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Walking in the Forest of Bowland

If you want a walking holiday, at Bleasdale you will have the best of all worlds nestling, against the high fells of the Forest of Bowland but looking out across the Fylde plain, whatever type of walk you would like we have on our doorstep, or a short drive away. From challenging high moorland routes to gentle strolls along leafy lanes and across meadows and everything in between.

With large areas now access land plus may well marked and maintained footpaths you will never be stuck for somewhere to go walking on your holiday. All our cottages are well stocked with leaflets on walking in the Forest of Bowland.

Above us is Fair Snape Fell at 520 metres (1707 feet) SD 597472 one of the the English Marilyns, also above us is Wolf Fell, Parlick at 432 metres and further on Saddle Fell and the large expanse of the Bleasdale Moors. Providing some of the best fell walking in Lancashire.

Wyre Walking Festival (pdf)

Walks from our Doorstep

We have our own farm walks page

Two walking leaflets featuring walks on our doorstep

Bleasdale to Oakenclough ( PDF 901kb)

Bleasdale Walk (157kb PDF file). This walk around Bleasdale was featured in Lapwing the members magazine of the Lancashire Wildlife Trust.

There are many more local walks you can do, just ask us for suggestions.

Bleasdale Tramper and Trails

We also have our own Tramper vehicle for the mobility impaired, available for hire by our guests and visitors to Bleasdale and our own on farm trail. Tramper Trail and hiring information.

Bleasdale Tramper Trail 1 (PDF 1.8mb)

Bleasdale Tramper Trail 2 (PDF 1.9mb)

Chipping and Lancashire Cheese Trails

Creamy Lancashire Cheese trail leaflet (PDF 865kb)
Crumbly Lancashire Cheese trail leaflet (PDF 752kb)
Tasty Lancashire Cheese trail leaflet (PDF 745kb)

Calder Vale

Just down the road from us there are many waymarked walks around this wooded valley. Below is a small sample.

Location of Calder Vale SD 536449

Hodder Valley and Stocks Reservoir

High moorland deep dramatic wooded valleys, and splendid riverside walks plus attractive villages the The Hodder Valley in the Forest of Bowland has everything.

Slaidburn to Dunsop Bridge (PDF 1.8mb)
Dunsop to Chipping (PDF 1.3mb)
Stocks Reservoir Walk (PDF 610kb)
Stocks Reservoir (196kb)

There are 1,500 acres of Access Area mainly private heather moorland. You can wander over the rounded, sheep-cropped hillsides and climb to the top of Fairsnape Fell. Entry onto the Access Areas of Fairsnape, Wolf Fell and Saddle Fell can be gained from Chipping. Entry onto these Access Areas is subject to certain restrictions which are displayed at all main access points.

Forest of Bowland AONB Access Land (PDF 6.4mb)
Birding in Bowland Leaflet (PDF 3.6mb)

Beacon Fell Country Park

The summit is 266 metres (873 feet) The Country Park consists of 110 hectares (271 acres) of woodland, moorland and farmland. If you are here for a walking holiday this would be the perfect place to start.

There is a Woodland trail that takes about 40 minutes to complete. As you are walking round you will see the different species of trees that have been planted and the different habitats they have created.

Beacon Fell also offers a 'Tramper' vehicle for the mobility impaired which is available to book free of charge. Information on the 'Tramper' can be found at www.tramper.co.uk.

There are other Tramper Trails in the area. Welcome To Wyresdale Wheels for all (PDF 2.5mb)

Beacon Fell is also the start point for the Brock Valley Nature Trail a pleasant riverside circular walk through rich woodland with many interesting species of trees and plants.

Location of Beacon Fell Country Park SD 566418

Your walking holiday could start at Beacon Fell
Beacon Fell Country Park from Lower Fairsnape Farm

'Tramper' vehicle for the mobility impaired

Littledale

Caton-with-Littledale Parish contains a wide range of habitats, which are home to a variety of special birds, including the rare hen harrier, the symbol of the Forest of Bowland AONB.

Littledale Walk (PDF 549kb)

Location of Littledale SD 527646

Nicky Nook and Grizedale Valley

Nicky Nook is a small hill overlooking the surrounding countryside giving fine views of the Grizedale Valley and North West Water reservoirs at Barnacre. Its southern slopes are rich in insect life such as grasshoppers and tiger beetles.

The semi-natural ancient woodland of Grizedale Valley is also teeming with wildlife and remains a firm favourite with birdwatchers looking for summer visitors such as Wood Warbler and Redstart.

Location of Nicky Nook and Grizedale SD 503489

Please follow the Countryside Code (PDF 268kb)

Horse Riding / Trekking

Braeden Pony Trekking Centre web site

ARE YOU PROPERLY EQUIPPED?

While you are out on the Access Areas it is vital that you are properly equipped. Walking boots, waterproof clothing, maps, a compass, spare food and clothing are essential. Wise walkers plan their walks carefully before setting out. Find out what weather to expect. Allow adequate time. One hour for every two miles plus one hour for every 1500 ft of ascent. Tell someone of your intended route and when you expect to return. Do not walk alone if you are inexperienced or uncertain of your ability.

For your safety the please ensure you are equipped with the following:-

WALKING BOOTS - WATERPROOF CLOTHING - MAPS - COMPASS - FOOD - HIGH ENERGY SNACK - TORCH - SPARE BATTERIES - WATCH - MONEY - WHISTLE - FIRST AID KIT - SURVIVAL BAG - WATER - FLASK (HOT DRINK) - SPARE JUMPER - SPARE TROUSERS - HAT - GLOVES -