Discover BOWLAND Official guide to the Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. Featuring walks, short-break itineraries, events, local produce, wildlife, family activities & more!

k up yo ic ur P Free Guide Donations to w k w Champion Bowland .u w g . welcome! r ch .o am nd pionbowla Cover image: © Steven Kidd Contents Welcome to Bowland 4 Discovery Map 6 The Champion Bowland Tramper 10 Discover Bowland Itineraries 11 Fields, and Fabulous Local Food 12 The Hidden Bowland Dales 17 The Farming Seasons 24 SPRING: New Life Bursts Forth as the Countryside Awakens 26 SUMMER: Sowing the Seeds of a Wildflower Revival 28 AUTUMN: Harnessing the Harvest to Stem the Tide 31 WINTER: In the Bleak Midwinter Something Small and Woolly Stirs 34 Discover Bowland and explore over The Iconic Hen Harrier 36 A Volunteer Effort 38 Volunteer View 40 800 sq km of rural and More Success Stories 41 Sponging off the Spate 42 Family Adventures 46 Yorkshire. Areas of Outstanding Villages, Playgrounds & Picnicking 49 Family quizes 50 Rural Retreats: From Field to Fork Natural Beauty have some of the (in less than 5 minutes) 52 Rural Retreats: A Place to Gather Your Thoughts and Reconnect with Nature 56 Tour de Teashops 60 UK’s best countryside for walking, Cyclist-Friendly Teashops 63 Bowland Dark Skies Festival 64 Food Heroes 66 cycling and wildlife watching and Ten Years of Champion Bowland 74 Walking the Talk 76 Making New Connections 79 Bowland is no different! The Gatherings: 82 Pendle Radicals 84 Giving Pendle Hill a Helping Hand 86 Further Information 93 Walking Safely 94 Walking Routes 95

This guide is produced by the Forest of Bowland Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty Tel: 01200 448000 Email: [email protected] facebook.com/bowlandaonb

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RSS Skype Designed by Hodder Valley & Totridge3 © Graham Cooper Feature articles & images by Salar Media. © Graham Cooper Enjoy a Pub Lunch WITH YOUR POOCH! Welcome to Bowland You and your dog are guaranteed a warm welcome at these cosy pubs, Pendle Hill Summit all with great food, great beer and great walking from the doorstep too! © Mark Sutcliffe

Bowland is brimming with opportunities in 2019, from Drinking and dining inside and out – perfect whatever volunteering with the Pendle Hill Project, to a dark sky the weather! A superb menu using local produce wherever possible and an ever adventure or wildlife encounter in the Festival Bowland changing specials board, you can be assured of wholesome programme – there really is something for everyone. meals freshly prepared to order which will leave you A relaxed, informal atmosphere thoroughly satisfied. in which to enjoy beautifully Waddington Arms prepared food. Open fireplaces he seasons are brought to life with Our Dark Sky Festival in February is a first www.waddingtonarms.co.uk and cosy corners inside, a our ‘Bowland Farming Year’ profiles for Bowland, building on the development beautiful terrace with stunning T. 01200 423262 – find out about our dynamic, living of our Dark Sky Discovery Sites in recent views of the Ribble Valley outside. T Waddington, , landscapes and meet some of the local years. Why not join a star camp, or gather Oh and walkers, dogs and muddy BB7 3HP farmers who have worked the land in round a forest campfire for stories of the boots are always welcome. Bowland for generations. night sky, or maybe develop your skills in astrophotography? It’s set to be an With one of the longest bars in Our Pendle Hill exciting week for all the family. Britain and a menu featuring small plates and snacks to Landscape“ Partnership The Foodie Foray in the autumn will be a nibble with a beer, through to celebration of Bowland’s fantastic seasonal, crowd-pleasing classics like has been extremely busy local produce - join us for a week of walks, burgers, hot dogs, pies and foraging and feasting. We’ll be led by local salads, there’s something for during 2018, and with a all the family. Your four-legged packed programme of work experts to learn about the edibles in our friend is welcome anywhere in hedgerows, fields and woodlands. Also, the Beer Hall and we have lots to deliver over the next look out for special menus and creative of outdoor seating too. Shireburn Arms dishes that will highlight Bowland’s locally 3 years there are plenty www.shireburnarmshotel.co.uk distinctive produce. of opportunities to get www.holmesmill.co.uk T. 01254 826 678 Not forgetting our full Festival Bowland T. 01200 407111 Whalley Rd, Hurst Green, Greenacre Street, Clitheroe BB7 1EB Holmes Mill involved! programme, pull-out walks and short- BB7 9QJ ” break itineraries to provide inspiration for Together for Our Landmark your next Bowland adventure!

4 www.forestofbowland.com www.jamesplaces.co.uk Walking Route Start Information Centre Cycling Route Start Un-staffed Information Centre Viewpoint Dark Sky Discovery Petrol Station 0 1 2 3 4 5Discovery6 Sites7 8 9 10 km Picnic Site N Station 0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 km 0Coronation1 Meadow2 3 4 5 6 Miles 0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 km N 0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 km Map 0 1 2 3 4 5 6 Miles N 0 1 2 3 4 50 6 1 7 8 2 9 130 km 4 5 6 Miles 0 1 2 3 4 50 6 1 7 8 2 9 130 km 4 5 6 Miles N Why not stay a while and explore the 0 1 2 3 4 5 6 Miles 0 1 2 3 4 5 6 Miles area at your leisure? The Forest of Bowland offers a wide range of 0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 km N 0 1 2 3 4 5 6 Miles quality accommodation. 0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 km 0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 km N N 0 1 2 3 4 5 6 Miles The following providers have 0 1 2 3 4 5 6 Miles supported this guide and are all members of the Forest of Bowland 0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 km Sustainable Tourism Network: N 0 1 2 3 4 5 6 Miles

1 Chestnut Cottage 2 Cobden View 3 Dale House Barn and B&B 4 Eldroth House Holiday Cottages 5 Gibbon Bridge Hotel 6 Height Top Farm 7 Higher Gills Farm 8 Holmes Mill 9 Lakewood Cottages 10 Malkin Tower Farm Holiday Cottages 11 Peaks and Pods 12 Valley Cottages 13 Riverside Holiday Homes 14 Shireburn Arms 15 Spread Eagle Inn 16 The Gathering Fields 17 The Traddock 18 Waddington Arms 19 Wenningdale Escapes

20 Wyreside Lakes 0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 km N 0 1 2 3 4 5 6 Miles 6 www.forestofbowland.com Countryscape.Produced by Contains Ordnance Survey copyright and database right data © Crown 2019 7 ‘Spotlessly ‘Awesome

clean, comfortable Cottage! ‘Wow! Absolute beds, soft fluffy Beautiful inside perfection. Beautiful towels and even the with everything cottage finished to wood burning stove ‘Fantastic! we could have a high standard in a made and ready to One of our best needed.’ lovely tranquil location. light on arrival’ holidays! Fabulous What more could Cottage, extremely anyone ask for?’ comfortable and so well equipped.’

‘... a little piece of heaven! The Barn is stunning and spotlessly ‘We have all had a lovely time clean.’ staying in this picture perfect cottage.’

Eldroth House is a superb stone built property in the Wood Burning Stove Private Garden, BBQ idyllic village of Eldroth, close to the town of Settle, All Linen Supplied TV, DVD Dogs Welcome in Cottage Bluetooth Radio and is perfectly placed for exploring the beauty of the Wifi Dishwasher Forest of Bowland, the Yorkshire Dales and the Lake Washing Machine Secure Cycle Storage District. The tranquil gardens with running stream and Underfloor Heating Fridge/Freezer small orchard are ideal for relaxing after a day’s walking, Garden Stream Private Parking cycling, sightseeing or shopping. We provide everything you need to make your stay peaceful and enjoyable. Part of a farmhouse dating back to 1692, the re-furbished If you’d like more information on the cottages and availability Cottage has two bedrooms, a large, fully-equipped please give Jill a call on dining kitchen and cosy living room with wood burning 07590252725 or email stove. The former detached Barn has been converted [email protected] into a beautiful, one bedroom romantic retreat with spectacular views over open countryside. www.eldrothcottages.uk Michelle & Angela at Forest Hub © Mark Sutcliffe Discover Bowland Itineraries Over the next few pages you will discover for yourself what makes Bowland so distinctive. Explore the western side of the AONB through Easy Access our Discover Bowland Itineraries - uncovering two special areas. at Gisburn Forest

Get out and about on a Tramper at Gisburn Forest - From the heather-clad moorlands and a specially designed off-road electric buggy - peat bogs, to the deeply incised wooded valleys and picturesque villages, all these which can be used on rough ground, mud and grass. make up the unique look and feel of our beautiful Bowland. These characteristics he Champion Bowland Tramper is the tranquillity of our beautiful woodlands are part of a Sense of Place - elements hosted at the Gisburn Forest Hub here at Gisburn Forest.’ says Michelle. ‘We that make that place special: Tcafé by owners Angela and Michelle. receive some fantastic feedback from users: ‘ ‘Trampers provide fantastic opportunities for There is no set fee to hire the Tramper, l A Place to Enjoy and Keep Special those who struggle walking distances or hills, but we kindly ask for a donation to Highlighting the importance of the area for or who have limited mobility, and it provides contribute towards the insurance and people’s livelihoods and enjoyment with its opportunities for the whole family to venture maintenance of the vehicle through value as a unique and protected landscape. out’ says Angela. ‘There is an easy access trail Champion Bowland - a charity which works (suitable for Trampers) directly from the café l Delicious Local Food and Drink to enhance the outstanding landscape of - a wonderful 5 mile route which links to the Without food production our countryside the Forest of Bowland AONB. Birch Hills trail at car park. would look very different! There are many From here you have great views across the Please be aware that all Tramper users excellent eateries across the area to sample reservoir and can really immerse yourself in must be accompanied by one other the best, local and seasonal produce. person and one of you must be in l l possession of a working mobile phone. A Landscape Rich in Heritage Wild Open Spaces The Trampers are During the medieval period the royal hunting The fells are covered with peat, blanket bog, marvelous“ for disabled forests were established - the title ‘forest’ acid grassland and heather moor. The highest refers to hunting rights, and not to a large point is at Wards Stone (560m) - almost a persons. They allow expanse of woodland, as we interpret it today. mountain! me to enjoy the deep To book the Tramper and to arrange an l A Living Landscape l A Special Place for Wildlife countryside once again, induction please contact Gisburn Forest The landscape has been formed out a of close The moors in particular are an important Hub café on relationship between people and nature and breeding ground for upland birds. There are which I thought had been we all have a part to play in planning for a also notable wildflower meadows, woodlands denied to me” 01200 446387 sustainable future. and geological features. 10 www.forestofbowland.com 11 Discover Bowland Itinerary – No 3 Stay This remote corner of the Forest of Bowland has an inviting selection of cosy B&Bs and self-catering providers – many of Fields, Fells and whom actively welcome walkers and cyclists. See the section at the end for a list of options. Fabulous Local Food Day 1: Big Views on Foot Rolling hills that rise behind the Lancashire Plain offer splendid views over Bay and beyond to the Lakeland fells. Equip yourself with On a really clear day it is possible to see the Isle of Man and the OS Explorer Map 41 Great Orme on the North Wales coast. Birds such as meadow (Forest of Bowland & pipits and skylarks are common on the , while the Ribblesdale) to navigate more fortunate may catch a glimpse of tree pipits your way around the area or yellowhammers. Be sure to visit Beacon Fell Country Park which features 75 hectares of woodland, grassland and The area is very welcoming moorland. There are several woodland trails which of four-legged friends, just are great for families and four-legged friends. Look out for the rare be aware that Bowland is centre and cafe are also open daily. whimbrel roosting at home to and and Barnacre Reservoir near ground-nesting birds. Oakenclough. These elegant Be aware of and keep waders fly in to roost during your dog under effective control the breeding season in April For “walking safely” info visit Route Options and May. Good views from www.forestofbowland.com/

