Bowland Knotts from (SD 769 530)

From the pub take the track (RoW) into Gisburn Forest. Turn right to Heath Farm and continue along the RoW to Whelp Stone Crag. Climb the crag (and admire the view) follow a trod over the summit north to the wall and follow it right, at a gap turn left and follow trod between two small summits and down into a depression. Cross this and continue due north parallel to the forestry towards Resting Stone. All the cross walls have gaps in them and no climbing is needed, except north of Brown Hills where a low wire fence can be straddled on the RoW at the last wall. (I’ve asked Lancs CC for a stile here). Between here and Resting Stone follow the RoW where it bends north east to avoid a ravine and then head directly for the Stone.

Over this section even the path gives the impression of being open country and appears to be well used. East of the path is a faint trod which can be followed all the way.

At Resting Stone turn west and follow the fence to Bowland Knots. The trod continues the whole way on the side of the fence.

Return to Resting Stone

Return to Tosside 1 Retrace the outgoing route via Whelp Stone Crag (for the view). 2 Turn south east and pick up the RoW to Owlshaw and continue via Whelpstone Lodge, Higher Brayshaw, Middle Brayshaw, and Lower Brayshaw. After Lower Brayshaw join Longtons Lane a narrow lane with only local traffic to Tosside. 3 Head into the forest and follow paths/tracks to Tosside. 4 Cross Rathmell Common and pick up the Sandford/Low Bank Farm RoW. After Low Bank south west to Higher Winterscale Bank and then via Bull Hurst to join the road near Ragged Hall. Cross the road and follow the RoW across a marsh to Middle Brayshaw and then join route 2.

Notes: 1 This was far drier than I expected but will become wet after rain. I was surprised to find the footpath well used with a clear trod from Whelp Stone Crag to Bowland Knotts. 2 All the RoW off access land are easily walkable except that the route from Ragged Hall to Middle Brayshaw is marshy and wet. 3 There is limited parking at Tosside. 4 The Dog and Partridge is a pub/cafe/B&B at Tosside but may not be open every day and was not displaying opening times when I passed. 5 Disadvantage – from Tosside to Resting Stone is in Lancashire! 6 Grouse moor restrictions on dogs between Resting Stone and Bowland Knotts (I haven’t checked full extent. No ‘no dogs’ signs seen except at Bowland Knotts. FROM RATHMELL

There is a small car park in the centre of the village. Turn left on leaving the car park (towards ) then turn right into Hesley Lane, signed Tosside. Turn right off Hesley Lane by any suitable RoW aiming for Low Bank Farm GR 776 612 or Low Folds GR 779 613 joining open access land by the RoW from Low Bank or RoW and minor road from Low Folds. On joining access land find own route to Resting Stone. Resting Stone to Bowland Knotts follow Tosside route and return to Resting Stone.

Return 1) By same route or using other RoW and minor roads to Rathmell. 2) Any route to Tosside and then to Rathmell by a) Melling Dub (south of B6478) then north to Beck House (crossing B6478), Lunds, Olivers, Snape House, Shaw, Street House Plantation, Street House Farm, Long Gill, Boostagill, Layhead Farm and Back Lane or b) From Lunds turn right and follow RoW to B6478 follow road for 300m then left onto RoW (NB keep south of definitive line to cross a bridge over ditch then north along first wall to stile, which is not immediately obvious. Continue to Rotten Edge (barn), Hile, (north east of Hile the stream is crossed by a ford difficult if water level is high. Green Hippins, Hard Head Farm, Layhead Farm etc.

Notes: 1) Facilities none in Rathmell. Wigglesworth shop/post office and pub (food). Tosside Dog and Partridge as above. 2) Except as noted above or below the paths are in good order and reasonably easy to follow – map is essential for both walks. Routes included in hope it will persuade NYCC to take action on obstructions a) Low Folds route Upper Sheep Wash – path goes left of farm through garden and is blocked at next wall although there is a gate 100m off line. Low Folds route difficult to find – left of house, right into garden up indistinct steps, left to gate in corner of garden. b) Snape House to Long Gill route obstructed where crosses garden of ex? farmhouse can be avoided by following wall north of Street House Plantation to south of farm and following north to original line. 3) All routes except via Tosside are in .