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Explore 803 sq km of rural Lancashire and Yorkshire, with stunning scenery, wildlife and heritage. Find out about walking, cycling, access, art and nature projects in this Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.
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Forest of Bowland is an area of gritstone fells, deep valleys and peat moorland in north-east Lancashire, England, with a small part in North Yorkshire. It is an AONB with a rich history, ecology and culture, and contains the geographic centre of Great Britain.
Oct 23, 2017 · Forest of Bowland is a scenic region in Lancashire with historic castles, churches, pubs and walks. Discover its attractions, from Hornby Castle and Chipping Steam Fair to Beacon Fell and Trough of Bowland.
- Pendle Hill from Barley
- Gisburn Forest Waterfall Walk
- Stocks Reservoir Circular
- Aitken Wood and Pendle Sculpture Trail
- The Tolkien Trail
- Longridge Fell
- Nicky NOOK Circular
- Downham, Worsaw Hill, and Chatburn
- Ward’s Stone Walk
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Starting Point: Barley Picnic Site Car Park, Barley, BB12 9JX Distance: 8 km (5 miles) Arguably providing the best countryside views in the whole county, Pendle Hill’s summit continues to attract thousands of ramblers from far and wide each and every year. Infamous for the gruesome Pendle witch trials of 1612, this historic climb starts in Barley a...
Starting Point: Stocks Reservoir Car Park, School Ln, Clitheroe BB7 4TS Distance:5.8 km (3.6 miles) One of the lesser-known Forest of Bowland walks, most visitors are completely unaware of this secret waterfall burrowed in the heart of Gisburn forest. Shrouded by thicket and hiding at the bottom of a steep valley, tracking down the waterfall can pr...
Starting Point: Stocks Reservoir Car Park, School Ln, Clitheroe BB7 4TS Distance:10.8 km (6.7 miles) First opened by Prince George on 5thJuly 1932, Stocks is a unique spot since it’s the only reservoir in the whole of United Utilities’ Bowland Estate. The full circuit of the embankment comes in at around 7 miles and treats visitors to fantastic vis...
Starting Point: Barley Picnic Site Car Park, Barley, BB12 9JX Distance:4.5 km (2.7 miles) For those who don’t fancy the steep climb up Pendle Hill or are simply looking for something a little different, the Pendle Sculpture Trail is great fun for all ages and abilities. Winding through Aitken Wood, this scenic 5 km route includes a variety of inter...
Starting Point: The Shireburn Arms, Hurst Green, Whalley, Clitheroe BB7 9QJ Distance:12 km (7.45 miles) Guiding you along the very same countryside which heavily inspired J.R.R. Tolkien– this trail is an absolute dream for any Lord of the Rings fan! One of England’s most celebrated authors, it’s actually said Tolkienpenned some of his most dramatic...
Starting Point: Hurst Green, Whalley, Clitheroe BB7 9QJ Distance:8 km (5 miles) The most southerly fell in England, Longridge Fell stands at a striking 1,148 feet and looms over the surrounding forest landscape. Similar to the Tolkien Trail, the Longridge Fell hike is best started from Hurst Green and comes it at around 5 miles in length. The views...
Starting Point: Scorton, Preston, PR3 1BA Distance:5.5 km (3.4 miles) Standing at 700 ft on the very western edge of the Forest of Bowland, Nicky Nook provides gorgeous countryside views without being quite as strenuous as Pendle Hill. Particularly popular amongst families, the relaxing stroll is only 3 miles and from the summit you can see the coa...
Starting Point: Downham, Clitheroe, BB7 4BP Distance: 8.4 km (5.2 miles) Visiting Downham is like stepping into a time capsule. Unspoilt by the tides of change, the village has maintained its old-fashioned charm through the years and is well celebrated as one of the prettiest villages in Lancashire. A popular spot for ramblers, The Walking Englishm...
Starting Point: Quernmore, Lancaster, LA2 9EH Distance:13.6 km (8.5 miles) Last but certainly not least, Ward’s Stone officially holds the title of tallest fell in the Forest of Bowland and stands at a towering 1841 feet above sea level. Ever so slightly taller than Pendle Hill, Ward’s Stone is only 50 metres shy of being classed as a mountain! Per...
Explore the stunning scenery and rich history of the Forest of Bowland, an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty in Lancashire and North Yorkshire. Discover the best walks for all levels and interests, from Pendle Hill to the Tolkien Trail, with detailed guides and tips.
- Whalley Abbey. Although technically located just outside of the Forest of Bowland in the historic village of Whalley, the ruins of Whalley Abbey are often included in a Forest of Bowland itinerary.
- Sawley Abbey. Although not as impressive as Whalley Abbey, Sawley Abbey is another monastic building worth visiting. Located in the town of Sawley, the ruins of Sawley Abbey date back to the 12th century.
- Browsholme Hall. Located near the charming village of Chipping, you’ll find Browsholme Hall and Tithe Barn. It’s a Grade I heritage-listed Tudor Hall, dating back to 1507.
- Stonyhurst College. Stonyhurst College is located in Hurst Green. It’s an esteemed boarding school and a very elegant building. It’s well-known that J. R. R. Tolkien spent much of his time there, whilst visiting his son.
Explore the beautiful and remote walking routes in the Forest of Bowland, from moorland hills to river valleys. Find downloadable maps, access land information, walking safety tips and birdwatching advice.
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Explore 300 square miles of pristine upland landscapes in the centre of Great Britain. Find out about wildlife, activities, food, accommodation and events in this wild and wonderful destination.
