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.

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

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