The best walks and hikes around Mere Sands Wood
4.6
(351)
2,526
hikers
194
hikes
Hiking around Mere Sands Wood offers accessible trails through a 42-hectare nature reserve in West Lancashire. The area features a diverse landscape of serene lakes, mature woodlands, sandy wet meadows, reedbeds, and heathland. Its unique geology, with layers of sand and peat, contributes to varied habitats suitable for outdoor exploration. The reserve provides well-maintained paths, with many suitable for a wide range of visitors.
Best hiking trails around Mere Sands Wood
- The most popular hiking route is Tomato Soup at the Café loop from Rufford, a 1.3 miles (2.1 km) trail that takes 30 minutes to complete. This easy route offers a short, accessible walk within the reserve.
- Another top favourite among local hikers is Martin Mere Wetland Centre – The Farm Burscough loop from West Lancashire, a moderate 5.9 miles (9.5 km) path. This route explores areas beyond the immediate reserve, connecting to wider landscapes.
- Local hikers also love the Rufford Old Hall – Leeds and Liverpool Canal loop from Rufford, a 6.5 miles (10.4 km) trail leading through varied terrain including canal paths, often completed in about 2 hours 40 minutes.
- Hiking around Mere Sands Wood is defined by serene lakes, mature woodlands, and sandy wet meadows. The network offers options for different ability levels, from easy strolls to moderate routes.
- The routes in Mere Sands Wood are highly rated by the komoot community with an average score of 4.6 stars from over 300 reviews. More than 2500 hikers have used komoot to explore Mere Sands Wood's varied terrain.
Last updated: May 12, 2026
4.8
(9)
49
hikers
8.44km
02:09
20m
20m
Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
4.4
(5)
61
hikers
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
Sign up for free
10
hikers
2.09km
00:32
10m
10m
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
4.8
(5)
28
hikers
Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
4.7
(6)
31
hikers
10.4km
02:39
30m
30m
Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
Get access to more routes and recommendations from other explorers.
Sign up for free
Already have an account?
Our route recommendations are based on thousands of hikes, rides, and runs completed by other people on komoot.
Start today with a free account
Your next adventure awaits.
Login or Signup
Tips from the Community
Lovely nature reserve, with several lakes and hides to sit and watch the birds.
0
0
"Rufford Old Hall is a National Trust property in Rufford, Lancashire, in north-west England. Built in the late fifteenth or early sixteenth centuries for the Hesketh family, only the great hall survives from the original structure. A brick-built wing in the Jacobean style was added in 1661, at right angles to the great hall, and a third wing was added in the 1820s. The hall is designated by English Heritage as a Grade I listed building, and the cottage, coach house and stables in the courtyard at the rear of the hall are designated Grade II." Source: https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rufford_Old_Hall You can find out more about opening times, events, attractions and facilities here; https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/visit/liverpool-lancashire/rufford-old-hall
1
0
Not a difficult BW to ride (gravelbike), but be aware of vehicles using it!
0
0
The Farm Tea Room arrived just in the nick of time for this wet and bedraggled hiker. Much more impressive than it looks from this angle and much more than a tea room. The Farm provides tea and cakes of course but it also provides hot meals and has a bar. There is an outside seating area and a childrens play area. Great service from pleasant and welcoming staff.
0
0
Fettlers Wharf Marina sits quietly along the Rufford Branch of the Leeds Liverpool Canal, which gives perfect access to the Canal System. The Marina has 100+ moorings for various boat sizes including Wide beams, in a secure site, with no access (out of hours) to the general public & has all the facilities that you want in a marina. The Fettlers wharf Marina Location is perfect, whilst sitting in the peace and quiet of the Lancashire countryside, it lies 100m from Rufford railway station and 400m from the A59, whilst less than 10 minutes from the M6 J27, meaning your never too far away.
3
2
Be careful when using this path on a road bike due to rough tarmac and gravel. Would be better to use with Gatorskin tyres
1
0
located in Rufford, a rural part of Lancashire, the marina is on the Rufford branch of the Leeds and Liverpool canal. The views on the marina are lovely, why not go for a walk round the pathways and see all the boats that are moored here and the ducks and swans and if you're very lucky you may glimpse a sight of the kingfishers that they have nesting on site, if you walk across the field at the top you can see the many hills in the distance including Winter Hill. On site there is a wonderful and very popular cafe called the Boathouse Brasserie , here you can sit and relax and enjoy a drink and sample some of their wonderful cakes and some of their home cooked food they offer, made from fresh local produce.
