Walking through The Shire along idyllic country lanes, through enchanted woods, past babbling brooks and raging rivers ... will inspire you! There are many different walks for friends, families or runners to enjoy. Visit Tolkien Trail Maps page for more details and free GPS guides.

History of The Shire

With the founding of Stonyhurst Hall (now Stonyhurst School) by Richard Shireburn in 1592, the hamlet of Hurst Green began to develop, as often happened after the building of manor houses. The hamlet's development continued once the college was founded in 1794.

In 1561 Richard Shireburn built a packhorse bridge over the river Hodder. Later, in 1648, this became known as "Cromwell's Bridge" after Oliver Cromwell marched the New Model Army to fight to the Royalists at The Battle of Preston. You can see the old packhorse bridge today which is approximately half way around the Tolkien Trail.

There is a distinctive war memorial to the First and Second World Wars bearing the names of the soldiers from the area who died. This is situated near the village green. At the other side of the green stands the prominent St Peter's Guild Club, a Catholic social club which has existed for well over 200 years.

The presence of at least two old bobbin mills bear witness to the cottage cotton industry that was here once. There remains a thriving sense of community, often centred on the large village hall, St. Peter's Catholic Church at Stonyhurst College, the Anglican church of St. John the Evangelist, the pubs, St Peter's Club and the football club.