The Ribble Valley Tolkien Trail takes you on a journey through the footsteps of J.J.R. Tolkien’s youth  – when he is believed to become inspired to write Lord of the Rings.

During World War 2 Tolkien studied at Stonyhurst College and it is said that parts of Middle Earth were based on the local area.

The walk starts in the hamlet of Hurst Green, which is not far from Stonyhurst – built in the 1750’s by Richard Shireburn.  You then walk through the grounds of Stonyhurst College before reaching the River Hodder.

After the Hodder meets the Ribble you walk up through some farmland beforee finishing in Hurst Green where you can have a drink at the Shireburn Arms.

The Tolkien Trail starts and finishes in the 17th century village of Hurst Green, which luckily has the Shireburn Arms.  This delightful place offers locally sourced food, wine from a respected dealer and rooms, which are available through TripAdvisor.

Parking is available at the Shireburn Arms but naturally you should have a drink at the end of your walk.