2
0
C.an get muddy but enjoy seeing the swans nesting in May. They are nesting where it's narrow this year 2024 so you can see them easily.
0
0
Frequently Asked Questions
How many hiking trails are available at Mere Sands Wood?
Mere Sands Wood offers a wide variety of hiking opportunities, with over 200 routes recorded on komoot. These range from easy strolls to more moderate paths, ensuring options for different preferences and fitness levels.
Are the trails at Mere Sands Wood suitable for families with children?
Yes, Mere Sands Wood is an excellent destination for families. Many of its paths are well-maintained and suitable for all ages, including those with prams. The diverse landscapes and abundant wildlife provide engaging experiences for children. An easy option is the Tomato Soup at the Café loop from Rufford, which is just over 1 mile long.
Can I bring my dog on the trails at Mere Sands Wood?
Mere Sands Wood is generally dog-friendly, but it's important to keep dogs under control, especially due to the sensitive wildlife habitats. Always check for specific signage regarding dog access and ensure your dog is on a lead where required.
Are there any accessible trails for wheelchairs or prams?
Yes, Mere Sands Wood is highly accessible. Approximately 95% of its paths are suitable for wheelchairs and prams, making it an inclusive destination for visitors with varying mobility needs. The reserve is designed to be enjoyed by a wide range of people.
What kind of wildlife can I expect to see while hiking?
Mere Sands Wood is a haven for wildlife. You can spot over 170 bird species, including bullfinches, great spotted woodpeckers, and kingfishers from the lakeside hides. Mammals like red squirrels, roe deer, and water voles also inhabit the reserve, along with a diverse array of dragonflies and other insects.
What is the best time of year to visit Mere Sands Wood for hiking?
Each season offers a unique experience at Mere Sands Wood. Spring and summer bring vibrant wildflowers and active birdlife, while autumn showcases stunning woodland colors and a variety of fungi. Winter is excellent for spotting overwintering birds like teal and bittern. The reserve is accessible year-round, so the 'best' time depends on what you wish to experience.
Are there any circular walking routes available?
Yes, Mere Sands Wood features multiple well-marked circular routes that guide visitors through its diverse habitats. These routes are designed to allow you to experience the full beauty of the reserve, from woodlands to lakes. Many of the routes on komoot, such as the Leeds and Liverpool Canal loop from Rufford, are circular.
Is there parking available at Mere Sands Wood?
Yes, Mere Sands Wood has dedicated parking facilities for visitors. There is usually a fee for parking, which contributes to the upkeep and conservation efforts of the nature reserve. It's advisable to check the Lancashire Wildlife Trust website for current parking charges.
Are there facilities like cafes or restrooms at Mere Sands Wood?
Yes, Mere Sands Wood is well-equipped with visitor facilities. There is a visitor center, a café where you can enjoy refreshments, and accessible hides for wildlife observation. Restrooms are also available on-site, enhancing the comfort of your hiking experience.
What do other hikers enjoy most about Mere Sands Wood?
The komoot community highly rates Mere Sands Wood, with an average score of 4.6 stars from over 300 reviews. Hikers often praise the well-maintained, accessible paths, the serene natural beauty of the lakes and woodlands, and the abundant opportunities for wildlife spotting. The variety of routes, from short easy walks to longer excursions like the Leeds and Liverpool Canal – Rufford Old Hall loop from Rufford, is also frequently highlighted.
Can I extend my hike beyond the immediate reserve?
Yes, you can extend your hike by connecting to nearby paths. For example, some routes link to the Leeds and Liverpool Canal, offering longer excursions through varied terrain. The Martin Mere Wetland Centre – The Farm Burscough loop from West Lancashire is a moderate 5.9-mile path that explores areas beyond the immediate reserve.
Most popular routes around Mere Sands Wood
Get inspired with the komoot mobile app
Explore more
Browse the best Hikes in other regions.
