Goosnargh is one of the largest parishes in the country. We have over 200 footpaths and several walking trails for everyone to enjoy. With part of the parish in the Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB) we have bubbling brooks, green pastures and wildlife for you to explore along the walks. You will come across our heritage boards for you to discover more about the fascinating past of Goosnargh, its three villages, built history and people.
Goosnargh has ancient roots and traditions, with records from the Norman conquest onwards. This idyllic piece of English countryside slowly changed until the industrial revolution and has always had farming at its core with the area becoming famous for its cheese dairies, independent businesses and outdoor activities. The Doomsday Book is the first recorded instance of the parish being accounted for in 1086 within the area of Preston as GUSANARGHE.
Speed 1610 map in colour of Lancashire, showing Gosnarth.
We are combining the quintessential English countryside and appreciation for our natural beauty with our parish heritage. Here you can find links to all the parish trails that have been developed to explore the 200+ footpaths across our small part of england. Goosnargh is one of the largest parishes in the country and with its own unique heritage , agricultural, industrial and social that we wish to preserve and share.
2021 300 year anniversary- parish of Goosnargh- was Kirkham and Newsham 300 years legacy.
Goosnargh P&P legacy
Any keen local historian will be aware that Goosnargh Past & Present is actually a historical book! Produced first by Richard Cook.
Our heraldic shields in the project symbol reflect our heritage and represent our community.
What is a community?
The Goosnargh Past & Present project is an ongoing community venture that seeks to encourage the wellbeing of the local communities within and around Goosnargh parish boundaries. A community is defined as a group of people who…
Combining local communities from the villages, those who are interested in Lancashire history/heritage and those who enjoy walking, cycling and outdoor activities.
Goosnargh trails
Being such a large parish, with so many footpaths, walking around Goosnargh is a common sight amongst the locals and visitors. Goosnargh is actually an AONB , Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, and part of the parish sites within the Forest of Bowland. Beacon Fell is a famous walking site and vantage point across Lancashire. To learn more about the AONB and Forest of Bowland please see the link: Beacon Fell – Explore Bowland
Tourist Information/Visitor Centres | Forest of Bowland AONB
We have curated trails to highlight the best views and information points.
We are constantly adding new trails around Goosnargh of varying length, terrain and difficulty in both walking trails and cycling routes within Goosnargh parish.
We currently have several trails ready and waiting for you to explore! A disclaimer for anyone going on the routes that your safety is your own responsibility when walking and cycling around the parish, we just advise these routes and have your safety in mind when creating these. Please see each route’s website or the trail map for more information on where to start and to learn more about what each route will mean for those seeking to walk/cycle them.
Explore the trails around the area.
This is an example of Medieval Latin legal documents and how Goosnargh is steeped in history even in legal documents. This particular document talks about Thomas Beesley from c.1630 during the reign of Charles II and mentions his son and heir Robert who was granted lands in Goosnargh. Medieval Latin was used for all manner of documents from 1500-1800.
Goosnargh cross and cyclists c. end 19th century.
Goosnargh show with Cattle c. end 19th century.