the public footpath to the Walking-Information l Bluebells and Woodland Delights – 3 mile circular south of the reservoir. starting at Cobble Hey Farm & Gardens. Parking is available free of charge for those using the tea room, please ring to check opening times 01995 602643 Stretching from the high fells of the Bleasdale l Delph Quarry – 7 mile circular offering wonderful views of Horseshoe to the sharply edged ridge of Fell, the Bleasdale Fells the southwestern fringe of the Forest of Bowland Not to be missed! During l Grizedale Valley & Nicky Nook – 5.5 and 3.5 mile route combines amazing, striking scenery with rich farmland May the woods of Calder options - Nicky Nook, though modest in height, offers and superb local produce. Vale surrounding the church splendid views over Lancashire’s coastal plain. are filled with the glorious This largely rural area is a walkers’ and cyclists’ paradise, sight and scent of bluebells. l Scorton Picnic Site – a local nature reserve with flat, easy walking, suitable for wheelchairs, pushchairs & Trampers. criss-crossed with some outstanding circular walks and The church also serves refreshments on Sundays quiet country lanes to cruise along on two wheels. throughout May. To download the above routes go to And there’s plenty of scope for enthusiastic foodies www.forestofbowland.com/walking to embark on a gastronomic tour of this productive corner of Bowland where local cheeses are a speciality. 12 www.forestofbowland.com 13 Day 2 AM: Day 3 AM: Explore on Two Wheels Down On The Farm The quiet roads make this part of Bowland a paradise for cyclists. Get up close with some friendly farm animals at Cobble Hey Both on and off-road routes all feature undulating terrain with Farm and Gardens. This working farm in the foothills of the some extended steep climbs. We have two recommended Bleasdale Fells welcomes visitors during spring and summer and routes for road cyclists, both of which start at the pretty village feeding the lambs in March and April is extremely popular. There’s of Scorton - a hub for cyclists, with some fantastic eateries. also an on-site café serving wonderful home produce. Call Scorton Circular is a lovely 16 mile tour of the quiet lanes Cobble Hey 01995 602643 to check opening times, which vary and hamlets along the southern fringe of the Bowland Fells or, according to the farming calendar. for an extended 27 mile route, enjoy the unspoilt beauty of Or visit Bowland Wild Boar Park - one of the most popular visitor Grizedale and Bleasdale. attractions in the area. This out of the way farm and wildlife park is To download these routes visit: especially popular with families and schoolchildren, who love getting www.forestofbowland.com/cycle-routes close to the farm animals and exploring nature on one of the park’s wildlife walks. You can even extend your stay by hiring one of the park’s camping pods. Call 01995 61075 to book your visit. Day 2 PM: The Big Cheese Day 3 PM: Lancashire Cheese is famous throughout Britain for its astringent tang and characteristic crumbliness and Leagram Organic on Time For Tea? the edge of Chipping is one of the finest producers of this subtle After a ride or walk, you have every excuse to indulge in a few local cheese. Leagram have been producing quality cheeses for the sweet or savoury treats at one of the locale’s noted cafes or farm last 15 years. As well as their famous Creamy, Crumbly and Tasty shops. The Barn at Scorton is an extremely popular destination Lancashire cheeses, they also produce an award-winning sheep’s with local cyclists in search of a good coffee and something sticky cheese - Ramshackle. Call 01995 61532 to check opening times. and sweet, while The Apple Store at Wyresdale Park is a must- visit destination for any fan of traditional English Afternoon Tea. . Day 2 Evening: 13 Enjoy an Epicurean Adventure 4 As well as producing some 8/9 superb cheese and meat, this side of Bowland has some 10 excellent eateries in which to Don’t miss the Bikes 12 17 sample local produce. Fantastic and Barrows Festival 2 3 pubs include the Derby Arms, held the first bank 14 20 Longridge and the Shireburn holiday weekend of 1/5 6 Arms, Hurst Green or, for May in Scorton – 11 16 more formal dining, try the bicycle rides, fun run, 19 restaurant at the Gibbon 15 flower festival and Bridge Hotel and sample 6 some mouth-watering wheelbarrow racing! 18 Lancastrian delicacies. 14 www.forestofbowland.com 7 15 Visit, Eat & Stay Stay Discover Bowland Itinerary – No 4 10 Barnacre Cottages See map on previous page Barnacre, PR3 1GN for locations. Tel: 01995 600918 Web: www.barnacre-cottages.co.uk The Hidden 11 Brickhouse Touring Caravan Site Chipping, PR3 2QW Visit Tel: 01995 61747 1 Chipping Farm Shop Web: www.brickhouseccs.co.uk Bowland Dales Chipping, PR3 2QH 12 Broadgate Farm B&B Tel: 01995 699444 Bleasdale, PR3 1UR Web: www.chippingfarmshop.co.uk Equip yourself with Tel: 01995 602402 OS Explorer Map 41 2 Cobble Hey Farm & Gardens Web: www.broadgatefarm.co.uk Claughton-on-Brock, PR3 0QN (Forest of Bowland & 13 Fell View Caravan Park Tel: 01995 602643 Scorton, PR3 1DA Ribblesdale) to navigate Web: www.cobblehey.co.uk Tel: 01524 791283 your way around 3 Wild Boar Park (Visit & Stay) Web: www.fellviewparkandfishing.co.uk the area Chipping, PR3 2QT 14 Dale View CL Site Tel: 01995 61075 Whitechapel, PR3 2ET Web: www.wildboarpark.co.uk Web: www.caravanclub.co.uk/certificated- locations//lancashire//dale- view/ Visit Wray 15 Garden Cottage Scarecrow Festival Eat Inglewhite, PR3 2LJ 4 Apple Store Café (Eat & Stay) Tel: 01995 640007 in early May – Scorton, PR3 1BA Web: www.thegarden-cottage.co.uk it’s a fantastic Tel: 01524 791011 16 Gibbon Bridge Hotel (Stay & Eat) Web: www.wyresdalepark.co.uk/cafe family day out! Chipping, PR3 2TQ www.wrayscarecrows.wordpress.com 5 Cobbled Corner Café Tel: 01995 61456 Chipping, PR3 2QH Web: www.gibbon-bridge.co.uk Tel: 01995 61551 17 Lanterns & Larks Web: www.cobbled-corner.co.uk Bleasdale, PR3 1UY 6 Derby Arms Tel: 01638 778131 Longridge, PR3 2NB Web: www.lanternandlarks.co.uk/glamping- Tel: 01772 782370 locations/bleasdale Despite its proximity to the historic city of Web: derbyarmslongridge.co.uk 18 The Shippon Luxury Holiday Let Lancaster, the north-western fringe of the Area of 7 Shireburn Arms (Eat & Stay) Thornley, PR3 2NB Outstanding Natural Beauty retains the wild and Be prepared for all weather! Hurst Green, BB7 9QJ Tel: 07850221034 Tel: 01254 826678 Web: theshipponluxuryholidaylet.co.uk rugged nature that characterises the Forest of We celebrate the seasons here in Bowland, it’s what brings Web: www.shireburnarmshotel.co.uk Bowland. Bounded by the Wyre and Lune, the 19 The Old Woodshed the vibrancy in colours and 8 The Barn , PR3 2WH fells that dominate the skyline above Lancaster are wonderful variety of animal, Scorton, PR3 1AU Web: www.english-country-cottages. amongst the highest in Bowland - and bird and plant life – so don’t Tel: 01524 793533 co.uk/cottages/the-old-woodshed- let a bit of rain stop you, Web: www.plantsandgifts.co.uk ukc3143Wolfen Mill Tarnbrook Fell – and offer exhilarating fell-walking just bring along the gear 9 The Priory (Eat & Stay) 20 Wolfen Mill Country Retreats opportunities, but it’s the intimate valleys of (waterproofs & boots a must!). Scorton, PR3 1AU Chipping, PR3 2GR and Hindburndale which reveal a gentler Tel: 01524 791255 Tel: 01253 675633 side to the elemental upland landscapes of Bowland. Web: www.theprioryscorton.co.uk Web: www.wolfenmill.co.uk 16 www.forestofbowland.com 17 DAY 1: PM: Stay In spring and summer, the gardens at Hornby Castle are open on Accommodation options vary widely in this corner of designated weekends (check in advance at www.hornbycastle.com) Bowland – from cosy B&Bs and cottages to riverside caravan – the snowdrops reach their peak in February and are a sight to and chalet parks, boutique hotels, country inns and glamping. gladden the heart as winter slowly gives way to spring. See the section at the end for a list of options. The neighbouring valley of Hindburndale is accessed by a lane that follows the course of an old Roman Road that crossed the Bowland Fells to . Follow this to the hamlet of Lowgill, Day 1 AM: then head northeast towards Bentham to find the Great Stone of Fourstones – a huge glacial erratic which once marked the Roeburndale and Wray boundary between Lancashire and Yorkshire. Today is dedicated to exploring the valleys carved by the tributaries of the Lune- the twin rivers of the Hindburn and Roeburn. Day 2 AM: Head for the picturesque village of Wray, where artisans and light industry have prospered for Mountains & Coastline hundreds of years. It still has a rustic, slightly olde- The ‘Way of the Roses’ 170-mile cycle route goes worlde feel – as if it hasn’t changed much for a coast to coast from the Irish Sea to the North Sea century or so. The rivers Hindburn and Roeburn meet via the Red and White Rose counties of Lancashire in the village – just below the new Kitten Bridge – the and Yorkshire, but this route covers a more modest original arched stone footbridge was swept away, along 35 miles between Morecambe and Settle – traversing with several cottages, in the great flood of 1967. some glorious Bowland countryside without too many Park considerately in the village and explore via one hills. www.wayoftheroses.info of the circular walks featured below. The Roeburndale The route starts on the Prom at Morecambe and heads circular is a longer walk, but a wonderful chance along traffic-free cycle routes before following the to explore the beautiful woodlands that dominate Lune upstream to its confluence with the Wenning and this verdant valley. Look out for rare butterflies and contouring around the Bowland Fells to the Yorkshire woodland birds like the redstart and pied flycatcher. border at Clapham, and then south through limestone The woodland floor is carpeted in dense drifts of country to Settle. bluebells in May and the autumn colours in September and October rival those of New England. Be sure to take a slight de-tour into Bentham for a lunch stop, it’s a bustling little town with plenty of cafes and pubs. And after a hard For more than 20 years Route Options day in the saddle, don’t worry if the during May, visitors have l Bridges & Wray Flood – 0.5 mile circular legs fail you upon Visit Clearbeck House followed the arts trail in and l Rivers & Villages Ramble – 1.2 mile circular reaching Settle – Gardens – it’s a hidden around the Lune valley, seeking simply hop on the l Roeburndale Walk – 8 mile circular gem! Open days at certain Bentham Line to let out the studios and work places times of the year of local artists. the train take the To download the above routes go to strain on the return (part of the National Visit: www.lunesdalearts.co.uk www.forestofbowland/walking journey! Garden Scheme) www.clearbeck.wordpress.com Day 3: Visit Stay 1 Bentham Golf Club (Visit & Stay) 12 Box Tree Farm Glamping and Tarnbrook Bentham, LA2 7AG Wennington, LA2 8PA Cafes and pubs are thin on the ground in this exquisitely remote Tel: 015242 62455 Tel: 07930 336472 corner of Bowland, so we would recommend picking up a picnic Web: www.benthamgolfclub.co.uk Web: www.boxtreefarm.co.uk prior to heading into the hills above Abbeystead. If the weather 2 Clearbeck House (National Garden Scheme) 13 Crook O’Lune Holiday Park proves less than amendable for a picnic, a visit to The Fleece Inn Higher Tatham, LA2 8PJ Caton, LA2 9HP or Fenwick Arms may be in order. Tel: 01524 261029 Tel: 01524 917312 If visibility is good, a drive up to Jubilee Tower is a must. The views Web: www.clearbeck.wordpress.com Web: www.pure-leisure.co.uk/parks/ lancashire/crook-o-lune/overview from here are breath-taking, encompassing Lancaster and the 3 Green Close Studios Lune estuary, the fells, the Great Orme on the North Melling, LA6 2RB 14 Goodenbergh Country Holiday Park Welsh Coast and maybe a glimpse of Snaefell on the Isle of Man. Tel: 015242 21233 Low Bentham, LA2 7EU Web: www.greenclose.org Tel: 015242 62022 From Jubilee Tower, for the energetically minded, Ward’s Stone Web: www.goodenberghleisure.co.uk 4 Maiden Bridge Art Study Centre – the highest point in the Bowland Fells - is a short, but boggy Tatham, LA2 8PR 15 Lakewood Cottages walk east across the moors from where a track continues to Tel: 015242 61463 , LA2 0HN the atmospheric gritstone outcrop of Wolfhole Crag. This is Web: www.maidenbridge.co.uk Tel: 01524 751053 demanding walking across some of the most remote parts of Web: www.lakewoodcottages.co.uk 5 Open Road, Open Skies Bowland – strictly for hardcore hikers. For a more rewarding Morecambe, LA3 3AN 16 Lancaster House Hotel circular walk, head north to the crags and outcrops of Clougha Tel: 01524 424117 Lancaster, LA1 4GJ Pike, returning via Rowton Brook and Hare Appletree. Web: www.openroadopenskies.co.uk Tel: 01524 844822 Web: www.englishlakes.co.uk/lancaster-house Just a short drive from Jubilee Tower is the pretty hamlet of 6 Wyreside Lakes Fishery & Campsite Abbeystead – named after a short-lived Cistercian Abbey which (Visit & Stay) 17 Lodgeview Cottages briefly flourished in the upper Wyre Valley in the 12th Century. , LA2 9DG Quermmore, LA2 9EF The Wyre Way follows a pleasant circular route through the Tel: 01524 792093 Tel: 07894 594448 Web: www.wyresidelakes.co.uk Web: www.lodgeview.co.uk village and around the woodland and reservoir, with options to explore further along the valleys of both arms of the Wyre. 18 Mosswood Caravan Site Eat , LA2 0ES 7 Bridge House Farm Tea Rooms Tel: 01524 791041 Wray, LA2 8QP Web: www.mosswood.co.uk Tel: 015242 37775 19 Riverside Caravan Park 14 3 12 Bentham, LA2 7FJ 11 1 8 Fenwick Arms (Eat & Stay) Claughton, LA2 9LA Tel: 015242 61272 10 19 7 2 Tel: 015242 21157 Web: www.riversidecaravanpark.co.uk 8 20 4 Web: www.seafoodpubcompany.com 20 Roeburnscar Holiday Cottage Roeburndale West, LA2 8QR 13 9 Fleece Inn (Eat & Stay) 5 Dolphinholme, LA2 9AQ Tel: 015242 22214 Tel: 01524 791233 Web: www.roeburnscarholidaycottage.co.uk Web: www.fleeceinn.co.uk 17 21 The Gathering Fields , LA2 9DN 22 10 Hornby Tearooms Hornby, LA2 8JR Tel: 07791 254101 16 Tel: 015242 21237 Web: www.northernapproach.co.uk For other Discover Bowland Itineraries visit: Web: www.facebook.com/HornbyTeaRooms/ 22 Quernmore Valley Cottages 15 Quernmore, LA2 9EF 9 21 11 The Punch Bowl 6 www.forestofbowland.com/ Low Bentham, LA2 7DD Tel: 01524 36873 Discover-Bowland-Itineraries Tel: 015242 61344 Web: www.quernmorevalleycottages.com 18 Web: www.thepunchbowlbentham.co.uk 20 www.forestofbowland.com 21 BEER HALL • FOOD HALL • HOTEL • BISTRO • BREWERY

