Monday, 13th March 2023
You don’t need to get into a gym to get your heart beating and feel the wonderful glow that comes as a result of exercise! The clocks go forward at the end of the month and Pendle is ready to be explored in the Spring sunshine.
We are lucky to have so many local places where you can enjoy a workout or a bit of light exercise – and without spending a penny! Unless the kids talk you into buying them an ice cream…
Obviously, there are a few dangers associated with outdoor activities and we ask you to take great care and dress appropriately if you do feel inspired to get outdoors!
Keep an eye out for a J to know that this is a location that the family will love as a whole!
That said, he are The 9 Best Places to Exercise for FREE in Pendle – on your own or with the family!
1. Barley, BB12 9J_
A beautiful place that is full of options for free exercise. Of course, there are the steps up Pendle hill with the walk starting from the road through the village. Feeling like you want to burn a few more calories? Add to your walk or run by getting to the summit and then keep going and head back down via Lower Ogden Reservoir.
For the family, there is a wonderful open space by the stream and of course the famous Pendle Sculpture Trail.
2. Marsden Park, Nelson, BB9 8BW
The beauty of Marsden Park is its woodland – with long, wide well surfaced paths which are perfect for a run or walk or bike ride with the little ones. You’ll also get a feel for the history of the park, with old Victorian brickwork giving you a glimpse of how it would have looked in its heyday. Go on a Wednesday, Thursday or Friday and you’ll find the café open between 10am – 3pm plus there’s a good playground for the kids too.
3. Alkincoats Woodland Walk, BB8 9QQ, Colne
Set at the top of Alkincoats Park, (which could also have been on this list in its own right), Alkincoats Woodland Walk offers a maze of trails and paths through beautiful woodland. Great place for a run or wall although be aware that the majority of the paths aren’t surfaced so outdoor footwear is needed even if the sun is out!
4. Leeds/Liverpool Canal
Entering Pendle in Brierfield and leaving it at the Yorkshire border near Barnoldswick, the Leeds to Liverpool Canal is miles of flat and (mostly) well surfaced canal paths. There are of course the obvious dangers to be aware of when being near water but this is a perfect place to run, walk or just potter whilst enjoying the beautiful scenery!
5. Wycoller Country Park, BB8 8SU
The ‘lost village of Pendle’ is a local beauty spot and is always worth a visit. Once a thriving settlement which dates back to 10AD – Wycoller village is now closed to outside traffic and you feel like you’re travelling back in time as you head down the road from the out of village car park. Full of stunning local walks and excellent cross-country running terrain you’ll be sure to get your steps in as you explore the country parkland which surrounds it. A café and toilet facilities in the village plus ‘The Atom’ is a landmark that offers wonderful views of the valley below…if you fancy the walk up the hill to get up there (or just park at The Atom’s free car park off Lancashire Moor Road!)
6. Blacko Recreation Ground, BB9 6LZ
A nice little playground surrounded by a big playing field for a ‘jumpers for goal posts’ game of football. There is also a boules court which is an unusual feature to find in the heart of Pendle but is free to use if you bring your own balls or skittle set.
7. Victory Park, Barnoldswick, BB18 5EN
Home to Barnolsdwick Town FC and Barnoldswick Cricket Ground but also a great open space for games, training, running and walking. Plus a really good playground with mini-climbing walls and a big tube slide for the kids to burn off some energy!
8. Ball Grove Park, Winewall, BB8 7HZ
A site of an old working mill, now flattened to provide a lovely area for exercise and outdoor activity. There’s a big playground for the children but also many kilometres of pathways and open areas of grassland for a great blast of exercise. Two large ponds are home to a great variety of wildlife and The Lakeside Café has a good menu and toilets.
9. Pendle Leisure Trust – FREE 7 day pass!
Of course, the other way to exercise for free is to claim a 7-Day pass for Pendle Leisure Trusts’ gyms. Sure you won’t get the stunning views of the Pendle countryside but if you’ve got a specific fitness goal. Pop into any of our Leisure Centres to pick up a free pass and give us a try!
