wellness
Preston's Hidden Nature Walks Locals Love But Tourists Miss
Residents head to overlooked trails along the Ribble and canal edges for regular fitness away from busier central spots.
How we reported this
Preston locals have turned to a set of lesser-known riverside and canal paths for their regular outdoor fitness this summer, with footfall rising sharply on routes that sit just beyond the usual visitor maps.
The shift comes as more residents seek steady outdoor movement without the crowds that gather at Avenham Park or the city centre riverbank during peak hours. City records show a steady increase in daily use of these side trails since the start of 2025, driven by people fitting short walks and runs into work breaks and early mornings.
Quiet routes near the water
One favoured stretch runs along the Ribble from the Fishwick Bottoms area, accessed via a narrow gate off New Hall Lane. Walkers follow a packed-earth track that loops behind industrial units before rejoining the main river path after about two kilometres. Another set of paths starts behind the Cadley canal bridge on Blackpool Road and threads through overgrown towpath sections that stay shaded even on clear days. Preston Harriers members have used both routes for interval sessions on Tuesday evenings since the group moved its summer schedule outdoors in 2024.
These spots stay off the main tourist routes that begin at the Preston Docks visitor centre or the Miller Park entrance on West Cliff. Local runners note the surfaces stay firmer after rain and offer fewer interruptions from families or cyclists on the wider Guild Wheel sections.
Numbers and next steps
Lancashire County Council footpath counters recorded 14,800 passes on the Fishwick stretch between 1 May and 30 June this year, up from 9,200 in the same period of 2025. A day pass for the small car park at the New Hall Lane access point costs £2.50, while the Cadley route can be reached on foot from the number 19 bus stop on Blackpool Road. Preston City Council’s outdoor fitness programme lists free group walks on these paths every Thursday at 7:30am, starting from the canal bridge.
Anyone starting from the city centre can reach the Fishwick gate in under 20 minutes on foot via London Road. Maps are available at the UCLan sports centre desk on Fylde Road for those who want to plot a loop that stays under 5 kilometres.