Your Ribble Valley Experience Begins Here... Nestling in the beautiful village of Sawley, The Spread Eagle is We welcome walkers, cyclists (secure your bike in one our a historic coaching inn. With the river running at one side of high-tech bike pods) and even your four legged friends! the building, and the remains of the Cistercian Sawley Abbey on the other, it boasts a picture perfect location. Our Abbey Suite is the ideal space for private dining, weddings & celebrations or business meetings - and if you'd Famed for our delicious food, local beers and fantastic wine like to stay longer we have eleven luxury bedrooms, each one list - together with our friendly service, pick your spot to individually designed, with all you would expect and more. Telephone: 01200 441202 indulge in from our flag floored bar with open fire, cosy bar Email: [email protected] www.spreadeaglesawley.co.uk lounge or stylish dining rooms. Sawley - Near Clitheroe We look forward to seeing you... Lancashire - BB7 4NH Photo: Rod Calbrade RIBBLE RIVERS TRUST Angling Passport

The Ribble Rivers Trust is a charity that has been working to improve rivers in the Ribble, Hodder, Calder and catchments since 1998. One of its main objec�ves is to work with farmers and landowners to improve rivers that flow past their fields. In some cases, these stretches of river have been opened up for the public to fish through the Angling Passport scheme, demonstra�ng to farmers that there is value to maintaining a healthy river. There are currently nine beats around the catchment, two of which are within the Forest of Bowland and several more just on the outskirts. Most are small, wild rivers that enable the enterprising angler to catch trout, grayling, chub and dace, with a couple of main river stretches offering salmon and sea trout as well. || mill conversion in the heart of Clitheroe... They’re some of the most beau�ful and least fished beats in the catchment, and A grade all are priced between £2.50 and £15.00 per day. Holmes Mill is a unique celebration of Lancashire food, drink and entertainment. �urplus income generated from �cket sales is invested back into the Trust’s river Featuring a beer hall, hotel, food hall and much more, this former textiles mill conserva�on projects, so by purchasing �ckets, anglers are contribu�ng to the is the perfect place to indulge, unwind and explore. improvement of the rivers they love and enjoy. The Ribble Trust also operates a membership scheme cos�ng £20 per year and is From lunch in the cafe or picnic shopping in the Bowland Food Hall to the perfect burger always on the lookout for volunteers to help with conserva�on projects. Visit the and a pint in the Bowland Beer Hall there’s a genuine warmth to this mill conversion website for more informa�on. that defies description – just come along and sample it for yourself! We work hard to improve �ishin� �c�ets can �e purchased online at; www.ribbletrust.org.uk/go‐fishing our rivers, safeguarding �r in person �ro� �i�on �all �ennels� ��� ��� HOLMESMILL.CO.UK them for future generations ��or openin� ��es call ����� ������� Holmes Mill, Greenacre Street, Clitheroe BB7 1EB | 01200 407183 www.ribbletrust.org.uk | 01200 444452 | [email protected] Sheila Mason, Keasden Head Farm

arming is a 365-days a year vocation requiring tremendous energy, Fcommitment and determination. Farming is at the heart of the Forest of Bowland’s predominantly rural economy and the landscape looks and functions the way it does in part due to the efforts of the area’s farmers. The changing seasons inevitably dictate most farmers’ workload, with the available hours of daylight playing a pivotal role in what gets done and when. During the winter months, modern farming is on the whole less labour intensive, but during the summer months, a 12-hour day is often standard – farmers don’t get overtime! But the amount of daylight is just one of the natural cycles of the seasons that dictate the farming schedule. Read on as we document a year in the life of a handful of Bowland farmers: their trials and tribulations and the triumphs and The Farming Seasons tragedies along the way.

Some of the farms featured are profiled farms from our website which provide opportunities for educational and group visits. www.forestofbowland.com/ farm-profiles In order to help groups take advantage of this resource, we have a Farm Visit Transport Fund, run by Champion Bowland on behalf of the AONB. Visit: www.forestofbowland.com/ Farm-Visit-Transport-Fund

www.forestofbowland.com 24© Graham Cooper Bell Sykes 25Farm Dave Miller SPRING: New Life Bursts Forth as the Countryside Awakens

Up on the western fringe of the AONB on the hills above Garstang, Dave and Edwina Miller are trying to keep track of their flock, which will number some 900 sheep by the end of the lambing season.

long with son David, the Millers run begins something of a stampede towards a mixed upland farm 600ft above the feeding stations; it’s like a woolly Asea level. The views stretch for miles charge of the Light Brigade. across the Wyre Valley and Their flock is dominated by Fylde Plain to the coast The ewes and and Teeswater and beyond to the Irish hybrids for hardiness Sea. While the conditions “newborn lambs and wool quality and the for lambing aren’t quite as are put together in majority are born indoors extreme as those found to give them the best further east on the highest bonding pens. When possible start in life. hill farms in Bowland, lambing the ewes are feeding generally starts indoors Dave and Edwina do get to make sure the next and mothering well, a little bit of help with the generation of Cobble Hey they are transferred lambs from willing young lambs get off to a flying start. volunteers who visit the into a group pen farm to help with bottle- Once the weather warms feeding, before they are up a bit and the lambs and after a couple of released out into the fields have put on some weight, days, if the weather once the weather warms they are turned out onto is fit, they are moved up a little. By Easter, lambing the grass and quickly start is pretty much done and charging around the wide- into the fields dusted, with most of the open fields at Cobble Hey. ” lambs and ewes outdoors, As soon as they hear Dave’s quadbike and playing king of the castle and chasing their trailer rumbling down the track, the flock siblings across the fields.

26 www.forestofbowland.com 27 Peter Blackwell SUMMER: Sowing the Seeds of a Wildflower Revival

On the outskirts of , Bell Sykes Farm’s Coronation Meadows provide living seedbanks that preserve our meadowland natural history.

he meadows at Bell Sykes Farm in the seeds can develop and then Slaidburn are some of the last and be used to regenerate wildflower Tmost important wildflower species- meadows elsewhere. rich meadows in Lancashire and their The majority of the crop is used to importance is internationally recognised. feed Peter’s own herd and they sell This vulnerable habitat has some to local farmers become increasingly scarce whose livestock seem to and has largely disappeared The grasses put appreciate the richness of in Lancashire through “their energy into this 100 per cent natural changes in agricultural diet. Contractors cut practices. The meadows growing upwards the remainder and then contain native grass species rather than bulking translocate the rich seed such as meadow foxtail up their foliage nearer mix to help kick-start the and sweet vernal grass, Conditions were so bad that he wasn’t creation of new wildflower along with moisture loving the ground. I’d say able to cut some of the meadows without meadows across the UK. flowers like great burnet the yield was about causing damage. and meadowsweet. So it’s well into July before The reverse was true in 2018. With little half what we would the fields are mowed and They are home to iconic rain from April, the grasses were much the seed-rich grasses left to northern upland species normally expect sparser than they would normally be. dry naturally in the searing including meadow crane’s-bill ” heat of high summer. Peter’s low intensity approach means and melancholy thistle along with a colourful haytime remains very much a ‘hands-on’ mix of yellow rattle, eyebright, pignut, In the wet – some would say, non-existent activity where the whole family and friends buttercups, knapweed and lady’s mantle. – summer of 2017, Peter was forced pitch in. Son Marcus arrives home from to make silage as the weather was too Peter Blackwell, wife Lin and daughter Lisa his ‘day job’ in computer hardware design unpredictable to guarantee the warm, leave the meadows to grow late into the to lend a hand getting the last couple of dry spell required to make proper hay. summer before cutting and bailing, so that loads of bales safely into the barn. 28 www.forestofbowland.com 29 AUTUMN: Harnessing the Harvest to Stem the Tide

n the enchanted valley of Roeburndale, sustainable farming and land Imanagement methods are being employed to preserve rare species and stem a destructive cycle of flooding after decades of soil degradation. Relying on a 35-year-old tractor and International On the northern fringes of the AONB, there is a steep-sided, densely wooded 440 baling machine, Peter and family make standard valley that feels like another world. Verdant, overgrown, peaceful and slightly bales that are then manually loaded onto a trailer and unkempt, setting foot in Roeburndale is stacked in a traditional stone outbarn. like stepping back in time. There’s a slight sense of abandonment here – as if the custodians have simply t’s hard but satisfying work on a close With 108 bales loaded onto Peter’s new got out of the way to give Mother Nature evening in early August. As we climb tri-axle trailer, Peter carefully pilots the old some extra breathing space. By modern Ithrough the fields, collecting the bales as Marshall to the outbarn overlooking his farming standards, it’s something of a lost we go, the pastures offer wonderful views farmhouse. As he backs the tractor into world, but to its owner: Dr Rod Everett, across the farmland to Slaidburn and up the oversize doorway, the resident barn it’s paradise. the Hodder valley to Bowland Knotts. owl flees to a nearby tree and Lin helps Backsbottom Farm covers some 230 guide the trailer into the barn. acres of moorland and woodland on the Unloading the bales and stacking them up western flank of this enchanting valley It’s hard graft, but we’ve towards the roof is even hotter work in and it’s all farmed along permaculture never“ been afraid of a bit of the still, airless barn, but the ride back in the principles: 100 per cent organic trailer for a well-earned brew and home- and minimal to zero chemical and that and it’s very satisfying made cake at Bell Sykes is ample reward. pharmaceutical input. to see another year’s worth “Modern farming methods mean that a lot of Rod has travelled the world giving talks of winter feed safely stacked farms spend a small fortune on winter feed” on permaculture yet enjoys a simple life says Peter “Especially in a winter like we’ve which he shares with wife Jane on this up in the barn had last year – but we’ve got pretty much all isolated farm perched near the head of ” the forage we need up in the top barn.” the valley some 400 feet above sea level.

30 www.forestofbowland.com 31 Power is provided via a 3-kilowatt wind turbine and the water from natural springs. Much of the upper slopes are given over to organic fruit and veg, and Rod’s four rambling orchards now comprise some 200 different apple varieties, with a few sheep grazing contentedly among the trees.

he orchards are a living seedbank winter rainfall, this pretty babbling brook that should ensure the survival can mutate into something altogether Tof rare strains of apple from more threatening. Lancashire, Yorkshire and and in In August 1967 the course of the river 2018 they produced a bumper crop. was diverted by around 150 yards by a “We’re looking at three times the usual devastating flood caused by a summer yield,” said Rod. “We really need to work cloudburst. A wall of water demolished 13 out how to make use of houses, cottages and barns, them without any wastage. It’s still early days, deposited 24-tonne rocks So now they are all scratted 400 yards down-river, took (pulped) and pressed to “but the small-scale out every bridge in the valley make cider and then when flood prevention and killed dozens of livestock. ready, converted to craft cider In a bid to prevent vinegar. This will mature for measures we’ve put a repetition of these two years in oak barrels. Be in seem to have had environmental traumas, Rod ready in 2021 for a special a positive impact and has implemented a series treat. The apple pressings are of natural flood prevention converted to silage for the replacing some of measures on his land. sheep.” the trees lost in the In-river training structures The entire farm buzzes recent floods may redirect the flow so that with insect life, from rare seasonal floodwaters re- butterflies and dragonflies, be playing their contour and reinforce the to bees, hoverflies and part too.” natural banks, while peat hornets. A solitary and blanket bog restoration horseshoe bat is hawking ” and a series of swales and insects above the river in broad daylight. dams on the edge of the moorland above hold the water higher up the catchment, Below the farm, a steep track dives into delaying its descent towards the river the wooded slopes of the valley, where channel and smoothing out sudden spikes the sparkles in the warm in the water level. autumn sunshine. And yet after heavy

32 www.forestofbowland.com 33 ver on the western fringe of WINTER: Bowland at Cobble Hey, Dave Oand Edwina will be tidying up the gardens and preparing to welcome In the Bleak Midwinter Something the first excited schoolchildren to bottle- feed their lambs. In Slaidburn, Peter will be eagerly awaiting the first wildflower Small and Woolly Stirs blooms and keeping his fingers crossed for a bumper seed crop, while Rod will be looking forward to the first delicate Sheila Mason farms at Keasden Head – high on the hills bluebells peeping up from the forest floor. The farming year has been unfolding above Bentham on the northern slope of the Bowland like this every year for decades and this natural timetable – largely dictated by the Fells, where spring isn’t in any particular hurry to arrive. progression of the seasons – is unlikely to alter anytime soon. hile the first signs of spring “Because it’s so cold outside, and there’s may be appearing in the so little grass at this time of year, we tend to Wvalleys, on the hill farms up lamb our zwartbles inside in pens. They are on the Bowland Fells, winter retains its better off bedded up and we can keep our icy grip. Yet the plaintive cries of the first eye on them. We have cameras on the pens tiny lambs are only a heartbeat away. On and if there are any new arrivals during the Bowland’s lower lying farms in the valley night, I like to get up and make sure they are bottoms, the Christmas decorations are all fine and give them a once-over. By morning barely back in the loft when they are usually suckling well lambing begins early in and absolutely fine. February. I wonder what “Lambing is a pretty full on Sheila farms 322 acres of I’m“ going to find in time for us: when you aren’t upland farmland bordering the morning, because checking for new arrivals heather moor, adjacent to a you’re constantly checking wooded river valley. It’s an it can be a scene of the feed and making sure especially demanding time absolute devastation the new-borns are suckling of year for sheep farmers, after a really wet and properly. We have to help who may have to function out some ewes with a bit of on just a few hours’ sleep windy night supplementary bottle-feeding a night for the next month ” and occasionally a ewe will or so. Ewes tend to lamb late at night or reject one of her lambs so we try to get a early in the morning and in wet weather, more experienced foster mum to adopt her.” the new-born lambs can really struggle to And so the farming year comes full circle. survive outdoors. For this reason, much In another few short weeks, as the days of the early lambing happens indoors in lengthen and the green shoots of spring barns and lambing sheds – offering some return to the lowlands, the fields will soon protection from the elements and a be full of gambolling lambs. fighting chance of survival.

