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The Forest of Bowland
The Forest of Bowland together with Pendle was designated an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty in 1964. Bordering on the Fylde Coast to the west, and the Yorkshire Dales to the east, from the tourist's point of view this area of north Lancashire is often forgotten and bypassed. However, the scenery - a mixture of hill and fell, moorland, woods, rivers and pasture land - is one of continuous beauty.

The market town of Clitheroe, whose Castle dominates the area, makes an ideal starting point for exploring the area which includes Whalley with its ancient ruined abbey, Ribchester a former Roman settlement, and Pendle famous for its witches.

Villages in the area which are popular tourist objectives include Slaidburn in the north, Chipping in the west, Hurst Green with Stonyhurst College in the south, and Bolton-by-Bowland in the east.
The Hen Harrier
symbol of the
Forest of Bowland
Walks around a Pub in the Forest of Bowland
The Forest of Bowland is ideal walking country. 17 walks have been chosen for those who like to combine their recreation with a pub lunch and drink. Each walk is circular with car parking indicted where the walker may choose to start. Distances vary from 6 to 11 miles and each walk offers a variety of scenery. Some of the walks feature one of the rivers Hodder and Ribble in combination with fellscape and meadow land. All paths are public rights of way or concessionary routes.
The O.S. Map Explorer OL 41 - Forest of Bowland and Ribblesdale covers this area in detail.
A Satellite Image of the area covered by each map on the site is available as a pop-up.
View the list of walk from the menu (top left) or view the walks on the area map by clicking here.
The walker is advised to read the site info page especially the section on maps before starting a walk.
Spot the Hen Harrier

Recognize the Harrier
Link to the RSPB
more...
hen harrier
Inns and Pubs in the Forest of Bowland
There are over 60 public houses in the area covered by this site; collecting information on each is ongoing. Details are given for many of these pubs such as opening times and when food is available. However, this information may be subject to change especially in the winter months. Many of the pubs offer accommodation. The pubs have been placed in five areas (Clitheroe, Whalley, Chipping, Chatburn, and Pendle) with a web page devoted to each area. Photographs of selected pubs in each area which are mentioned in these walks are given in a photo album available on each page.
Links are given to those pubs with web sites where known.
View the Pubs Areas from the menu (top right) or view the various areas on the area map by clicking here.
Walking the Hodder
The River Hodder is a major feature in the Forest of Bowland landscape. From its source above Slaidburn to its confluence with the Ribble close to Hurst Green, the Hodder is a valuable wild life resource. 5 walks allow the course of the Hodder to be explored; each walk is circular with a pub or inn along the way.
View the 5 Stage from the menu (centre left) or click here.
Bowland Brewery
The Forest of Bowland
has its own Brewery
based in Bashall Eaves.
And the Brewery's
flagship pale ale is
'Hen Harrier'.
Others include
'Chipping Steamer" more...
Shorter Walks around a Pub
A start has been made to offer shorter walks around a pub. These on the whole will not be more than 5 miles and perhaps less strenuous than those above. The first four walks are based on Hurst Green and the next three on Chipping.
View these from the menu (centre right) or by clicking here.
The Countryside Code
Before starting on any of these walks, it is assumed that the walker is aware of the Countryside Code. This is especially important in the Forest of Bowland which is an AONB, contains SSSIs, and is part owned by the Duchy of Lancaster.
Read the Countryside Code on The Natural England website.

SSSIs include: Barn Gill Meadow near Stocks Reservoir; Bell Sykes Meadows, Myttons Meadows, and Standridge Farm Pastures all at Slaidburn; the Bowland Fells; Clitheroe Knoll Reefs at Downham; Coplow Quarry Clitheroe; Hodder River Section at Stonyhurst; and White Moss near Tosside (further information on the location of these sites can be found here.)
Clitheroe Castle
Inn Sign of The Castle pub
Clitheroe
Clitheroe Information Links of Local Interest

A town map of Clitheroe and basic information on the town including the Castle Museum can be found here.
Some web links to sites and places of interest in the Forest of Bowland are given here.
Site Information
Information about this site can be viewed here.
www.fellscape-walks.co.uk

This is a sister site to the present where a further 6 walks are presented from outside the Bowland area.
More walks are in preparation. more...
Latest update:
A circular walk from : Horton in Ribblesdale to Pen-y-ghent and Helwith Bridge has been added to this site.

Comments, information, and communication with the author can be made to:

The site was last updated 04/03/2012