There are many reasons why the Forest of Bowland is designated Area of Natural Beauty, we’ve picked our favourite spots that we think you will love too.
Hornby
The main attraction of Hornby is undoubtedly the castle, which is a country home that is a development from an older building that dates back to the 13th century.
These days, the extensive grounds are a popular place for visitors in the Spring for the annual snowdrop weekend.
Dunsop Bridge
Dunsop Bridge was once part of Yorkshire prior to the boundary changes in the 1970s and is a place that many use as a starting point for walk in the beautiful surrounding countryside, for many years it was also thought to the geographical centre of Britain, before modern GPS systems determined that the point lied a few miles away in Whitendale.
There are two notable points of interest in Dunsop Bridge: St Huberts Church, a 19th Roman Catholic century church designed by Edward Pugin and the Puddleducks Cafe, a favourite stop-off point for walkers.
Chipping
Chipping is a popular start off point to visit Jeffrey Hill, part of the western section of Longridge Fell. It’s also a mecca for steam enthusiasts with the Chipping Steam Fair that takes place every summer.
Brabin’s has a tea room and it is thought to be the oldest shop in continuous use in Britain, while the Gibbon Bridge Hotel and Restaurant has won many awards for its food and hospitality.
Slaidburn
Slaidburn is part of Bowland that was previously within the boundaries of Yorkshire, and despite its small size, it is popular with visitors., the area around the village is a Dark Sky Discovery Site and nearby Stocks Reservoir is the largest fly fishery in the North West.
For refreshments, you can visit the Riverbank Tearooms on the banks of the River Hodder or visit The Hark to Bounty pub which is thought to have been named after a particularly noisy dog.
Beacon Fell
The Beacon Fell Country Park consists of 110 hectares of woodland, moorland and farmland with the summit reaching 266 metres above sea level, on a clear day you can easily see as far as Blackpool and Morecambe Bay.
In the past, the fell formed part of a chain of warning beacons due to the strategic vantage point of the location, these days the area is now popular with both walkers and cyclists, as well as those looking to spot some native Lancashire wildlife.
Whitewell
You will associate Whitewell with one of two of its famous landmarks, the foodies among you will know about the Inn at Whitewell, a multi-award winning hotel and restaurant that is almost a permanent fixture in good food guides and even featured on The Trip with Steve Coogan and Rob Brydon.
The lovers of the great outdoors will recognise the stone steps that cross the River Hodder just a few minutes walk from the Inn.
Scorton
Nicky Nook is a fell that lies close to Scorton and has been a favourite for generations of walkers seeking brisk exercise and spectacular views.
You can also visit nearby Wyresdale Park, that has a range of interesting outdoor pursuits for visitors. If you're looking for a quick snack, the Apple Store Café within the grounds is well worth a visit, as is the popular Barn at Scorton which lies at the very edge of Bowland.
Trough of Bowland
The Trough of Bowland is a pass that reaches almost 300 metres above sea level and is one of the most iconic stretches of countryside in Lancashire.
As well as the natural beauty, there is also a bit of human history here too, it was the route taken by the “Pendle witches” to their trial at Lancaster Castle in 1612.
Hurst Green
Stonyhurst, is a 16th century Jesuit college sits on the southern edge of the Forest of Bowland, and has some fascinating buildings and gardens within its grounds.
However, it is the surrounding area that primarily brings people here; the circular walk starting and finishing at Hurst Green called the ‘Toliken Trail’ takes in the area in between the village and the school and it is thought that it inspired the Lord of the Rings author during his regular visits here.
Crook O’Lune
Crook O’Lune is a beauty spot on a horse-shoe bend in the River Lune just off junction 34 on the M6.
There’s a popular picnic spot nearby as well as The Lune Millennium Way, a mixed trail for cyclists and walkers that heads to the centre of Lancaster to the west and spans ten kilometres in its total length.
For more details on the Forest of Bowland, visit forestofbowland.com
