John Ronald Reuel Tolkien was a famous English writer and poet. He was the author of the classic high fantasy works The Hobbit and The Lord of the Rings.

J. R. R. Tolkien was renowned for his love of nature and wooded landscapes and the countryside around Stonyhurst is richly beautiful. A number of names which occur in 'The Hobbit' and ‘The Lord of the Rings’ are similar to those found locally, including Shire Lane (in Hurst Green) and the River Shirebourn (similar to the name of the family which built Stonyhurst).

The ferry at Hacking Boat House (still working when J.R.R. Tolkien was here) may have provided the inspiration for the Buckleberry Ferry in the book, and the view from Tom Bombadil’s house may have been based on that from New Lodge, which is a Master’s house at nearby Stonyhurst College.

You can expect to see plenty of stunning scenery whilst making your way around the Tolkien Trail, from the lush woodlands to the commanding presence of Pendle Hill in the distance and of course the lazy meanderings of the Rivers Hodder and Ribble that frame the route. Look out for the Jumbles Rocks – mentioned in the Doomsday Book!

The Tolkien Trail follows a circular route with plenty of flat terrain and easy pathways, so that it should be easy enough for all, although at just under six miles long it will take around 3 hours to complete.

Born 3rd January 1892 and died 2nd September 1973.

For more facts about JRR Tolkien visit Wikipedia.