Walking in the Forest of Bowland

KIDSTYPIKE · #1 (**permalink**) 24-01-2008, 08:32 PM

As anybody on here done any walking in the Forest of Bowland? Although we live quite close by to the area it is a place that we have seldom visited preferring the Lakes or Yorkshire Dales. We are hoping to put that right this year so I have recently got the map for the area and a book by Jack Keighley which looks quite good. We made our first foray into the area today by going up Claughton Moor which overlooks the Lune Valley.
I'd be interested to hear from anybody that walks the area regularly on what they consider to be their favourite walks.
Cheers,
Dave

ChrisJB · #2 (**permalink**) 25-01-2008, 07:12 PM

Hi Dave,

I do a fair bit of walking in the Forest of Bowland and I love the place. The moors are fabulous and though lower than the Dales, they give a greater sense of isolation I'd say. There are also some lovely valley walks too, along the rivers.

The highest point of the area is 'Ward's Stone, which can be walked from Jubilee Tower on the famous Trough of Bowland road. Dunsop Bridge is also worth a visit. From here you can walk up the valley (and see Eagle Owls no less) and either turn left or right at the top and return over the moors.
A good walk also goes from just outside Chipping, over Parlick and Fair Snape Fells to the fabulously named Fiendsdale and Langdon Brook. Return via Bleadale Water and down Saddle Fell. Further south and east is Lancashire's talismanic hill, Pendle. A nice short walk climbs this from Barley. The village of Slaidburn is worth a visit as it oozes charm and character. The walk south from here along the River Hodder is most pleasant. You can return to Slaidburn via a range of field paths or quiet lanes.

I hope this is of some use. Let us know how you get on.

Regards, Chris

RobSutton · #3 (**permalink**) 25-01-2008, 07:25 PM

There's a Bowland Festival each year, partly organised by the RSPB, that has guided walks and talks etc that are worth going to:

The Forest of Bowland - An Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB)

should get you some info.

KIDSTYPIKE · #4 (**permalink**) 25-01-2008, 07:55 PM

Hi Chris/Rob,
Mant thanks for your replies and for the link. We have done a little bit in the western fringes of the F of B. We have been up Clougha Pike and onto Ward's Stone. Also Nicky Nook but all this was over 20 years ago. Yesterday we went up onto Claughton Moor from Caton. We will have a run out to the Chipping/Slaidburn area when the weather dries up a bit. I'll keep you posted.
Thanks again,
Dave

Sparrowlegs · #5 (**permalink**) 12-03-2008, 11:33 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ChrisJB

Hi Dave,

I do a fair bit of walking in the Forest of Bowland and I love the place. The moors are fabulous and though lower than the Dales, they give a greater sense of isolation I'd say. There are also some lovely valley walks too, along the rivers.

The highest point of the area is 'Ward's Stone, which can be walked from Jubilee Tower on the famous Trough of Bowland road. Dunsop Bridge is also worth a visit. From here you can walk up the valley (and see Eagle Owls no less) and either turn left or right at the top and return over the moors.
A good walk also goes from just outside Chipping, over Parlick and Fair Snape Fells to the fabulously named Fiendsdale and Langdon Brook. Return via Bleadale Water and down Saddle Fell. Further south and east is Lancashire's talismanic hill, Pendle. A nice short walk climbs this from Barley. The village of Slaidburn is worth a visit as it oozes charm and character. The walk south from here along the River Hodder is most pleasant. You can return to Slaidburn via a range of field paths or quiet lanes.

I hope this is of some use. Let us know how you get on.

Regards, Chris

These are great places Chris but what about Stocks Reservoir, Gisburn forest, Brock Bottom, Abbeystead. Tarnbrook Fell, Hareden Fell, Calder Vale Beacon Fell, Whitendale Fell or even better.........

Ordnance Survey OL 41 - Forest of Bowland & Ribblesdale and you choose!!

You'll love it all! If not then try Mars!

KIDSTYPIKE · #6 (**permalink**) 21-03-2008, 08:37 PM

We parked up at Scorton this morning and made our way up Nicky Nook before going to Fell End farm. From there we made out way to Grizedale Bridge and then to Moor Farm via Grizedale Lea and Barnacre reservoirs. from Moor House we returned to Scorton via Burns Farm ans Slea End.
I'll have pictures available tomorrow.
Regards,
Dave

KIDSTYPIKE · #7 (**permalink**) 24-03-2008, 09:50 AM

Another visit to the western fringes yesterday when we parked up at Little Crag on the Brookhouse - Quernmore road and walked up the delightful valley of Littledale passing two "interesting" churchs. Returned to Littledale Hall to take a path which eventually had us walking along the northern flanks of Clougha Pike. Fantastic views across to the Lakes.
Regards,
Dave

RobSutton · #8 (**permalink**) 24-03-2008, 10:38 AM

Looking forward to seeing the photos - I keep meaning to spend more time over that way - it's only just on the other side of the river Ribble from me but I always seem to end up in the Dales somewhere instead.

ChrisJB · #9 (**permalink**) 24-03-2008, 10:25 PM

Been birdwatching at Sizergh Castle, Silverdale and Heysham today and came home over t' Trough. Yes, the views to Lakeland were awesome indeed. The mountains looked thick with snow.

Regards, Chris

KIDSTYPIKE · #10 (**permalink**) 14-04-2008, 09:47 PM

Today we left the car at Jubilee Tower and made our way up onto Grit Fell before taking the track to Ward's Stone. After visiting both Trig Points we returned to the shooters track between Ward's Stone & Grit Fell and followed it down to Higher Lee for a return along the road.
Now I know why I've left it 20 years to revisit this walk.....the path (for want of a better word) between Grit Fell and Ward's Stone was a quagmire ....

Regards,
Dave