Much of the new Access Land in Access Land will be the Forest of Bowland AONB is identified with an Access within its Special Protection Area Land symbol, and may be accessed by any bridge, stile, gate, stairs, steps, stepping stone, or other (SPA). works for crossing water, or any gap in a boundary. Such access points will have This European designation recognises the importance of the area’s upland heather signage and interpretation to guide you. moorland and blanket bog as habitats for upland birds. The moors are home to many threatened species of bird, including Merlin, Golden Plover, Curlew, Ring If you intend to explore new Parts of the Forest of Bowland Ouzel and the rare Hen Harrier, the symbol of the AONB. Area of Outstanding Natural access land on foot, it is important that you plan ahead. Beauty (AONB) are now For the most up to date information and what local restrictions may accessible for recreation on foot be in place, visit www.countrysideaccess.gov.uk or call the Open Access Helpline on 0845 100 3298 for the first time to avoid disappointment. Once out and about, always follow local signs because the Countryside & Rights of Way Act (CRoW) 2000 gives people new and advice. rights to walk on areas of open country and registered common land. Access may be excluded or restricted during Heather moorland is Many people exceptional weather or ground conditions Access Land in the for the purpose of fire prevention or to avoid danger to the public. Forest of Bowland itself a rare habitat depend on - 75% of all the upland heather moorland in the the Access AONB offers some of world and 15% of the global resource of blanket bog are to be found in Britain. The wet climate is Land New rights only apply to the roughest and most favourable to the growth of sphagnum mosses and the development of peat. Erosion or damage for their recreation on foot, remote walking in of these habitats, easily caused through trampling, such as walking, bird watching, picnicking, running and climbing. There is no right to is irreversible and can destroy thousands of years livelihoods, ride a bicycle or horse (except on bridleways that cross Access Land), camp, drive of development. For this reason, extra care must Lancashire including upland farming and vehicles, hanglide or paraglide, use a metal detector, use boats, collect stones, plants be taken when walking across wet boggy areas, and, linked with the network of public rights of way, gives game management.These rural or wood, light or cause fires or swim in any non-tidal waters. and ideally be avoided altogether by sticking to plenty of scope for enjoyable and challenging walks. It is industries have shaped the Yo u must observe general, or local restrictions and obey any byelaws. You must tracks and waymarked routes. In exceptional your right to walk freely across Access Land, but please landscape we see today and not cause any damage, leave litter, disrupt work on the land, feed livestock, or cases, the relevant authority may at any time remember that the land is privately owned, grazed by play an important role in the deliberately disturb livestock, wildlife or habitats. You will be classed as a trespasser exclude or restrict access, in order to conserve sheep and cattle and is of international importance for conservation of the AONB. if you fail to comply with access land restrictions or damage any walls, gates or plants, animals, and geological or archaeological its habitats and wildlife. stiles. It is a criminal offence to break any Access Land byelaws. features. Open Access Contact Centre 0845 100 3298, www.countrysideaccess.gov.uk The map of the Forest of Bowland Local restrictions in Bowland are Lancashire Countryside Service has Forest of Bowland AONB,Environment Directorate, PO Box 9, Guild House, Cross Street, Preston, PR1 8RD AONB overleaf shows a series of likely to include a ban on dogs. worked with a range of partners to Tel: 01772 531473 Fax: 01772 533423 on land used for the rearing and shooting of grouse the landowner may apply for a [email protected] www.forestofbowland.com circular walks all exploring new year round total restriction on dogs. Dogs may also be banned on land used in plan for the commencement of the Lancashire Countryside Service/Ranger Service 01772 534709 connection with lambing and enclosures of less than 15 hectares for up to 6 weeks a Access Land legislation. Wyre Countryside Service/Ranger Service 01995 606654 Access Land. year, and from areas important for ground nesting birds. Otherwise, new access rights United Utilities 01200 454400 This map is for reference only and the map OS Explorer OL41 - Forest of Bowland We will continue to work with our partners to ensure that walkers can enjoy the will include the right to walk dogs, as long as they