GPS Cycle and Walking Routescycle iconwalk icon

Ashurst Beacon

4.97 miles (8 km)

Ordnance Survey Map Open Streetmap This walk is a moderate climb to Ashurst Hill from the Lancashire village of Appley Bridge. It's a circular walk, taking in some lovely Lancashire countryside with splendid views and a nice waterside stroll along the Leeds and Liverpool Canal.
The walk starts from the train station at Appley Bridge and heads south west along country lanes and public footpaths to the beacon. From the 172m (564ft) summit there are wonderful views to the coast and Blackpool Tower.
After taking in the fine views, the walk descends past Dalton to the River Douglas and the canal. Here you can enjoy a stroll along the water before returning to the train station.
You can extend your walking in the area by climbing to the nearby Parbold Hill. It's only about a mile west of the station and affords more great views to the Pennines and the Welsh Mountains.
Also near the station is the delightful Fairy Glen. The hidden beauty spot includes pretty streams, beautiful waterfalls, dramatic cliff faces, wooden bridges and shady woodland trails.

Ashurst Beacon OS Map Ordnance survey map - Mobile GPS OS Map with Location tracking

Ashurst Beacon Open Street Map Open Streetmap - Mobile GPS Map with Location tracking

Pubs/Cafes

The Boathouse pub in Appley Bridge is a nice waterside place for refreshments after your walk. You can enjoy a drink with a lovely view over the canal. The pub is located at WN6 9DA for your sat navs.

Cycle Routes and Walking Routes Nearby

Photos

Ashurst Beacon - geograph.org.uk - 37897

Ashurst Beacon. The beacon was once part of a chain of signalling beacons forming a communication link from one hill to the next.

Ashurst's Beacon 1

Closer view of the Dalton based structure.

View Point on Ashurst Beacon - geograph.org.uk - 37901

View Point on Ashurst Beacon. There are great views in all directions from here. This is looking east from the information point towards Winter Hill (about 10 miles away). On the top of the rock there is a view indicator showing the various points of interest you can see from the summit.

Ruined Barn near Ashurst Beacon - geograph.org.uk - 1421523

Ruined Barn near Ashurst Beacon

Footbridge on path from Ashurst Beacon - geograph.org.uk - 1262149

Footbridge on path from the beacon.

Lock on Leeds-Liverpool Canal - geograph.org.uk - 249240

Lock on Leeds-Liverpool Canal between Appley Bridge and Parbold

Wood Meadow Cottage in spring - geograph.org.uk - 1262173

Wood Meadow Cottage in spring

The Boathouse pub, Appley Bridge (geograph 4531298)

The Boathouse pub, Appley Bridge.

Video

GPS Files

GPX File

Ashurst Beacon.gpx (On Desktop:Right Click>Save As. On Ipad/Iphone:Click and hold>Download Linked File)

Memory Map Route

Ashurst Beacon.mmo (On Desktop:Right Click>Save As. On Ipad/Iphone:Click and hold >Download Linked File)