Forest of Bowland Walk

Summary

The Forest of Bowland Walk is an extensive circuit around the historic Forest of Bowland, an area of barren gritstone fells, deep valleys, and peat moorland. Now designated as an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB), the forest was once among the last places in England to permit public access to walkers. Formerly a closely guarded area with vigilant gamekeepers keeping ramblers out to safeguard shooting preserves, the open-access movement and the Right to Roam acts eventually opened up greater access. The walk begins in Caton, starting through Littledale before climbing Clougha Pike. The route then descends from the moor to Lentworth Hall and crosses the River Wyre. Tracking south via Grizdale and Garstang, the walk heads east toward Clitheroe via Calderdale, Bleasdale, Chipping, and Longridge Fell. From Clitheroe, the path heads north across Easington Fell to Slaidburn. The heart of the forest is then crossed on a moorland trek via Croasdale, Hard Hill Top, Salter Fell, and Whit Moor before descending to the Lune Valley at Hornby. The final stretch from Hornby to Caton is a leisurely and well-earned stroll alongside the River Lune.