8
(61)
193
hikers
Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.

4.8
(26)
155
hikers
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.

4.9
(20)
108
hikers
Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.

4.3
(10)
45
hikers
15.8km
04:41
460m
460m
Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
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112
runners
16.7km
02:03
420m
420m
Hard run. Very good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.

38
runners
Moderate run. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.

30
runners
6.70km
00:43
90m
90m
Moderate run. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.

35
runners
20.5km
02:12
320m
320m
Hard run. Very good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
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5.0
(2)
11
riders
24.7km
01:59
370m
370m
Moderate gravel ride. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.

5.0
(2)
21
riders
32.9km
02:15
440m
440m
Moderate gravel ride. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.

3
riders
Hard gravel ride. Good fitness required. You may need to push your bike for some segments of this route.

2
riders
35.6km
02:48
790m
790m
Hard gravel ride. Very good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
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5.0
(1)
22
riders
29.8km
02:03
480m
480m
Hard bike ride. Very good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.

5.0
(4)
15
riders
20.1km
01:22
310m
310m
Moderate bike ride. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.

11
riders
34.1km
02:16
490m
490m
Hard bike ride. Very good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.

9
riders
45.3km
03:16
610m
610m
Hard bike ride. Very good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
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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.