34 www.forestofbowland.com 35 RSPB staff and a small army of volunteers last year enjoyed the most successful year for hen harriers since 2011, but continuing illegal persecution of these red-listed raptors, means their future in Bowland and nationwide remains precarious

fter seven years during which “In 2014, two pairs produced nine chicks, only a handful of chicks reached but in September, two of the tagged birds Aadulthood, in 2018, three nests in suddenly disappeared in Bowland. In 2015, the fells of Bowland produced a total of four pairs attempted to nest, 35 eggs were 13 chicks. It’s an encouraging turnaround laid, but four male adult birds disappeared after the despondency over the area’s and only one chick fledged. breeding failures in previous years. “The wider effects of If the trends had continued weather and food availability for much longer, the iconic According to are reflected in the number The Iconic hen harrier – symbol of Natural“ England, the of chicks that successfully the Forest of Bowland fledge. If there’s a shortage AONB – could effectively minimum number of of food or adverse weather, Hen Harrier have become extinct as birds we should have the proportion of successful an indigenous breeding fledglings reduces, rather species. in Bowland is 12 or than the number of nesting attempts. There’s a reason the AONB 13 pairs. So currently has a hen harrier as its we have a quarter “In Bowland in recent symbol. In the early 80s, of that minimum years, nothing has changed there were 30-plus nesting dramatically in terms of the pairs of harriers across population environment, weather or Bowland. Bowland was the ” food availability, so the most important place for absence of nesting hen harriers in England. In some years, this attempts is of concern.” was the only place in England where hen In 2018 thanks to round the clock nest harriers nested successfully. monitoring and a largely benign summer “In 2011, there were six successful nests on which allowed adults to provide plenty United Utilities land in Bowland, but in 2012 of food for large broods, the local harrier and 2013, there were no nests, which was population has increased by around the first time since the late 60s when hen a dozen birds. The 13th – unusually – harriers recolonised Bowland,” explained decided to hop over the channel and is RSPB Bowland Project Officer James Bray. currently residing in France.

36© Andywww.foresto Hay fbowland.com 37 Female Hen Harrier © Jon Hickling A Volunteer Effort

During 2018, once harrier nests were located, the RSPB deployed six staff who were supplemented by a dedicated team of 15-20 volunteers who put in just over 2000 hours between April and the end of August.

he three successful nests were all “The males do most of the hunting while the on land owned and managed by female is on the nest and they become very TUnited Utilities and their farming visible and vulnerable to persecution because they and shooting tenants. Over the last are very obvious in the landscape while they decade or so, United Utilities has invested are busy trying to find food to feed the chicks. millions of pounds in Numbers of mature carefully managing the males have dropped more fragile upland habitat to It has been a than females in Bowland, improve water quality, good“ year for voles meaning that in 2018, one which also has beneficial male was actually finding spin-offs for wildlife. and the majority food for two out of the “Grazing is much lower of the food our three successful nests. intensity, so the heather volunteers saw “The males will travel up to tends to be taller, creating 8km from the nest and while a better habitat for ground- brought to the nest the three successful nests nesting birds like the harrier,” were voles, which were all concentrated on said James. “They need that United Utilities land, the birds cover and if it’s burned off to enabled the nesting will roam over neighbouring encourage new growth, they adults to successfully estates in search of food, have nowhere to go. rear such healthy which is primarily voles and Although females broods. meadow pipits. and young birds are “It’s brilliant that we had predominantly brown – ” three successful pairs this allowing them to blend into year, but it’s way too early for us to say with the heather landscape more easily, after any confidence that this is the start of a three years, adult males become a very recovery. We need several successive years of light grey colour, making them stand out birds nesting successfully before we can say against the dark moorland backdrop. things are working as they should.”

Juvenile Hen Harrier Hen Harrier Chicks www.forestofbowland.com © Stephen Murphy 38 © RSPB 39 Curlew © Andy Owens Volunteer View More Success Stories The volunteer effort for monitoring hen harriers in While raptors like the hen harrier and peregrine continue to struggle Bowland has been in force for two decades. Phil Dykes in Bowland, other nationally scarce tells us why he recently decided to get involved... species have been faring better. RSPB and other AONB partner organisations have worked with farmers and land managers in he Forest of Bowland has always spent in the fells watching over the birds as Bowland to improve the habitat been important for hen harriers they started pairing up and nesting. Under for these species. Tand yet in recent years their James’ direction we worked with the rest of numbers have been decline. the team and were so proud when their eggs Ring Ouzel hatched and the young “Things came to a While nationally scarce, the remote valleys birds started to fly. head in 2015 when of Bowland are one of the few places four male hen harriers “For me the most where this black thrush with a distinctive disappeared in quick memorable highlight was white neckerchief continues to thrive. succession, leaving their the day that I watched Numbers continue to hold up well and mates unfed sitting on four young birds circling they are often spotted perched on scrub active nest sites. It was and diving through the and small trees in the steep-sided valleys a desperate situation air in a close family (or cloughs) of the Bowland Fells. and threatened the very group. It was breath- future of hen harriers in taking. Pied Flycatcher Bowland. “The reward was the Another highly localised species, these “So my wife Rose and realisation that we had distinctive black and white insect-eaters I decided last year done our bit to help are thriving across Bowland – especially in that we wanted to do these endangered birds the valleys on the southern fringe of the something to help, so re-establish themselves AONB. Look out for them flitting about in we volunteered to help in our local patch where deciduous woodland from May onwards. monitor and protect they belonged. Visitors these special birds. and locals alike again Curlew had the opportunity “In 2017 we were Phil Dykes of watching these iconic This iconic wader’s bubbling call is one privileged to watch birds in Bowland. of the earliest harbingers of spring a family of peregrine in the uplands and while populations falcons raise their young, “We know that this is have crashed by 50 per cent nationally, but in 2018 they were joined by nesting hen just the start, but we will be back up there in Bowland’s population remains relatively harriers. It was brilliant. Many days were 2019 trying to help them along again.” stable. Look out for them on low-lying, wet pastureland and hay meadows from February onwards.

40 www.forestofbowland.com Pied Flycatcher41 © RSPB © United Utilities Sponging off the Spate

In December 2015, torrential rainfall saw widespread flooding throughout North and East Lancashire when local rivers burst their banks.

t’s too early to say for sure, but a large- improvements to this internationally scale environmental project to invest important habitat. Deterioration of the Iin peatbogs in the Forest of Bowland peat bog has negative effects on water may have played an important role in quality, leading to increased water colour smoothing out the sharp spikes in river which has to be removed. levels and stemming the flood tide. Peatbogs store millions of tonnes of the Working alongside a number of partners, greenhouse gas carbon dioxide and have not least their tenants, United Utilities the capacity to remove still more CO2 (UU) – which owns from the atmosphere. thousands of acres in the Peatbogs are They also store and filter Forest of Bowland AONB rainwater, holding it on the – has been investing in an“ incredibly rich hilltops like huge natural the restoration of the habitat for wildlife, sponges, filtering out any moorland for over a sediments and pollution, decade, returning it to its providing food and then releasing it slowly into former glory. refuge for a wide the river system. Years of drainage of the variety of flora On a chilly late autumn day, UK uplands has caused members of the AONB 5,000-year-old peat bogs to and fauna, which team jump into a Land dry out and erode releasing cannot thrive Rover with United Utilities colour and sediment into anywhere else Catchment Partnership watercourses and millions Officer, Pete Wilson, and of tonnes of carbon dioxide ” we head into the fells into the atmosphere above . contributing to climate change. Clambering across the watershed it’s Upland peatbogs provide critical decidedly squelchy underfoot, but until environmental services, including the quite recently, this wasn’t always the case. provision of much of the North West’s “In the worst affected areas, the peat was so drinking water supplies – the main reason badly eroded it was reduced to little islands why United Utilities is so keen to see in a sea of thick black mud,” explained Pete.

www.forestofbowland.com 42 © United Utilities © United Utilities43 © ConserveFor

High up on the tops of the Bowland Fells, ambitious projects to restore ancient peatbogs are beginning to have a positive impact.

Pete explained that a few years on, after a “We put down heather brash collected from lot of intervention, including the blocking elsewhere on the hill to create a protective of old drainage ditches (also known as microclimate just above the ground, then grips), changes to grazing and the re- seed with native grasses whose roots quickly seeding of areas of bare, eroding peat, the firm up the top layer of peat soil”. seas of mud are being replaced by mosses, The peatland restoration project will heather and grasses and the peat bogs are continue through into 2019, but it will well on their way to recovery. then take many more And thanks to Heritage years for a uniform layer Lottery funding for the The heather of moorland vegetation to new Pendle Hill Landscape brash“ also contains establish itself. Partnership Scheme, a To the west of the summit peat restoration project is natural seeds which near the main ridge path, underway on the moorland should germinate and restoration work has taken surrounding the summit of place to the eroding gullies, this iconic landmark. we supplement this and barriers of peat and Work began in September process by planting wood will slow the flow 2018, and this intensive plugs of sphagnum into the upland becks programme will see some 25 and streams. acres of upland peat bog to moss and other These natural flood the west and north-west of native flora prevention measures slow Pendle’s summit cairn restored. ” the run off from heavy AONB project officer rainfall higher up in the Sarah said: “We re-profile the catchment and even out spikes in the peat hags to stop further erosion and water level downstream in the main rivers. introduce logs filled with coconut fibre to Only time will tell whether the restoration promote rehydration of the peat. We then work on the Bowland Fells the Bowland stabilise the soil using natural re-seeding Fells and up on Pendle Hill will have such techniques that are pretty labour-intensive, a beneficial impact, but the early indicators so we will need lots of willing volunteers.” are positive.

Find out more about peat restoration here: www.forestofbowland.com/Lancashire-Peat-Partnership

www.forestofbowland.com 44© Graham Cooper © Graham Cooper 45 © David McNamee Family Adventures Whether you live here, or you’re visiting on holiday, the Forest of Bowland is a year-round discovery for all ages

Get your wellies on for a fun filled family day out! any of Bowland’s local shows pride themselves on being traditional Magricultural and horticultural shows, and are a great opportunity to enjoy a slice of rural life in the local community – making the perfect family date out. The annual Bikes and Barrows Festival in Scorton and Scarecrow Festival in Wray in early May are also not to be missed! Or if music is a family favourite then head to Cloudspotting Music Festival held at Gisburn Forest – a fantastic, small family-friendly festival. Shows, Festivals and Fairs Why not visit one of our traditional steam fairs held in Chipping, second bank holiday in Bentham Show Goosnargh and Longridge Show May and Slaidburn, 8-9th June. The Slaidburn www.nwshows.co.uk www.glashow.org.uk Steam Rally is an annual event held at the Bikes & Barrows Festival Garstang Show Hark to Bounty, with several steam engines, www. scortonvillage.com/bikes-barrows-festival www.garstangshow.org the original Bounty bus, plus many vintage vehicles including cars, tractors and more. Chipping Show Hodder Valley Show There are also stalls selling local goods and www.chippingshow.co.uk www.hoddervalleyshow.co.uk demonstrating traditional crafts. Chipping Steam Fair Slaidburn Steam Fair For food lovers be sure to visit Clitheroe www.chippingsteamfair.com www.slaidburnsteam.co.uk on 10th August for the annual food festival Clitheroe Food Festival Wray Scarecrow Festival - expect quality Lancashire produce, www.clitheroefoodfestival.com www.wrayvillage.co.uk inspirational chefs, exciting culinary activities for all the family and great music from the area. Cloudspotting Music Festival www.cloudspotting-festival.co.uk

46 www.forestofbowland.com © David McNamee 47 ave a look at our easy access trails some of which are suitable Villages, Hfor people with wheelchairs, pushchairs, limited mobility, or simply for those whose legs aren’t as young as they used to be. All the family can now Playgrounds experience the unspoiled beauty of the area along trails with fantastic views, & Picnicking wildlife rich hedgerows and through tranquil woodlands and parklands. here are some charming, picturesque Visit: www.forestofbowland.com/ villages in Bowland all waiting to be tramper-trails Tdiscovered. Many have good facilities Or why not visit one of the area’s including parking, toilets, playgrounds, sculpture or nature trails? delightful picnic spots and sometimes a tearoom or a village green to feed the Pendle Sculpture Trail, Aitken Wood, Barley ducks. Here are just a few ideas of villages - four artists have created sculptures that to visit: Barley, Bolton by Bowland, Chipping, centre on the famous trial of the Pendle Clapham, Dunsop Bridge, , Scorton, Witches to mark the 400th anniversary, Slaidburn, Waddington and Wray. through a woodland trail in Aitken Wood. Also look out for some new sculptures We also have some fantastic ‘I Spy’ quizzes for in 2019! your youngsters if you’re visiting the villages of Downham, Hurst Green, Slaidburn or Wray – www.visitpendle.com/things-to-do/ a great way to explore and find out more! pendle-sculpture-trail-p841900 Follow this link to download them: Beacon Fell Country Park – enjoy www.forestofbowland.com/Family- spectacular panoramic views across Fun#activities Bowland. A great day out with car parking, picnic areas and a cafe. Beacon Fell Gisburn Forest Hub is a great destination provides the ideal day out for all the family for families wanting to do off-road cycling, with plenty of walks, a sculpture trail and walking or wildlife watching at Stock’s a number of year-round events. www. Reservoir. There’s a café, bike hire and lancashire.gov.uk/leisure-and-culture/ playground on-site and several family- country-parks-and-nature-reserves/ themed activities throughout the year. beacon-fell-country-park Museums aren’t just for rainy days - Ribble Valley Sculpture Trail, Clitheroe - Clitheroe and Lancaster both have great includes over 20 permanent works of art. museums and castles with loads to discover, The trail is through Brungerley Park and and they’re a brilliant way to find out about Cross Hill Quarry, a local nature reserve people, places and past times! Take a look managed by the Lancashire Wildlife Trust, at www.lancashire.gov.uk museums to find only a mile from Clitheroe town centre. out what’s happening. Or visit the Pendle www.ribblevalley.gov.uk/info/200304/ Heritage Centre, which has parks_and_open_spaces/995/ribble_ a museum focusing on life in the 1600s, valley_sculpture_trail the , George Fox and the Quakers. www.pendleheritage.co.uk

48 www.forestofbowland.com 49 1 Which noisy black and white bird has a striking red/orange beak? 6 What do you call grass which is cut in the summer and left in the field to dry, then fed to stock in winter?

