West Lancashire Footpath Group

That depends on the walk.  Some walks may cross fields with livestock or areas with wildlife so it may not be appropriate to take dogs.  Small dogs may struggle with overgrown paths, stiles and footbridges.  We ask that you contact the walk leader (phone number on the Walk Programme) or to email the group (westlancashirefootpathgroup@gmail.com) to ask about the particular walk that interests you.  If you do bring your dog, please keep it on a lead for the duration of the walk and ensure that you use a fixed, not extending, lead.

They vary between 3 and 7 miles.  The Walk Programme will give an idea of the length of each walk.  Some are designated 'shorter and slower' so you should be able to find something to suit you.

Generally, we start at 1pm but in the summer we also run some evening walks which start at 7pm.  Please check the Walk Programme.

We have a much wider remit than most other walking groups.

• We are a registered charity. This means that we are governed by our constitution, have a committee, hold regular meetings and an AGM, and have all the necessary policies, documentation and insurance in place.
• We receive support, advice and training from Lancashire Council for Voluntary Services (CVS)
• All our walks are led by experienced walk leaders, who comply with the requirements of group's walk leaders' pack.
• We plan, survey (recce) and risk-assess all routes in advance of our walks.
• We organise our walks to ensure that the paths in our local area are used regularly.
• Our remit includes reporting problems with footpaths, such as obstructions, erosion, overgrowth, damage to footbridges and fencing, and signage issues.
• We liaise with the Public Rights of Way team at Lancashire County Council.
• We link with other local community groups such as the Canal and River Trust, the Inland Waterways Association, the Open Spaces Society and various heritage groups.
• We are affiliated to the Ramblers.

If you'd like to become a paid member, see the Join Us information.

You don't need to spend a fortune on expensive clothes.  We would however ask that you wear sturdy shoes and long trousers and a long-sleeved top rather than shorts and T-shirts as some of the paths we use, although passable, may be overgrown.  Some people find walking poles helpful.  A small backpack allows you to carry a drink and snack while keeping your arms free. If there are specific requirements for a particular walk, we will post them on our News and Calendar sections, and also on our Facebook group.  It's also a good idea to keep an eye on the weather forecast.

Yes, there will always be a planned break about halfway through a walk.  If you need further breaks, this can often be arranged.  Just speak to the walk leader.

Yes, you can find our Facebook group here: https://www.facebook.com/groups/267065369061420