Walking

Chipping – Whitewell Linear Walk – This delightful linear route explores the rolling scenery of ‘Little Bowland’ and links the routes of the Number 5 and Number 11 buses. Allow three hours to complete the route – and maybe leave a little time for refreshments.

Leagram Short Circular – Roads, tracks, fields and some stiles. Can get muddy/boggy in parts. Take care on un-pavemented road sections. Expect livestock and keep dogs under close, effective control. “Walking safely” information available at www.forestofbowland.com
Walkers are advised to carry OS Explorer map OL41.

Radholme Circular – This is a lovely circular trail taking you over undulating hills and through the Hodder Valley in the Forest of Bowland Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. The trail starts in Whitehall and leads you over the farmland-covered hills and down to the River Hodder before returning along the side of the valley. Some of the paths may be muddy in winter or after heavy rainfall, so come prepared with the appropriate footwear. You’re likely to encounter livestock on the way, so make sure to keep dogs on leads. less

River Dunsop and Black Brook Circular – Following the edge of Black Brook Wood, this walk takes you up out onto the farmland above Dunsop Bridge where, on a clear day, you have wonderful views of both the lower slopes of Beatrix Fell to the north and back down the Hodder valley to the south. The route then drops back into the Dunsop valley and follows the track back to the village.

Dunsop Bridge to Whitewell Linear Walk – This walk offers fantastic views of the Hodder valley and surrounding hills. The walk follows the River Hodder along the valley from the pretty village of Dunsop Bridge to the hamlet at Whitewell. Take in the wonderful scenery of the Hodder Valley with the surrounding fells of Totridge and Hodder Bank Fell and be rewarded at the end of the walk with refreshments at the Inn at Whitewell.

Centre of the Kingdom – This is quite a demanding 10-mile fell-walk, which requires sturdy walking boots and reliable wet weather gear, but it’s well worth the effort for the views alone. Look out for rare hen harriers and ring ouzels along the way.

Dunsop Bridge Easy Access Trail – An easy access trail which takes in the wonderful scenery of the Dunsop Valley. Take care on unpavemented road sections. Be aware of timber wagons using the road. Expect livestock and keep dogs under effective control.

Hodder Bank Fell Circular – Combining riverside and open fell, this walk offers fantastic views of the Hodder valley and surrounding hills. Starting from the village of Dunsop Bridge, the route takes in the parkland around Knowlmere Manor before heading up and over the expanse of Hodder Bank Fell then dropping back down to the valley floor via Fielding Clough and a return to the village via riverside paths and fields.

Newton Circular – This walk starts from the pretty village of Newton-in-Bowland and takes in a riverside path, parkland close to Knowlmere Manor and a suspension bridge over the River Hodder! There are lovely views from the higher ground.

Some parts of the route are especially wet and muddy, particularly the long field to the east of The Heaning at point 7.

Beating the bounds 10 mile circular – This challenging 10-mile circular route follows the route of a perambulation – or ‘beating of the bounds’, exploring the south-eastern boundary of Forest of Bowland National Landscape.

Bell Skyes Hay Meadow Walk – This walk guides you through flower rich hay meadows at Bell Sykes.

Bolton by Bowland to Slaidburn Linear -The second leg of this itinerary is the most demanding of the three – but also the most rewarding. We climb steadily to the largest expanse of woodland in Lancashire, descending through the Forest past picturesque Stocks Reservoir and into the pretty village of Slaidburn.

Slaidburn to Whitewell Linear – The hike includes an 8-mile section down the Hodder Valley, through rich pastureland and villages, leading to the riverside hamlet of Whitewell.

Gisburn Forest – It features a mix of flowing singletrack, technical sections with rock gardens and roots, and tight corners. The trail loops through scenic woodlands and offers a variety of terrain, including berms, jumps, and small drops. Well-maintained and challenging, The 8 is a fun and engaging ride for those looking to improve their skills while enjoying the natural beauty of the forest.

River Dunsop and Black brook Circular – Following the edge of Black Brook Wood, this walk takes you up out onto the farmland above Dunsop Bridge where, on a clear day, you have wonderful views of both the lower slopes of Beatrix Fell to the north and back down the Hodder valley to the south. The route then drops back into the Dunsop valley and follows the track back to the village.