2 Which moorland plant is very important for red grouse? 7 Roe deer give birth in the early summer. Do you know what their young are called?

3 What’s the name of the grass with white, fluffy “pom pom” heads found 8 Which creatures live above ground in shallow “forms”? on boggy fells?

4 Do you know another name for the moorland “whinberry” fruit? 9 Female bats give birth to their young in June—often a single pup. Do you know what bats eat?

5 What type of creature is a Common hawker? 10 Which is larger—the male hen harrier or the female?

With quizzes and activities for everyone to enjoy, why not take a quick look at: Answers:

10

Female

9 9 8 7 6 5 Moths and other insects insects other and Moths Hares Kids Hay Dragonfly

4 3 2 1 Bilberry Bilberry grass Cotton Heather Oystercatcher

Can you untangle 10 tree names from these tricky anagrams? 3 Sro he n hircb et iv 4 ch rs u e M t L 2 eh an s

1 Ceb onuti has 5 ahw Nroth

6 E M 8 h 9 ayso s Ralc ce e 7 r s Ela ip lis rd n koa e 10 Csost

With quizzes and activities for everyone to enjoy, why not take a quick look at: Answers:

10 Scots pine Scots

7 6 5 9 8 Alder Alder Hawthorn oak Sessile Sycamore Sycamore Larch

4 3 2 1 Mountain ash ash Mountain chestnut Horse Beech birch Silver

Dominique Ashford Rural Retreats: From Field to Fork (in less than 5 minutes) An enterprising couple have turned their rural retreat into a model of sustainably sourced local produce where the food miles can be measured in feet.

estling under the rugged ridges and outcrops of Bowland Knotts, Dale NHouse Barn is quite a long way off the beaten track. Passing trade is almost non- existent and the nearest pub is six miles away – yet for the growing numbers of repeat visitors to this rural idyll – this is academic. Everything they need is within easy walking (or cycling distance) of the Barn. A short walk up the lane offers amazing walks and fabulous views over both the Bowland Fells and the Yorkshire Dales. Miles of rugged single-track and more walks are just a short ride away in Gisburn Forest and a whole When we supporting cast of Bowland wildlife can be mentioned“ that most of watched through the windows. the ingredients for each But increasingly it’s the locally-sourced dishes on the ever-changing menu that dish came from within draw outdoor enthusiasts and foodies a mile – or in some alike to this out-of-the-way location in the cases – just a few yards uplands above Slaidburn. of the Barn, they were Proprietor Dominique Ashford and partner Andrew make a great team. Both keen absolutely fascinated and cyclists and nature-lovers, they can advise wanted to know more. guests on all the local outdoor activities, but come the evening, this engaging double act It’s just snowballed really come into their own. from there 52 www.forestofbowland.com ” 53 An accomplished marksman, Andrew is uniquely well qualified to source pheasants, rabbits and deer from the game-rich countryside surrounding the barn. Meanwhile, trained chef Dominique knows exactly how to make the most of the natural larder on their doorstep.

“ t started out as an optional extra that making or cookery courses for enthusiastic we offered for guests who didn’t want to foodies who want to immerse themselves in Igo out in the evenings after a hard day the local food ethos,” on the tracks or walking the fells,” explained said Dominique. Dominique. “But we quickly found that “Guests could go for a wildlife walk, gather people were rebooking and asking for the some wild garlic, fruit, berries or mushrooms evening menu options.” and then come back to the “The deer, rabbits and kitchen and learn how to pheasants from the In autumn, the cook it before enjoying the surrounding area, eggs from “accent is on game fruits of their labours in a the hens, vegetables from dishes – because locally sourced and home- the garden and – depending cooked meal.” Dale House Barn and Bed & Breakfast on the season – herbs, we are spoiled for On booking guests receive Situated in the heart of the stunning surroundings of Gisburn forest mushrooms, nuts and berries choice around here. a sample menu and can from the hedgerows. The and the beautiful Ribble Valley, with easy access to the Yorkshire Dales. select a choice of starter, bread is always home-made Most dishes will also main and dessert – all for and if I can’t find something feature locally picked a set price of around half on the land, I’m very careful what you’d expect to pay in about sourcing quality berries like sloes a city centre restaurant. and lamb from local markets and blackberries or independent suppliers in “The menus change Bowland, the Dales or the and – of course – throughout the seasons Ribble Valley.” mushrooms according to what’s available,” explained The interest in her zero food ” Dominique. “In spring, miles approach has prompted Dominique the focus is on light fragrant cooking using to add foraging and cookery courses to the fresh wild herbs like garlic and wood sorrel The B&B Our Barn menu of activities available at Dale House. in soufflés and flans. Home-made pesto Our beautiful 400-year-old farm house offers luxury Our sympathetically converted camping barn “From spring, we will be offering foraging with fresh fish or pasta and Bowland ’s bed and breakfast and delicious evening meals in a offers comfortable and practical self- catering group very rural setting, perfect for exploring Bowland in the day accommodation for up to 14. Hearty breakfasts breaks which we can team up with bread- cheese is always popular.” and for star gazing at night. and evening meals available. see our website for details to arrange your private star gazing evening 54 www.forestofbowland.com 55 For enquiries and booking please call 01200 411095 or visit our website www.dalehousebarn.co.uk Rural Retreats: A Place to Gather Your Thoughts and Reconnect with Nature

After returning to her childhood home natural therapist Helen Flatman Leece established a centre for wellbeing and renewal high among the hills on the western fringe of Bowland.

tanding some 140 metres above Helen returned to her family home sea level, Swainshead Hall Farm – a working hill farm of some 280 Senjoys an elevated position offering aces – after a varied career which saw amazing views of both the fells and the her qualify as a holistic therapist and wide expanse of , with practitioner of Ayurveda – an Indian-based the smoky outline of the holistic medical system Lakeland Fells peeping out incorporating diet, lifestyle over the northern horizon. This little and herbal medicine. Her current passion is the “The name the Gathering Fields seems to It’s a truly enchanting community“ has alchemy of Flower Essences capture that instinct for like-minded people view that’s entirely in been a place where and biodynamic plant life, to share each others’ company in a relaxed keeping with the aura that and she now practices and open setting.” said Helen. permeates this magical people have come the well-known study rural hideaway overlooking “Ideal for extended families or informal together in friendship of the famous Dr Bach the upper Wyre Valley near friendship groups, community groups and remedies, teaching, making Abbeystead. for centuries and we charities, the Gathering Fields offers yoga, sound want to preserve and delivering insightful relaxation, herbal foraging with a medicinal Nestling beneath the workshops. twist, Flower essence making or simply revelling natural amphitheatre those traditions Helen immediately in the glorious countryside on the doorstep” of Grizedale, Marshaw, ” set about diversifying, Wolfhole Crag and Ward Stone – Alongside the camping barn – which was converting the outbuildings into cosy the highest point in Bowland – this once a cowshed – there’s also a paddock bunkhouse accommodation and indoor ancient manor house, mentioned in the to pitch tents and a wonderfully expansive and outdoor spaces for learning and Doomsday Book, exudes a sense of rooted covered outdoor seating area complete discovery, which she christened The permanence that feels as old as the fells with communal firepit to while away the Gathering Fields. that surround it. evenings around the campfire.

56 www.forestofbowland.com 57 Camping barn guests share the paddocks around the farm with a herd of friendly , two pet pigs and sundry , the odd cat and Helen’s sheepdog, Nip.

“ e encourage a back to nature approach to stays on the farm,” said Helen. “But Wwhile it’s deliberately rustic, the camping barn has all mod cons, with hot and cold water, heating, toilets and indoor kitchen and plenty of room to dry out wet clothes and boots.” “Families love the sense of space and safety and seem to settle in and get comfortable in their surroundings very quickly. We know the surrounding area really well and can point guests in the direction of the best places to walk, cycle, explore – and enjoy a pint! We’ll even supply torches if they fancy a night hike.”

The Gathering Fields

The Gathering Fields is a centre for wellbeing and retreats high among Walking boots the hills on the western fringe of Bowland near Abbeystead. It hosts a fitted & customised rustic camping barn, camping field and Join the thousands of customers who travel from across the country for our multi-award-winning, free covered outdoor fire pit area. Perfect Specialist Boot Fitting service & walking boots available for families where experiences in Yoga, in 5 different widths, plus half sizes. Discover the joy of walking in boots that feel like they were made just for herbal foraging, flower essence making, you -book your appointment today. pottery and wool crafts can be offered.

King Street, Whalley, Lancashire, BB7 9SN Website www.northernapproach.co.uk Mobile 07791254101 www.whalleyoutdoor.co.uk | 01254 822 220 Tue to Sat 10 am -5 pm, Sun 1 pm - 5 pm Hall Hill © Ryan Howarth Tour de Teashops When you’re burning up the calories among the hills and dales of Bowland, it’s nice to know you’re never too far away from somewhere to recharge the batteries with a sticky bun and decent cup of coffee…

ycling in the Forest of Bowland is a serious business. It was on Cthe demanding climbs and steep descents of Pendle and the Bowland Fells that Sir Bradley Wiggins prepared for his Olympic and Tour de France ‘double’ and the area continues to attract road cyclists and mountain-bikers from right across the northwest. Downloads

Within the AONB, cycling between the Ribble Download a selection of road and Hodder valleys inevitably involves a pretty rides suitable for riders of varying serious climb. Committed hill-hunters will be abilities from: drawn to the gnarly ascents of Waddington Fell (from either the Newton or Waddington www.forestofbowland.com/ side) or Pendle Hill – both of which involve cycling-information several hundred feet of steep ascent. Less intimidating but still scenically Download the Forest of Bowland spectacular are the passes of Bowland teashop trail leaflet: Knotts and Cross o’ Greet – which can www.forestofbowland.com/ both be tackled on a 40-mile circular route files/uploads/pdfs/FOB_ between Bentham and Slaidburn. The iconic is another popular road TeashopLeaf0418LoRes.pdf route that attracts keen cyclists year-round.

60 www.forestofbowland.com 61 © Jon Sparks Cyclist-Friendly Teashops

The Old Vicarage Tea Room, , BD23 4SF © Jon Sparks Unanimously voted their favourite coffee stop by Clitheroe Clarion members, this welcoming café and bistro offers some of the best views in Lancashire, stretching from Pendle to Pen- y-gent. Generous portions and a warm welcome guaranteed. Large numbers of club cyclists head to the quiet lanes The Barn, Scorton, PR3 1AU of Bowland each week including members of the local Café, garden centre and gift shop on the main street cycling club: Clitheroe Clarion, which has a long and through the pretty village of Scorton. Popular with cyclists and walkers with easy access to short local walks and longer illustrious past dating back to 1923. routes up into the hills.