are kept on a fixed lead of no more For accommodation, places to visit and things to do contact Tourist Information and Ribblesdale should be used to navigate each route. The revised edition of the than 2m in length between 1st March and 31st July and at any other time near Access Land without causing damage to this internationally important landscape or map published in September 2004 will show information about Access Land, but it placing excessive burdens on those who live and work there. We provide gates and Bowland Visitor Centre, Beacon Fell Country Park, 01995 640557 livestock or nesting birds. Restrictions do not include trained guide dogs, hearing dogs Barnoldswick TIC, Station Road, 01282 666704 will be possible to follow the routes with confidence using older editions of the or dogs on the land with the consent of the landowner, nor will what people already stiles at access points and to enable the crossing of internal boundaries. We also map. provide signs and information at access points. Please observe any signs that you see. Bentham TIC, Main Street, 015242 62549/61030 do with their dogs by right, permission or custom be restricted. Local signage will Clitheroe TIC, 12-14 Market Place, 01200 442226 indicate any restrictions. Countryside Rangers may patrol Access Land - please feel free to approach them for friendly advice and assistance. Garstang TIC, High Street, 01995 602125 These walks have Kirkby Lonsdale TIC, 24 Main Street, 015242 71437 Whilst Lancaster TIC, 29 Castle Hill, 01524 32878 been selected to Pendle Heritage Centre, Barrowford, 01282 661704 exploring the Please remember to wear suitable Preston TIC,The Guild Hall, 01772 253731 give a flavour of Settle TIC,Town Hall, 01729 825192 new access land footwear and clothing if you intend Lancashire Brochure Line, 01772 533369, www.lancashiretourism.com Bowland’s open to undertake any of these walks. Yo r kshire Tourist Board, 01904 70796 in Bowland you Ordnance Survey Map Explorer OL41, Forest of Bowland & Ribblesdale country Take a map and compass, spare food, drink and clothing as the weather can change Front cover photographs - © Countryside Agency/Charlie Hedley. Other photographs - © Countryside are likely to quickly on the higher fells. Notify someone about where you are going and when you Agency/Charlie Hedley/Tessa Bunny, Colin Smith, John W Hickling. Hen Harrier - Andy Hay, RSBP Images and in some cases use public rights of way Open access only expect to return. Do not walk alone if you are inexperienced or uncertain of your Layout Environment Directorate, Lancashire County Council Printed on recycled paper. 83417 to complete circuits. They take you to encounter ability. Considerable areas of the Bowland fells were used for military training during some of the best of the Bowland Fells and applies to areas World War II and there are still unexploded bombs in some areas. If you discover The Forest of Bowland Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB) is a nationally protected landscape and internationally important for its heather moorland, blanket bog and rare birds. The all offer superb views of the surrounding sheep and cows, anything, which could be a bomb, do not touch it and inform the police or a Ranger hills. AONB is managed by a partnership of landowners, farmers, voluntary organisations, wildlife groups, that are unused to walkers. Cows in of open country as soon as you can. recreation groups, local councils and government agencies, who work to protect, conserve and The use of these routes means that you particular may be curious and The use of the Forest of Bowland and Pendle Hill as a source of pure water began in enhance the natural and cultural heritage of this special area. For more information regarding the can be sure that you are enjoying the new approach you, especially if you have a and registered Forest of Bowland AONB, visit the website at www.forestofbowland.com or ring 01772 534709 for the late 19th Century and continues to this day under the Stewardship of United an information leaflet. rights without risking disturbance to some dog. It is advisable that you plan how common land. Utilities PLC. Please help us to protect your water supply by avoiding any activities of Britain’s most important habitats. you will get around a herd. For your It does not include the right to access: that may create erosion or pollution to the feeder streams, rivers and reservoirs Detailed route descriptions have not been safety, never cut straight through a lower lying farmland, buildings, livestock within the water catchment area. provided because it is the very spirit of herd or get between a cow and her pens, quarries and other active mineral Always follow the Countryside Code: Access Land that means that you are free calf.