Check out these places of interest in and around Skelmersdale. We’ve listed both biological heritage sites and other areas of interest for your enjoyment. The Biological Heritage sites, in Skelmersdale, are over 400 years old!
Have a stroll along the Tawd Valley or one of our numerous Cloughs,
A special thanks to the volunteers, around the town, for cleaning years of rubbish from the Cloughs and to The Rangers and Friends of Tawd Valley for their ongoing work in The Tawd Valley and fishing lake.
Click on any of the place names to jump to that section of this post. You can click on any of the markers on the map below to get directions to each location too.
abbey lakes - wn5 8rd
Located behind The Raj Gate, on the border of Upholland & Orrell, Abbey Lakes is a lovely 15-20 minute stroll around a lovely lake. Most of it is wheelchair accessible although there are a couple of spots that get quite muddy, furthest away from the entrance. Dogs and children are allowed to walk around this lake and it’s packed full of coots, ducks & a swan.
Be sure to take some wild bird seed, porridge oats, sweetcorn or peas to feed the ducks. If you’re lucky you might also see the cows in the adjacent field on your way back towards the exit of the lake.
There is a small car park at Abbey Lakes but it’s only big enough for a handle of cars. Park in The Raj Gate car park and then walk back about 30 yards towards Upholland to see the green gates on the left.
There’s a makeshift rope swing there too which is great fun for the kids.
Built in 1798, by Sir William Ashurst, this Beacon was built during the Napoleonic War as a watch tower to warn of a French invasion. It is said to be on the site of an earlier beacon that once formed part of a relay series of beacons. They stretched from Everton Brow above Liverpool to Lancaster Castle. They were in place (though unused) during the Anglo–Spanish War of 1585.
The views surrounding this Beacon are absolutely incredible. Have a stroll up to it and see just how far the views stretch.
There is free parking along Beacon Lane, if you’d like drive there and have a leisurely walk up the hill to take in the views (less than 5 minute walk).
Beacon Country Park - WN8 7RU
Beacon Country Park is West Lancashire’s flagship countryside site, consisting of over 300 acres of rolling countryside spread across the slopes of Ashurst Beacon between Upholland, Dalton and Skelmersdale.
The site boasts flowing wildflower meadows, grassland,  natural ponds and areas of semi-natural woodland. It commands majestic panoramic views across most of Lancashire with viewpoints overlooking the Lancashire Plain to the west and the West Pennine Moors to the east.
An extensive path network means that everyone can explore the park and there is plenty of space to walk, run, ride horses or bicycles, fly kites, or just get away from it all and relax.
Beacon Country Park has held and maintained Green Flag status since 2007. The accolade recognises the natural beauty of the park for its welcoming, safe and maintained environment and for its community involvement and is assessed and awarded annually.
Facilities include:
Picnic areas, ‘Inclusive’ children’s play areas, Community orchard, Orienteering course, Nature trails, Car parking, Public toilets, Public bar/café, Ranger service, Junior Rangers Club, Golf course & Volunteering Opportunities.
Dogs are welcome in this park although please note their are some zones where dogs must be kept on a lead at all times. These include the children’s play areas.
Chequer Lane Fishing Lake WN8 0DA
Chequer Lane Fishing Lake is a major catch for local residents who want somewhere tranquil to fish.
The lake is open to both young and old alike who want to experience fishing in a friendly and peaceful environment, although fishing is only permitted during daylight hours.
In 2016 the site underwent a makeover with all the fishing pegs and paths updated. Picnic benches and a children’s play area were also installed making Chequer Lane the perfect place to while away the hours with your family.
Facilities include fishing lake, small car park, seating areas, picnic area & small children’s play facilities.
Cobbs Clough - WN8 6QJ
A Skelmersdale Biological heritage site running along Ashurst’s northern border. Good access, decent paths and a kids play park at the top. You can follow Cobbs Clough (the black woods) path down into The Tawd Valley. Great for walks, full of wildlife (woodpeckers, owls, toads).
DELPH CLOUGH - WN8 6HJ
It would be great if this could get routine maintenance from WLBC. It has the potential to be a wonderful Clough in the heart of Skelmersdale. The smell of wild garlic from April to June is amazing. There’s a waterfall there that is great to see when we’ve had plenty of rain. Kids love climbing on the rocks around the waterfall.Â
elmers Clough - WN8 6DR
Bordering Birch Green and Tanhouse, Elmers Clough has been cleaned up by CleanUp Skem. Weekly litter picks and fly-tipping removal efforts have left this Clough looking spectacular. It’s well worth a visit, especially when the bluebells are out in early spring. WLBC have agreed some CIL funding to improve access to this clough which will be very much welcomed.
half mile island fishing lake - WN8 8RB
WLBC rangers and Friends of Tawd Valley has recently regenerated this area. It’s a nice spot to walk around and connects to the Tawd Valley. There’s some small fish in this lake including roach, rudd, carp, bream, and sturgeon. It’s free to fish this lake, please take all rubbish home with you.
mountain bike trails - WN8 6SZ
A fantastic Mountain Bike Trail for relatively new riders to the sport. There are two different routes for beginner and more advanced riders. Accessible from either High School or from Summer Street.
Free to use and provided by West Lancs Borough Council.
Please take your litter home with you.
River Tawd & Tawd Valley Park - WN8 6ST
With 5 miles of walks, an abundance of wildlife & a lot of regeneration, the Tawd Valley is the Jewel in the crown of all that Skelmersdale has to offer.
Tawd Valley Park is a hidden jewel in the heart of Skelmersdale. The site surrounds the River Tawd as it meanders its way from Yewdale across a large section of the historic town of Skelmersdale through to Cobbs Clough Brow.
‘The Tawd’ is a large country park and a haven for a wide variety of wildlife. You often see birds of prey soaring above the meadows and Kingfishers, Dippers and Wagtails patrolling the river banks.
There is an extensive path network and walking around the site you can find plenty of evidence of the area’s history, with the ruins of an old mill, millponds and capped mineshafts, providing echoes of the industrial age.Â
At Tawd Valley Park you can easily spend several hours wandering around the meadows and woodlands, enjoying the wildlife, relaxing and getting away from it all – come along and see for yourself!
St Michaels of Dalton & Duck Pond - WN8 7RP
A beautifully historic Church of England church located halfway up Beacon Hill. Next to Dalton St. Michael’s primary school. Grab some wild birdseed and head over to St Michael’s at Dalton to feed the ducks in the pond at the rear of the grounds. There’s also a very old Grade II listed Dovecot there too.
Westheads Clough - WN8 6QD
Amazing biological heritage site running through the heart of Birch Green. It’s recently been cleared by community volunteers and is looking fantastic. Plenty of wildlife, a nice stream and a ton of trees. Nice to have a 20 minute stroll from one end to the other.