ne Clarion member: Alan Off-Road Cycling Café Bar at the Priory, Scorton, PR3 1AU © Mark Tattersall Ramsbottom, from Clayton-le- As well as being a great resting place for walkers and cyclists Moors rode to a very creditable Mountain bikers will find a network of wishing to refresh themselves whilst exploring the area, the O dedicated trails at Gisburn Forest Hub 16th place in the 1963 Tour De France cafe bar appeals to couples and families wanting to get away – almost 50 years before Bradley Wiggins near Slaidburn where more than 30km from the hustle and bustle and relax in a countryside setting. became the first Brit to win the world’s of forest trails and tracks are waiting to most prestigious bicycle race in 2012. be explored. Country Kitchen Cafe, Waddington, BB7 3HP The basic skills loop is ideal for beginners These days, club members are happy A quirky little café right at the heart of one of Lancashire’s to have a gentle run out on Saturday looking to hone their bike-handling skills before tackling the more ambitious 9.5km prettiest villages. Home-made sandwiches, pies and cakes morning, which inevitably involves plus hearty breakfasts available most days. stopping off for breakfast or lunch at (5.5 miles) Bottoms Beck Trail which one of Bowland’s many roadside cafes includes steep curvy descents and a scenic and teashops. riverside ascent. Riverside Tea Rooms, Slaidburn, BB7 3ES They are a friendly bunch and actively Accomplished riders can test themselves Perfectly located village café next to the grassy banks of the welcome potential new members or on a more demanding 18km (11 miles) in the timeless village of Slaidburn. Sandwiches, visiting cyclists to join them for a relaxed double loop known as ‘The 8’ with cakes, plus more substantial meals available in the upstairs ride. Contact: [email protected] optional Black routes to spice things up restaurant. Ample outside seating in the summer months. still further. Gisburn Forest Hub Café, BB7 4TS For a full list of Bowland’s One for the mountain-bikers. Friendly, welcoming café Teashops download: The last Clarion House near Newchurch is open to walkers majoring on huge slabs of home-made cake and generous www.forestofbowland.com/ and“ cyclists on Sundays. Tea is still served from huge pots and the servings of tea or coffee. A welcome reward after a morning files/uploads/pdfs/FOB_ seating is on communal benches” spent pounding the singletrack trails through the Forest. TeashopLeaf0418LoRes.pdf 62 www.forestofbowland.com 63 20th February © Robert Ince Bowland Dark Skies Festival Stories of the Stars - Gisburn Forest 7pm to 8.30pm 16th to 24th February 2019 Bring along the family for an enchanting evening in Gisburn Forest! Cosy up around the campfire for an evening of dark Join us for an exciting week to celebrate some of the sky stories with storyteller, Sue Allonby, and listen to our expert guide, Robert Ince, who will share stories of his own darkest skies of England here in Bowland! dark sky adventures. A great half-term activity for families with children of 8 years and over. Booking essential. Tel: 01200 448000 or Email: [email protected] 16th February St James Church Dark Skies Glamp - Bentham Golf Club £3 7.30pm till late Be guided on an incredible journey through the constellations. Finish the evening in style by staying in one of 24th February © Matthew Savage Bentham Golf Club’s new, stylish glamping pods or lodges. Bowland by Night - Cobble Hey Farm & Gardens Booking essential. 7.30pm to 9.30pm Tel: 015242 62455 or visit: [email protected] Be taken on an incredible journey through the constellations £99 (per pod for 2) /£189 (per lodge for 4) and along the Milky Way. There will be powerful telescopes Stargazing only tickets also available for you to gaze through, but we will also help you see the spectacle of skies with just your own eyes. Booking essential. © Matthew Savage 17th February Astrophotography Workshop - Gisburn Forest Tel: 0751140370 or visit: https://tinyurl.com/yaevrbux £15/£7.50 7pm to 10pm (£40 per family ticket – and up to 3 children 8 years +) Come to our Forest of Bowland Dark Sky Discovery site and learn how to photograph the contrast of our dark skies and the beautiful stars above. Booking essential. Tel: 07511403702 or visit: https://tinyurl.com/yb8yzogd £27.24 per person Why not combine your dark sky adventures by staying for a few days in one the AONB’s 19th February Planetarium Adventure – West Bradford Village Hall Dark Sky Friendly Businesses? We have twelve 1pm, 2pm or 3pm in Bowland – all quality accommodation Step inside the Yorkshire Planetarium’s mobile dome for HD films with the wow factor! A great half term activity for providers – geared up for your star gazing visit. families with children of 8 years and over. Booking essential. Further Information: Tel: 01200 448000 or Email: [email protected] £5 per family (2 adults and up to 2 children) www.forestofbowland.com/Star-Gazing

64 www.forestofbowland.com 65 Pendle Hill Food Heroes Steven Smith is on a mission: to create the best pub in the world. Yet for dedicated foodies, the food on offer at the Freemasons is much more sophisticated than pub grub.

he Freemasons has won a string of prestigious awards in recent years - Tthe 2017 AA Restaurant of the Year for England, alongside being the top NW pub in the Top 50 Gastropubs, and one of the only pubs to make The Sunday Times Top 100 Restaurants! But Steve’s vision is clear. “Most people in this part of the world are more comfortable in a pub environment – myself included. Pubs To produce are inclusive and most Lancastrians feel at home in them, so for me, it’s the perfect “the best food, environment in which to deliver the best food you need access we can.” to the best raw “I really do think the hills and valleys of East Lancashire are just the best place to be in materials and it’s autumn. You can walk into a pub with a fire all about having roaring and there’s usually a game dish on the specials board. It’s wild, it’s sustainable, good relationships it’s healthy and when you look at what you with your local can serve with it: wild mushrooms, damsons, suppliers” berries – we’re spoilt for choice.”

66 www.forestofbowland.com 67 Pendle Hill Food Heroes The legendary ladies who run the Barley Cabin have resurrected a traditional Pendleside delicacy. Long before the arrival of fancy continental patés Pendle had its very own meaty finger food: Stew ‘n’ Hard.

he origins of this forgotten foodstuff are difficult to pin down, but the T‘hard’ is thought to date back to pre-industrial times, when oats were a staple of the East Lancashire diet and the area was home to a number of oat mills. The ‘stew’ is made by boiling up whatever offcuts of meat could be found with bones and marrow and then allowing to it to cool and set. The result is a rich, savoury Staple dishes spread which compliments the crispy oat bread. A garnish of sliced red onions adds “are having a a bit of zing and a smear of mustard livens renaissance, as it up still further. foodies look for When Paula and Toni, who run the Cabin, have put this traditional Pendle dish on more authentic the menu, and when word gets around it recipes which flies out. are rooted in “It’s perhaps a bit plain for modern tastes, but for many locals, it’s as much of a staple local culinary as fish and chips or bangers and mash”, traditions. said Paula. ” 68 www.forestofbowland.com 69 Pendle Hill Food Heroes On the quiet country lane between and Downham, an elegant Victorian farmhouse has quietly morphed into one of the most talked about cafes in the Ribble Valley.

s well as being blessed with one of the prettiest views in the Ribble Valley, Athis informal café and boutique B&B is the place to head to sample some of the best home-made cooking in the area. Hailing from a family of bakers, Trevor borders on the obsessive when it comes to quality. Along with his wife Louise, the couple took over at Greendale in 2015 and have been joined by son Ashley and daughter Kelsey. The simple, hearty menu majors on pies, hearty stews, soup and – of course – bread. Trevor uses only the best local ingredients and makes pretty much We bake everything on the menu from scratch. “every day so “It’s about being prepared to put the graft in,” said Trevor. “The breads and pies just everything is fresh fly out the door and our breakfasts are and our customers getting increasingly popular.” really notice the The addition of the early shift marks a new expansion of the operation at difference.” Greendale, where Trevor and Louise have ” opened four individually furnished letting rooms and word is spreading about the quality of the full English breakfast on offer. 70 www.forestofbowland.com 71 Pendle Hill Food Heroes A celebration of 20 years for passionate chef Greig Barnes - Greig’s contribution to food quality and development was recognised recently with an Innovation Award at the Ribble Valley Stars in Tourism Awards.

reig recently celebrated 20 years at ‘the Spread’ during which time Look out for a special set menu reflecting tastes have changed dramatically, G the season’s best produce and showcasing with authentic local produce making a local suppliers and delicacies as part of welcome return to the menu. Bowland’s Foodie Foray in the autumn. Part of the award-winning Individual Inns “The exact menu will depend on what’s group, which also owns the Tempest available during the foray week,” said Arms in Elslack and the Mason’s Arms at Greig. “We will be well into autumn then, Strawberry Bank, The Spread Eagle offers so I’m thinking a really hearty stew will both traditional and contemporary dishes form the centrepiece of the meal.” in a friendly, informal setting. Tapas-style plates and boards blending traditional Lancashire staples such as cheese and black pudding with Our menus reflect the international flavours and influences “season’s best produce and are becoming increasingly popular and there’s even a dedicated three-course showcase our fantastic doggy menu! local suppliers 72 www.forestofbowland.com ” 73 Ten Years of Champion Bowland 5parish councils 2school projects Champion Bowland is a charity which works to churches community 13460 organisations awarded in grants to enhance the outstanding landscape of the Forest of 28 Bowland AONB. It provides easily accessible small benefiting 3 14 grants for local projects which benefit the environment, local communities and visitors. making farm visits involving hampion Bowland raises funds from After ten years Champion Bowland has visitor donations, charitable activities relaunched as a Charitable Incorporate 1496 Cand other sources. We are proud Organisation open for fresh grant groups people of introducing individuals and groups to the applications to support projects, so take 52 unique landscape and culture of the Forest a look at the criteria online and complete 28 of Bowland through school visits or funding the application form – we’d love to hear Trampers (off-road mobility scooters). from you! community Donation of an of events all-terrain mobility Have you visited our Donating from theatre to scooter (a Tramper) a photographic online shop? If you wish to donate, then please visit the exhibition. based at Gisburn Forest 4 16 website for further details. Purchase greetings cards featuring four images from life in the Forest of Bowland. Or look out for donation boxes at accommodation providers and eateries projects Left blank inside, these cards are suitable for any occasion. Packs contain 8 cards with across the area. envelopes - 2 of each design. Or check out Thank you in advance for your support! the AONB clothing range produced by the www.championbowland.org.uk 2grants to the RSPB Bowland Clothing Company (60% of all to support education. A heritage trail, a shelter and a bird hide. 6creating hay meadows. profits are donated to Champion Bowland).

74 www.forestofbowland.com 75 Clitheroe Ramblers are preparing to celebrate their 50th anniversary with a 50km hike across the hillier bits of Bowland. Don’t worry if that sounds like a long way - divided up into three shorter walks, everyone is welcome to do it in their own time.

ometimes it’s difficult to work out what’s walks are about 10 miles and can be more important to the local branch quite strenuous. We go as far as the Lake Sof the Ramblers – walking or talking. District and the Yorkshire Dales, but we also do shorter midweek walks on Tuesdays of Because as we meander through around five to eight miles, which are quite the woodland surrounding Stocks leisurely. We also run evening walks during Reservoir, I can hear at least half a dozen the summer. conversations happening all around. To mark the anniversary, After a hard Clitheroe Ramblers walk “There’s something about leaders have chosen their Walking the Talk walking that helps the “week at work, 10 favourite ‘Golden Walks’ conversation flow,” explains pulling your boots and members will also regular member Louise be following a 50km long Farnell. “You find yourself on and getting out distance walk. having quite profound in the fresh air to discussions with people Starting in Clitheroe, the you’ve only just met and sort your mind route includes it’s very therapeutic. We out is the best Fell, Pendle Hill and the sometimes get people from therapy around beautiful Hodder Valley. other Ramblers groups just Clitheroe Ramblers popping up and joining in a ” will walk the route in walk because they like the look of the route September but they are making maps and and it’s lovely to see new faces. route cards available to anyone who wants “You don’t have to think about navigation to undertake it in their own time. These and it’s just nice to enjoy other people’s will be available as a pdf on their website company, adds Pat Hartley.” and in hard copy from Tourist Information Centres and Whalley Warm and Dry. “We have a very busy programme and you Anyone who completes the entire walk can pick and mix from it as and when you can claim a certificate. like,” said Frances Prince. “Most weekend

Find out more about Clitheroe Ramblers Anniversary Programme and how to join them on a walk at: www.clitheroeramblers.co.uk

www.forestofbowland.com 76© Mark Tattersall 77 The Pendle Landscape Partnership is an ambitious four-year scheme that aims to bring both sides of Pendle Hill together and forge deeper connections between the communities beneath the eastern and western slopes.

unded by the Heritage Lottery Fund On Pendle, the peat restoration work is very and coordinated by the Forest of obvious and visible. There are hundreds of FBowland AONB, this exciting project people up there every day and the project will have a lasting impact on the quality of is happening right in front of them, which the landscape and on the people who live, gives us a brilliant opportunity to explain work and relax within it. what we’re doing and how it can impact on everything from biodiversity and Four members of the Landscape water quality to flood prevention and Partnership team explain their roles in Making New carbon storage. the project. “Next year, we will be Project Manager, Cathy focusing on restoring Connections Hopley explains: “The traditional boundaries Landscape Partnership is such as hedgerows and not just about the physical dry stone walls. These environment, it’s about the schemes will enhance the history and traditions that natural environment and create and are fostered also provide a wonderful by that landscape. It’s also opportunity for local people about the people that work to get involved. there and their stories and ways of life and also about “We’re hosting a major the opportunity that this hedge-laying competition Cathy Hopley landscape gives to people at Sabden in March, when for recreation: to go for a there will be training and run or walk or ride, or to find headspace taster sessions happening and some dry away from the frantic pace of 21st stone walling demonstrations. century life. “We’re also going to be busy trying to plant “That gives us such a massive opportunity, thousands of new trees in those awkward because it allows us to show tens of little corners of fields and hard-to-reach thousands of people how the work we do cloughs, which we believe will help with can enhance the environment, and why it’s so flood alleviation and also provide additional important to conserve and share our heritage. habitat for wildlife.

