Attractions and Places To See around Bowland Forest High - Top 20

Bowland Forest High is rich in natural beauty, characterized by dramatic gritstone fells, deep valleys, and expansive peat moorland. You can explore prominent fells like Sykes Fell, Whins Brow, Croasdale Fell, and Wolfhole Crag. The area also features the scenic Trough of Bowland Pass, river valleys, and natural cave formations such as Hell Hole. Gisburn Forest and Stocks offer recreational opportunities, and Beacon Fell Country Park provides 110 hectares of woodland and moorland.

Yes, the region offers several excellent viewpoints. Clougha Pike provides amazing views west over Lancaster to Morecambe Bay and north-west to the Lake District. The Jubilee Tower (Quernmore) is another man-made monument offering views across Morecambe Bay to the Lake District hills on clear days. Ward's Stone, the highest point in the wider Forest of Bowland, also offers panoramic views of the Lake District and Yorkshire Three Peaks.

The area is dotted with charming stone villages and ancient sites. You can visit Slaidburn, home to a Heritage Centre and the 15th-century Church of St. Andrew, or Downham, often cited as Lancashire's most beautiful village with its 16th-century charm. The ruins of Whalley Abbey, a 13th-century Cistercian monastery, are also nearby. Additionally, the region features medieval vaccaries (cattle farms) and characteristic stone buildings from the 16th to 18th centuries.

Dunsop Bridge holds the distinction of being the officially certified geographic center of Great Britain by Ordnance Survey. It's a picturesque village that serves as an excellent starting point for walks, offering amenities like a café and a pub. The village is also home to St. Hubert's RC Church, dedicated to the patron saint of hunting, reflecting the area's historical status as a royal hunting ground.

Yes, for families, the Bowland Wild Boar Park near Chipping offers a fun day out with animal feeding, tractor rides, play areas, and riverside walks. Many of the easier walking trails, such as those around Beacon Fell Country Park, are also suitable for families. The Dunsop Bridge area is also a great starting point for gentle walks.

Bowland Forest High offers a variety of hiking trails ranging from easy to difficult. You can find challenging routes up fells like Clougha Pike or longer, more strenuous loops like the Dunsop Bridge & River Hodder loop. There are also easier options, such as the Dunsop Bridge & River Hodder loop (4.2 km) or the Langden Valley – Cut Mark at Langden Castle loop (6.2 km). For more details and routes, explore the Hiking around Bowland Forest High guide.

Absolutely. The Trough of Bowland Pass is a popular and challenging route for cyclists, known for its scenic beauty. Gisburn Forest and Stocks are also popular recreational areas offering mountain biking trails for all abilities, complete with a cycle hire center. You can find more cycling routes in the Gravel biking around Bowland Forest High guide.

The Forest of Bowland is rich in wildlife. The Dunsop Bridge area, in particular, is noted for its diverse fauna, including deer, birds of prey, and rare wading birds, making it an excellent spot for nature lovers. The expansive moorlands and fells also provide habitats for various bird species.

The best time to visit largely depends on your preferred activities. For hiking and cycling, late spring to early autumn (May to October) generally offers the most pleasant weather. The heather in the Trough of Bowland Pass is particularly incredible in September/October. For stargazing, the darker, clearer nights of autumn and winter are ideal, as the Forest of Bowland is renowned for its dark skies.

Yes, as part of the 'Bowland Revealed' project, several contemporary artworks are integrated into the landscape. These include 'Out-Take' by Philippe Handford near Langden Intake (Trough of Bowland road), 'Sun Catcher' by Halima Cassell at Jeffrey Hill (Longridge Fell), and a sculptural work at Gisburn Forest Hub. Beacon Fell Country Park also features a trail of inscribed stone setts leading to a contemplation spot in Starling Wood.

Visitors consistently praise the breathtaking panoramic views from spots like Clougha Pike and the Jubilee Tower (Quernmore). They particularly enjoy seeing across Morecambe Bay to the Lake District hills on clear days. The scenic beauty of the Trough of Bowland Pass, especially when the heather is in bloom, is also a highlight for many.

While some trails can be challenging, there are easier options available. Beacon Fell Country Park offers accessible paths and a trail of inscribed stone setts. Many of the lower-level walks around villages like Dunsop Bridge are also relatively flat and suitable for a leisurely stroll. For specific easy routes, you can check the Hiking around Bowland Forest High guide.