Explore the quiet moorlands, hidden valleys and historic villages of the Forest of Bowland National Landscape and the surrounding countryside of Pendle, one of north-west England’s most rewarding yet often overlooked walking destinations. From the open fells and upland scenery to the peaceful Lune, Hodder and Ribble river valleys, this landscape offers a rich mix of remote moorland, rural farmland and classic Lancashire hill country.

Walking in the Forest of Bowland and Pendle is a comprehensive Cicerone guidebook featuring 40 circular walks that explore the best of this beautiful area of Lancashire. Written by experienced outdoor author Terry Marsh, the routes range from 5 to 20km (3–13 miles) and are suitable for all abilities, from shorter, low-level walks to longer, more strenuous outings across the Bowland fells and surrounding countryside. 

• 40 circular walks are included across the Forest of Bowland National Landscape and around Pendle Hill, ranging from 5–20km (3–13 miles), exploring landscapes from open moorland to the scenic Lune, Hodder and Ribble valleys
• Routes are accessible from key centres including Lancaster, Clitheroe and Slaidburn, making it easy to plan rewarding day walks across the Bowland hills and surrounding countryside
• 1:50,000 Ordnance Survey mapping (reproduced at 1:60,000) accompanies every walk, helping you navigate confidently across the moorland paths and rural landscapes of Lancashire
• A route summary table and overview information make it easy to choose a walk that suits your time and preferred level of challenge, including routes to Fair Snape Fell, Ward’s Stone, and Clougha Pike
• Compact and practical, the guidebook is sized to fit easily in a jacket pocket and includes local points of interest such as the famous Pendle Hill and its association with the Pendle witches

From the sweeping uplands of the Forest of Bowland National Landscape to the distinctive profile of Pendle Hill, this beautiful part of Lancashire rewards walkers with wide-ranging views, peaceful countryside and a strong sense of place. With carefully selected routes, clear mapping and practical guidance, Walking in the Forest of Bowland and Pendle provides everything you need to discover the best walks in this tranquil corner of northern England.

Walking in the Forest of Bowland and Pendle - Quick Facts

Guidebook name: Walking in the Forest of Bowland and Pendle
Location: Forest of Bowland National Landscape and the countryside around Pendle Hill, Lancashire, England
Number of walks: 40 circular walks
Distance: 5–20 km / 3–13 miles per walk
Typical duration: Half-day to full-day walks, depending on route length
Route format: Circular day walks
Navigation: Route descriptions with 1:50,000 Ordnance Survey mapping (reproduced at 1:60,000)
Terrain: Open moorland, upland fells, river valleys and rural farmland across the Lune, Hodder and Ribble valleys
Difficulty: Shorter low-level walks to longer, more strenuous hill routes
Highlights: Pendle Hill, Fair Snape Fell, Ward's Stone, Longridge Fell
Access points: Walks accessible from towns and villages, including Lancaster, Clitheroe and Slaidburn
Best season: Year-round walking; clearer views often in spring, summer and autumn across the Bowland fells

Author Highlight

“The terrain within this area is extremely diverse, from the lush farmlands of the Ribble Valley, to the more rugged rough pastures of the Forest of Bowland uplands, to the huge boggy uplifts of the main Bowland massif itself. It’s all wonderfully wild walking country.”

- Terry Marsh, author of Walking in the Forest of Bowland and Pendle

Introduction   

The Beginnings of Lancashire   
Areas Covered in this Guidebook   
Notes and Advice for Walkers   

Lune Valley   

1     Crook o’ Lune and Caton   
2    Crook o’ Lune–Aughton–Hawkshead   
3    Annas Ghyll and Forge Mill   
4    Littledale   
5    Ward’s Stone from Littledale    

Northwest and Western Moors   

6    Clougha Pike   
7    Ward’s Stone from Tarnbrook    
8    Abbeystead Reservoirs   
9    Over Wyresdale   
10    Hawthornthwaite Fell Top   
11    Scorton, Nicky Nook and Grize Dale   
12    Calder Vale   
13    Brock Mill and Beacon Fell   
14    Parlick and Fair Snape Fell   

Central Moors   

15    Langden Round   
16    Brennand and Whitendale   
17    Whitendale and Croasdale   

Hodder Valley   

18    Longridge Fell   
19    Whitewell and the River Hodder   
20    Dunsop Bridge and Hodder Bank Fell   
21    Dunsop Bridge and Mellor Knoll   
22    Gisburn Forest   
23    Stocks Reservoir   
24    Bowland Knotts    
25    Slaidburn and Newton   

Ribble Valley   

26    Bradford Fell   
27    Hurst Green and the Ribble Way   
28    Great Mitton and the Ribble Way   
29    Sawley and the Ribble   
30    Waddington and West Bradford   
31    Bolton-by-Bowland   

Pendle   

32    Sabden and Spence Moor   
33    Whalley and the River Calder   
34    Around Downham    
35    Downham and Twiston   
36    Pendle Hill from Downham   
37    Pendle Hill from Barley   
38    Black Moss Reservoirs and Twiston Moor   
39    Ogden and Newchurch   
40    Salterforth, Weets Hill and White Moor   

APPENDIX    

Route Summary Table   

Index   

Seasons

All seasons, but suitable gear required on the tops in winter or bad weather

Centres

Caton, Dunsop Bridge, Slaidburn, Whaley, Clitheroe, Chipping, Sawley, Bolton-by-Bowland, Downham

Difficulty

Suitable for competent walkers. Navigational skills required. Some walks are on farily remote moorland.

Must See

The Lune and Hodder valleys, open moors and the view from Clougha Pike, Sawley Abbey, tales of witches, and historic villages like Downham, Hurst Green and Waddington

As well as including details of the appropriate Ordnance Survey map(s), each walk is supported by a map outlining the route. In the main you will need three OS maps, or the new walking and cycling map from Harvey Maps:

•    OL21: South Pennines
•    OL41: Forest of Bowland and Ribblesdale
•    Explorer 287: West Pennine Moors
•    Harvey Maps: Forest of Bowland

December 2021

2022 reprint route updates

April 2021

Walk 33

March 2018

Route Updates

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