78 www.forestofbowland.com 79 © Graham Cooper Jayne Ashe Sarah Dornan Sarah Robinson Jayne Ashe Community Engagement Officer Countryside Access Officer Farming & Wildlife Officer

Jayne delivers the People Enjoying Nature, Sarah’s role involves promoting the Sarah looks after the Wild about Community Archaeology and Pendle network of footpaths through the Pendle project and the Pendle Hill Hill Fund projects, as well as engaging Pendle Landscape, including creating Farmer Network, working with farmers, with new audiences through ‘Get Into new concessionary footpaths and routes residents and visitors to manage and Volunteering’ and introducing local people suitable for use by Trampers and horses. enhance Pendle’s habitats and ensure to the benefits of being outdoors within Sarah will also be working to coordinate that everyone has a chance to discover our local landscape, discovering new walks the Pendle Hill Volunteers to enable Pendle’s wildlife. and our forgotten histories. them to expand their knowledge and “While I’m involved in quite a variety of expertise of the local area. “All my projects aim to directly involve landscape, conservation and engagement people from the local community in “The over-riding aim of my work is to give activities, in broad brush terms, my learning, discovering and celebrating our visitors a wider experience through projects focus on making sure the natural Sarah Dornan the landscape. improving visitor gateways: the locations environment is as healthy as it can be that they use to access Pendle Hill. and connecting or reconnecting people “People Enjoying Nature in particular is with nature. We’re developing two Wildlife designed to open up access to the Pendle “We want to show people that there Discovery Sites – one at Barley Car Park landscape to people who may not have is more to Pendle and to promote and and the other at the Clarion House – the confidence or support to go out and improve physical access to the countryside where people can get up close to wildlife explore the local landscape and nature on to a wide range of users and with mixed they may not have seen before. their own. The body of evidence is building abilities. Over the course of the project, that indicates that contact with nature has volunteering opportunities will provide “It’s wonderful to watch people make new a beneficial effect on mental health and people with the training and experience discoveries and connections – often with we have certainly noticed a difference with they need to be able to enjoy the local places or nature that are right on their some of the groups who have participated environment and reconnect people with it. doorstep, but which they never even in People Enjoying Nature. They have knew existed. “For the first year the Summit Project has learned new skills and tried new activities really got the Landscape Partnership off to “So at the Clarion House, we’re building which has boosted their confidence and a flying start. Seeing the ‘before’ and ‘after’ a new pond and we’ll be looking after the opened up new opportunities for them. pictures of the path restoration work really wildflower meadow so that it encourages Sarah Robinson “The Community Archaeology project has illustrates what an impact people can as much wildlife as possible to make its provided training and opportunities for have on the natural environment. home there and we’ll be measuring the local people to connect with their local impact on the insect life and pollinators “This restoration work will enable our heritage and history. There is always plenty by doing moth and butterfly surveys in many visitors to enjoy the landscape more of interest in the local histories and stories, the summer. easily because now the paths are safer and any opportunity to find out new and much more robust and easier “It has been an exciting first year and information about the history of Pendle. to navigate. there’s plenty more to come and to see so “It’s very rewarding work because the role many smiling faces climb to the summit “Seeing so many people who perhaps entails meeting lots of different people trigpoint for our ‘Meet you at the Top’ get- haven’t previously had the same level from a wide range of backgrounds and together was really amazing.” of knowledge or appreciation for the working closely with them on a variety outdoors enjoying a new experience has For further information visit: of activities.” been so fulfilling”. www.pendlehillproject.com

80 www.forestofbowland.com 81 The Gatherings: Artists’ Projects Connecting Pendle People and Place Connecting people to the landscape that surrounds them. Working with artists to engage and inspire people with the natural environment of Pendle Hill and create opportunities for all to enjoy it. he Gatherings is all about the way that artists can connect people with Tthe dramatic Pendle landscape, its past, present and future. It is being led by local artist-led organisation, In-Situ, who are based at Northlight, the old Smith and Nephews cotton mill in Brierfield. In-Situ’s work is responsive and focuses on how people connect to place. Since 2012 Two new commissions are they have been working to embed art into everyday life in Pendle. For The Gatherings, In- underway for early 2019 with Situ is working with artists on specific projects, artists Kerry Morrison and each exploring our relationships with the hill Henrietta Armstrong; one and its heritage, to local cultural traditions, traditional skills, knowledge and dialects. These involving the peat restoration projects involve working collaboratively taking place on the hill, and with the diverse communities that share the hill and who live on either side of it. the other to create a ring of carved stones, semi-buried For their latest project, In-Situ worked with artists Nastassja Simensky and Rebecca Lee around the trig point. to create a mobile micro opera in response to an archaeological dig for seventeenth Follow their progress and find out how century remains. This work will be made into you can be involved by visiting a film and continue during 2019. www.in-situ.org.uk

82 www.forestofbowland.com 83 Clarion House © Nelson ILP Land Society Pendle Radicals

Talk about Pendle Hill and the story of the Lancashire Witches is never far away… Many visitors never see beyond that story, but there is so much more to tell!

he area around Pendle Hill is a villages around Pendle Hill, and to discover magnetic, evocative landscape that for themselves a series of little windows Tover the centuries has inspired on our shared history, offering fascinating some extraordinary individuals. From glimpses into the past. the founder of the Quakers, having his These first sites will include the only vision at the summit, to an innovative remaining Inghamite church, in the village mathematician who helped create of Fence, established by Benjamin Ingham Greenwich Mean Time, to leading lights in 1750; Clarion House in Roughlee, of the campaigns for again one of a kind, and an women’s suffrage. Over important living landmark four years the Pendle A trail of in the history of the Radicals Project, led by discovery,“ and an Independent Labour Party; Mid Pennine Arts, will Glen Cottage in , the investigate these characters invitation to visitors, home of Katherine Bruce and many others, and bring George Fox local residents and Glasier, an early leading light to life the stories of some © Nat Potrait Gallery An invitation – of the socialist movement; of the change makers, the next generation the birthplace of Sir Jonas Join the Radicals team! nonconformists and radical to look at the Moore, known as ‘the father thinkers who helped shape Pendle Radicals is a four year investigation Pendle area with of time’; and of course the our world but are very led by Mid Pennine Arts. At its heart is a sites forever associated often overlooked. fresh eyes team of volunteer researchers who are with Quaker founder quickly becoming remarkable ambassadors During 2019, an innovative ” George Fox. for the project. Interested? Come and join new feature, the Radicals Trail, The stories are many and this is just the our volunteer research team and help to will put the project literally on the map. By start, but the Radicals Trail will be launched reveal some of these stories yourself! July 2019 the Trail’s first destinations will be in summer 2019 and will be free to To find out more, please email: marked out. It will comprise interpretation explore. So search online, or pick up a [email protected] and signage at the sites, with supporting leaflet, and wander the villages of Pendle information in print and online. It will Hill. You may find a story that inspires you! To stay up to date with our project encourage users to wander, to explore the visit http://midpenninearts.org.uk/ programmes/pendle-radicals/

84 www.forestofbowland.com 85 Giving Pendle Hill a Helping Hand

The Pendle Hill landscape is loved so dearly, that locals are doing their bit to help protect it, and engage others in the local community.

he Pendle Hill Landscape Partnership Ian has been attending some of these project has only been active volunteering sessions for the last eight Tsince April 2018, but already the months. “Having lived in the Pendle area community is getting involved. Local people all my life, the hill itself has always been have decided to dedicate some of their part of my family’s life. This has been a spare time to assist nature, engage with perfect opportunity for me to get involved; families or just to chat to others about the project is so varied and has allowed their love for Pendle Hill. Some of these me to make a difference to the people call it volunteering, physical landscape.” but all of them call it fun! I have learnt Recently, volunteers Volunteering is good for have started tasks on the soul, health, community more“ about the social the Wild About Pendle and happiness. Individuals history of the region, Hill sites: Clarion House, get involved for different Worsaw Hill and Barley reasons, but they all want including the Radicals Car Park site. They have to help out their local and the Clarion supported some practical nature space or assist their scrub control, helped cut local community. This might house. and bale and carried out be through conservation ” practical access tasks. This tasks, family events, history walks or just helps to fulfil the Pendle Hill project’s sharing a social media post. aims to bring these sites into positive management for wildlife. In the Pendle Hill Project, we have regular volunteer sessions on the first Sunday and Ian commented that by working third Wednesday of every month, to carry outdoors, he has a better understanding out practical conservation work. To find the of the pressures the landscape is under, next volunteer day, see the calendar and how he is doing his bit to combat on our website ‘What’s On’ page: these, such as removing the invasive https://pendlehillproject.com/whats-on species Himalayan balsam.

86 www.forestofbowland.com 87 Volunteers have been keen to help the local community get the most out of the Pendle Hill landscape.

nother way people have been Lindsey has been assisting in the helping out the team is within the delivery of the pre-school family nature Acommunity engagement projects. events - Little Saplings- taking photos, Volunteers have been assisting with the setting up mud kitchen and supervising family events, People Enjoying Nature marshmallow toasting on the fire. sessions and school groups. Lindsey assists “It is lovely to see the little ones, in nature, the Outdoor Learning Officer in creating with wonder on their faces. It’s nice to be learning and play opportunities within able to provide these opportunities to the the Pendle Hill area. She families within the Pendle became a volunteer with Hill area. I look forward to the Pendle Hill team, as part Volunteering at helping out with more of of her 150 hours college “family events, has these in 2019”. placement, to complete The Pendle Hill Landscape her Level 3 Diploma in helped me to rekindle Partnership project Countryside Management. my love for work, wouldn’t be able to Having heard about the re-connect people with project, grown up within the outdoors and their landscape, safeguard the area and maintained improved my wildlife or improve a love for nature, Lindsey self-belief people’s access without decided this project would these super volunteers. suit her. “My youngest is now ” A big thank you to all the in high school, and after home educating my Pendle Hill volunteers, for their time, girls for the last 18 years, it is now my time energy, ideas, enthusiasm and love for to get back into work, and be involved with their landscape. If you are interested in something I love. The college course and this attending a conservation task day, giving volunteering opportunity has given me the a few hours of your time or becoming a confidence to be in an office and working volunteer within the PHLP project, we’d environment again, plus it has allowed me love to hear from you! to use skills from my previous career.”

Find out more about the Pendle project here: www.pendlehillproject.com/get-involved Email: [email protected] or call 01200 420420

88 www.forestofbowland.com 89 Malkin Tower Farm Chestnut Cottage Lakewood Cottages Height Top Farm Holiday Cottages Visit England HHHH Delightful cottage in the Visit England HHHH grounds of the owner’s home, extended in Two delightful cottages nestling close to and within 2017. Spectacular walking distance of Pendle Hill with lots of wildlife to views of Pendle Hill see around the farm. and perfect for keen Sympathetically renovated from the original walkers. Well equipped Visit England HHHH Visit England farmhouse and decorated and finished to a very high Visit England HHHH to a high standard. Located on the edge of the Forest of Bowland, standard - Mrs Wagtails (twin beds and shower) and Two 4 star self-catering cottages situated in the heart Two bedrooms – 1 twin our four star gold award self-catering cottages are Jenny Wrens (double bed and ensuite shower). of Pendle, offering a peaceful relaxing break, great ensuite, 1double. Private nestled within the beautiful Lancashire countryside. panoramic views. Archaeologists came last year to see walled garden with Lakewood Cottages stands in its own rural idyll if this could be the original site of the Pendle Witches. gazebo, off-road parking. positioned in a private lakeside/woodland setting Open all year. Pet friendly. One small dog welcome. and are designed to offer our guests the maximum Prices from £395 pw - £75 night (min 2 nights) Prices from £340 pw in peace and relaxation. www.malkintowerfarm.co.uk www.chestnut-cottage.com www.lakewoodcottages.co.uk www.heighttopfarm.co.uk 01282 699992 / 07950 315983 01200 440400 01524 751053 01282 772009 [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] Road, , BB9 6RQ Dugdales Barn, , BB7 1QA Cragg Hall Farm, Galgate, Lancaster, LA2 0HN Stump Hall Road, Higham, BB12 9BU

Cobden View Higher Gills Farm Quernmore ® Wyreside Lakes

Enjoy your stay at Cobden View, a 4-star cottage Valley Cottages Stable conversion with spectacular sunsets and views with panoramic views of Pendle Hill and the Wyreside Lakes Fishery, Camping & Glamping Park, of Pendle Hill and Ribble Valley. Granary apartment spectacular Forest of Bowland. is a family run business, situated at the base of the has exposed beams and long distance views. Bowland Fells near Dolphinholme. On the estate Walkers, dogs, families and cyclists are all most welcome. Lower Laithe apartment is wheel-chair friendly there are 6 fishing lakes - with a superb stocking of accepts one well behaved dog. Set in its own grounds coarse and pike and for campers a modern tent & with private garden, the Shared patio, large lawn, swings and slide. caravan park complete with facilities including Wi-Fi, cottage sleeps up to five; Private car parking for 5 cars. toilets & showers, laundry, shop, bar and restaurant. cosy yet spacious and Prices from £375 to £425 pw. fully equipped. Two beautiful cottages, one beautiful valley Beck Cottage - 4 Star Gold- sleeps 6. Lower Clougha Cottage- 4 Star - sleeps 5. Ideally situated 3 miles from Lancaster in the Forest of Bowland (AONB), great for country lovers!

www.cobdenview.co.uk www.highergills.co.uk www.quernmorevalleycottages.com www.wyresidelakes.co.uk 01282 776285/07989 401595 01200 445370 / 07743303939 01524 36873 / 07816029078 01524 792093 [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] Cobden View, Cobden Farm, Sabden, BB7 9ED Whytha Lane, , BB7 4DA Wyresdale Road, Quernmore, Lancaster LA2 9EF Sunnyside Farmhouse, , Nr. Lancaster, LA2 9DG GB Advert - Half page.qxp_Layout 1 22/11/2018 14:55 Page 1

