The Tolkien Trail

A journey on foot through ‘The Shire’ in the footsteps of J R R Tolkien, who is believed to have written part of the Lord of the Rings while staying at nearby Stonyhurst College

The Tolkien Trail is one of the most popular short walks in Lancashire – and is consequently a busy route all year round. The walk follows the course of the River Ribble and also explores the woodland tracks and passes the imposing façade of Stonyhurst College.

J R R Tolkien is thought to have written significant portions of the Lord of the Rings while staying at Stonyhurst, while his son John studied for the priesthood at the college.

This pleasant 11km/7-mile circular walking route takes a deep dive into the rolling pastureland, intimate woodlands and rivers that inspired the landscapes of ‘The Shire’ in Tolkien’s best-known work – the iconic Lord of the Rings.