Chorley — A Dog Walker's Paradise
With the West Pennine Moors to the east, the Ribble Valley to the north, and miles of canal towpaths threading through town, Chorley is one of Lancashire's best locations for dog walking. And with our pool just 15 minutes away in Bretherton, you can combine a great walk with a swimming session.
1. Rivington Pike & Terraced Gardens
The crown jewel of the area. The walk up to Rivington Pike offers 360-degree views from the summit, and the terraced gardens below are magical. Dogs on leads in the gardens; off-lead on the moorland above. Allow 1.5–2 hours for the full circular route.
2. Yarrow Valley Country Park
A 700-acre country park following the River Yarrow through woodland and wetland. Well-maintained paths, excellent for all seasons. Dogs welcome throughout — there's even a designated area where dogs can access the river safely. Just 10 minutes from central Chorley.
3. Healey Nab
A former quarry turned nature reserve with trails through woodland and around a lake. The terrain is varied and interesting for dogs, with plenty of scents and textures. A shorter walk — about 45 minutes for the circular route — but packed with variety.
4. Leeds-Liverpool Canal Towpath
The canal towpath through Chorley offers flat, easy walking perfect for older dogs or those recovering from injury. Walk towards Wheelton for countryside views, or towards Adlington for a longer route. The towpath is also excellent for running with your dog.
5. Anglezarke & Rivington Reservoirs
A chain of reservoirs in the West Pennine Moors offering spectacular waterside walking. The circular route around Anglezarke Reservoir is about 4 miles and mostly flat. Dogs love the open spaces and water access. Beautiful in every season.
6. Cuerden Valley Park
On Chorley's northern edge, Cuerden Valley offers 650 acres of mixed terrain. Woodland trails, grassland, ponds, and a river valley provide excellent variety. Dogs welcome throughout, and the park connects to wider footpath networks for longer adventures.
7. White Coppice & Great Hill
For more adventurous walkers, the route from White Coppice to Great Hill crosses moorland with stunning views. Dogs should be on leads near livestock, but the open fell sections are perfect for off-lead running. A proper hill walk that will tire out even the most energetic dog.
8. Astley Park
Right in the centre of Chorley, Astley Park surrounds the historic Astley Hall. The park offers woodland walks, a lake, and open grassland. Dogs on leads near the hall; more relaxed in the wider park. Perfect for a quick midweek walk.
Walk + Swim = Peak Fitness
The best exercise routine for your dog combines walking and swimming. A morning walk at Rivington followed by an afternoon swim at our Bretherton pool? That's the ultimate day out for your dog. We're just 15 minutes from Chorley via the B5248. Sessions from £35.