Further Information

Getting to Visitor Information Centres GIBBON BRIDGE HOTEL & RESTAURANT the Forest of Bowland Visitor Information Centres provide a GIBBON BRIDGE wealth of information about the AONB. HOTEL & RESTAURANTThere are several train lines which the ideal place for lunch or dinner. the restaurant overlooks the award winning gardens You are assured of a friendly, professional surround the Forest of Bowland and and , and is open daily for lunch between 12.00-1.30pm and in the evening service whether you come from round the which act as perfect gateways into the 6.30-8.00pm. Booking is advised and on Sunday a three course lunch is available. world or round the corner. AONB. Stations often display information the hotel is also perfectly situated for exploring the Forest of Bowland on foot, by bicycle about walking and cycling and other l Bentham Tourist Information Point opportunities in the area. Town Hall, Station Road, LA2 7LH or by car, and throughout the year offers exceptional value with its short breaks. Visit the Tel: 015242 62549, website for current offers. The Clitheroe Line terminates at Clitheroe Website: www.aboutbentham.org.uk Interchange and is the most central train l Whether you are visiting or live in the area don’t miss out on Gibbon Bridge! station for Bowland. Other stations on Bowland Visitor Centre Beacon Fell Country Park, Goosnargh, Preston, PR3 2NL this line from Manchester and Tel: 01995 640557 Chipping Forest of Bowland Lancashire Pr3 2tq telephone 01995 61456 include Whalley and . To the north l Clitheroe Visitor Information Centre Email [email protected] • www.gibbon-bridge.co.uk there are several smaller stations along Platform Gallery & Visitor Information Centre, the Bentham Line, which runs from Leeds Station Rd, Clitheroe, BB7 2JT to Lancaster and Morecambe: Long Tel: 01200 425566 Preston, Giggleswick, Clapham, Bentham Website: www.visitribblevalley.co.uk and Wennington. Settle and Hellifield can l Discover Pendle Centre be reached from Clitheroe on a summer Boundary Mill, Vivary Way, , BB8 9NW Tel: 01282 856186 Sunday using the DailsRail service. The Website: www.visitpendle.com west coast mainline skirts Bowland, stopping at Lancaster and Preston. For l Lancaster Visitor Information Centre The Storey, Meeting House Lane, LA1 1TH further information visit Tel: 01524 582394 there's a luxury camping pod with your name on it at Peaks and Pods! www.nationalrail.co.uk Website: www.visitlancaster.gov.uk CEDAR PODS l Pendle Heritage Centre Adventure awaits on the edge of the Getting around Colne Road, Barrowford, BB9 6JQ Forest of Bowland and Yorkshire Dales. HOT TUBS Tel: 01282 677150 Website: www.visitpendle.com wood-fired the Forest of Bowland l Preston Visitor Information Point pizza oven While the remoteness and peacefulness Town Hall, Preston, PR1 2RL of the Forest of Bowland is one of its Tel: 01772 906900 Website: www.preston.gov.uk social space assets, it does mean that it is not always well served by public transport. There is a l Settle Tourist Information Centre FIRE PITS Town Hall, Cheapside, BD24 9EJ bus network that links certain towns and Tel: 01729 825192 Check availability and book at www.peaksandpods.co.uk Email: [email protected] villages but as these services are liable to Website: www.settle.org.uk change, it is advisable to look at Lancashire Peaks and Pods, Boustagill Farm, Rathmell, Settle, North Yorkshire, BD24 0LJ (Tel: 07724 940709) l Visit Garstang Tourist Information Centre County Council’s website for further Cherestanc Square, Garstang, PR3 1EF information and before making a journey Tel: 01995 602125 www.lancashire.gov.uk Website: www.discoverwyre.co.uk

92 www.forestofbowland.com 93 ! © Graham Cooper

4 miles 2 - 2.5 hrs OL41 SD 7693 4413 Approximately Approximately Chatburn Village OS Explorer Walking Safely Start Point Distance / Time Terrain www.forestofbowland.com Tracks, fields and roads. and roads. fields Tracks, Gates and some stiles. Steep sections and can be underfoot wet

The Forest of Bowland offers Countryside / Moorland Code some of the most beautiful From a gentle stroll or and remote walking in the relaxing picnic, to a long distance walk or heart country, from the grandeur pumping adventure, the and isolation of the moorland countryside provides every opportunity for enjoyment and relaxation. hills to the undulating lowlands 5 with their distinctive pattern of Respect other people settlements, woodland cloughs 4

l Consider the local community and other 6 and river valleys. people enjoying the outdoors Top Tips for Safe Adventures: l Leave gates and property as you find them and follow paths unless wider l Dress appropriately - avoid denim access is available 3 and any other clothing that doesn’t dry quickly. Sturdy footwear and Protect the natural environment waterproofs are also a must. l Leave no trace of your visit and take l Carry the right equipment including your litter home Ordnance Survey maps (OS Explorer OL41and Explorer 287); compass; first l Keep dogs under effective control aid kit; high energy snack; something (the Public Right of Way network across 2 to drink; mobile phone (be aware that Bowland covers mainly farmland or 1 Km coverage can be patchy); whistle. moorland, so we recommend that you 0.5 Miles 1 l Always let someone know where you’re keep dogs on a lead to avoid disturbance, going and what time you expect to be back. but release them if chased by cattle) l Do not take any unnecessary risks. Enjoy the outdoors If you are in difficulty or see someone l Plan ahead and be prepared in difficulty, please dial 999 and ask for Mountain Rescue. l Follow advice and local signs N 0 Km 0 Miles Chatburn Circular Walk

94 www.forestofbowland.com 2019. 100023320, Licence Council County Lancashire reserved. rights All Copyright. Crown ©

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encountered along this route. this along encountered

livestock, including cattle, will be be will cattle, including livestock,

access tracks. It is likely that that likely is It tracks. access 9

Please take care on roads and and roads on care take Please

Note:

weather.

10

bridges may be slippery after wet wet after slippery be may bridges

8

and boggy areas. Some stiles and and stiles Some areas. boggy and

11

cattle grids. Some muddy slopes slopes muddy Some grids. cattle

Roads, tracks, fields, Stiles, gates, gates, Stiles, fields, tracks, Roads,

12

7

Terrain

13

6

2-3 hours 2-3

5

1 5 miles 5 4

Distance / Time / Distance

3

2

SD 6671 6898 6898 6671 SD

Bentham Station Bentham

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Start Point Start

OL41 & OL2 & OL41

Bentham Line: High Bentham Circular Walk Circular Bentham High Line: Bentham

OS Explorer Explorer OS

! !

OS Explorer Chatburn Circular Walk OL41 Walk Description

1 GPS: SD 7693 4413 passing Worsaw End House small gate and head uphill bear right across the field to From the centre of Chatburn, take down below on your right. through the stone squeeze stile cross the footbridge. to the crest of Downham Green the Downham road and, on 3 GPS: SD 7808 4311 6 GPS: SD 7849 4532 crossing the railway bridge, take (the route of the old Roman Keep to the path above the wall the public footpath signed to the road). On passing through a On crossing the wooden which, after a short while, bears to right past the village hall. On group of mature trees, bear half footbridge, bear left uphill and the left up hill and passes through joining Victoria Avenue, bear left right to pick up the path which continue ahead across another a kissing gate. Carry straight on to and walk to the end where you descends diagonally towards the stile to meet an old stone pass through another kissing gate turn right onto a lane. On obvious limestone knolls, known “outbarn”. Pass to the left hand or adjacent stone squeeze stile. meeting the small stream, turn locally as “Fairy Rocks”. On side of the barn and then re-cross Keep the hedge on your left and right and follow the well-marked reaching the outcrops, turn left the hedge by the gates and follow as you reach the open field bear path up to the A59. Taking great and head down to pass through this hedge up to the bridge over slightly right to pass the end of care, cross the bypass and head the gate onto the lane and then the railway. Follow the well- another hedgerow ahead. Carry straight through a kissing gate on walk left for a short way to meet defined path through a number of straight on in the same direction the well-trodden path towards the the Rimmington Road. gates to return to Downham to pass along the right hand side right hand side of the wood ahead. Road at the bypass bridge and of Langland Hall Wood and into 5 GPS: SD 7878 4508 back to Chatburn village. 2 GPS: SD 7726 4384 Downham village via two more Cross the road and follow the Cross the stile in the wall corner squeeze stiles. path down the side of the wood and pass under the railway. At ahead and follow the obvious 4 GPS: SD 7858 4411 path up onto the side of the next old gateway, a short Turn left and climb up to the top Worsaw Hill. (Take care on the diversion to the right will take of the village, turning, right past exposed limestone, which can be you to the picturesque the Assheton Arms to follow the very slippery in wet weather.) packhorse bridge across public footpath past the Cross another stile and follow Swanside Beck. Retrace your bungalow. Turn left through the steps from the stone stile and the clear path around the hill, www.forestofbowland.com

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4

3

2

1

Can be wet underfoot. wet be Can 6

Roads, tracks and fields. and tracks Roads,

Terrain

5

2 hrs 2

miles 4

Distance / Time / Distance

SD 541 649 541 SD

Bull Beck Picnic site on A683 on site Picnic Beck Bull

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Start Point Start

OL41

Riverside Walk Riverside

OS Explorer Explorer OS

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OS Explorer Bentham Line: High Bentham Circular Walk OL41 & OL2 Walk Description

1 GPS: SD 6671 6898 field and through the gate at the far side. go through the gated stile in the field then bearing right across the field to meet From the top end of the car park, walk Bear slightly right down the slope and corner. Continue along to join the field the woodland edge which you follow to uphill to the cross roads and turn right. through the gate at the end of the wall. track then through the field gate to bear the next boundary. (Take care where the slightly left and over the stile in the next field edge is eroding in places here). Go past the school and auction mart, 5 GPS: SD 6770 6897 wall. Bear slightly right as you cross this heading out of the main part of the Contour round the slope and over the 11 GPS: SD 6790 6839 field to reach the stile onto the road. Take town, until reaching the first footpath on stone stile in the next boundary. Bear Cross the stone stile and follow the grass a look at the info board and stone bench. the right. slightly right across the field and through track down to the buildings ahead. Climb 2 GPS: SD 6722 6930 the gate in the next boundary. 8 GPS: SD 6922 6825 the stile and follow the footpath between Take the right hand of the two tracks Walk across the field past the cattle shed On joining the road turn right and follow the farm buildings. (over the cattle grid) and on reaching an (on your right). the road over the river and the railway 12 GPS: SD 6771 6855 then bear right uphill, at the top of the area of open land 25m down the track 6 GPS: SD 6805 6880 Just before the end of the last building on hill, at the T-junction turn right. climb the stone stile in the wall on the At the interpretation board go into the the left, go through the field entrance on left. Cross the drive to go through the yard and turn immediately left then bear 9 GPS: SD 6890 6779 the right hand side and bear diagonally left waymarked gap opposite and turn right right through the farm gateway to pass in Take the first footpath on the right, just across the caravan field, through the metal to follow the grass track. front of the house. Go through the next past New House, and follow the right kissing gate and follow the path keeping 3 GPS: SD 6725 6917 gate and follow the track, keeping right at hand field boundary until you reach the the river on your right. Just before the Climb the stile at the end of the track the fork, and through the next gate. stone stile. Cross the stile and go down next boundary, turn left along the wall-side and bear diagonally left across the field Walk past the farm buildings on the left the short slope to cross the footbridge and go through the gate in the corner of and down the hill then over the stone and at the next field boundary go over the stream then follow the path to the field. Head across the middle of the bridge. Follow the left hand field edge through the gate. Bear slightly right the stile in the next wall. Go through the field to the next boundary. Go over the round to the stile in the corner of the across the field to cross the stile in the stile and across the field to the gate in stone stile and across the field to go wall. Once over the stile, bear left up next boundary then bear diagonally right the next boundary. Cross this field and through the gap in the wall then follow hill to a gated stone stile and onto a to the gate near the corner of this field. go through the stone V-stile. the field edge to the road. On reaching the road turn right and follow it to the narrow track. 7 GPS: SD 6838 6860 10 GPS: SD 6831 6815 junction with Thickrash Brow road. 4 GPS: SD 6746 6901 Go through the gate and bear left to the Take the path ahead, past the ruined Turn left and follow the track for a short far corner of the field. Go over the stile building on the left and follow the field edge 13 GPS: SD 6676 6869 distance. Just as the track bends to the and keep straight on with the woodland to go through the gated stile. Continue Turn right and follow this road back to left, go through the stile ahead, across the edge on your right to cross the field and ahead, first along the field boundary, the station. !

OS Explorer Riverside Walk OL41 Walk Description About This Walk

The route follows the tarmac 3 GPS: SD 534 648 railway bridge, and over a second Caton and Brookhouse are surfaced Lune Millennium Park Cross a private road (taking the footbridge. Then follow the river situated on the north-facing pathway to the Crook O’Lune road to the left would take you upstream along the riverbank. In slope of the Lune Valley. The picnic area, then back to Bull into the centre of Caton village) summer, rosebay willow herb villages lie in a scenic area near Beck along the bank of the River and continue along the Lune (the ‘railway weed’) and the the celebrated Crook O’Lune - Lune over reasonably flat grazed Millennium Park pathway great hairy willow herb dominate painted by Turner, praised by the pastures (which may be damp at towards the Crook O’Lune. Just the old railway banks. poets Thomas Gray and William times and are susceptible to before the river take a small path 5 GPS: SD 532 655 Wordsworth, and admired by flooding after heavy rainfall). Queen Victoria. down to the left. Cross using the new 1 GPS: SD 541 649 An interesting detour here is the footbridge, put in to replace the Caton-with-Littledale Parish Park at Bull Beck Picnic site, just Crook O’Lune picnic site. Stay stepping-stones. Do not cross contains a wide range of habitats, north east of Caton on the on the track over the old railway the large British Waterways which are home to a variety of A683. Cross the A683 and join bridge and up the ramp to your bridge in front of you, but carry special birds, including the rare the Lune Millennium Park right. Toilets and refreshments are on along the riverbank looking hen harrier, the symbol of the pathway, heading left. The available and the view from the up at the windmills on Caton Forest of Bowland AONB. hawthorn hedges beside the picnic site is splendid. On clear Moor. Continue along the track have been traditionally days, you can see the flat-topped riverbank footpath, round the ‘layed’ to provide a durable stock hill of in the meander. barrier and an excellent habitat distance. 6 GPS: SD 539 652 for many birds. 4 GPS: SD 522 647 On reaching a track, leave the 2 GPS: SD 538 649 Go through the gate and take river, pass a house on the right Follow this path for 1 mile crossing the small path down to the river. and turn left, rejoining the Lune a bridge over Artle Beck. Nearby Cross over a wooden footbridge Millenium Park pathway. Follow you will see a stone carving by and follow the path round to this tarmac path back along to the artist Colin Wilbourn. your right underneath the old the Bull Beck Picnic site. www.forestofbowland.com