There’s part of Lancashire that slips beneath the radar: a patchwork of distant hill farms, wide-open moors and winding stone-walled lanes.
That is the Forest of Bowland, an official Space of Excellent Pure Magnificence, and the quiet coronary heart of this street journey.
It’s not flashy. There are not any blockbuster landmarks or big-name cities. However when you like historic villages, misty hilltops and pubs the place time stands nonetheless, that is your sort of route.
You’ll want first rate strolling boots, a automobile that’s comfy with nation lanes, and a great urge for food for actual ale and native cheese.
Don’t rush it; this nook of Lancashire is greatest explored with no explicit schedule, only a map marked with sheep-dotted viewpoints and pub lunch stops.
Route Overview
Clitheroe → Dunsop Bridge → Bowland Knotts → Slaidburn → Waddington → Pendle Hill → Downham
Splendid journey size: 2 – 3 days
Finest time to go: Late spring to early autumn – for inexperienced fells, dry footpaths and lengthy pub backyard evenings
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Begin: Clitheroe – the gateway to the forest
Begin in Clitheroe, a shocking medieval city in England with a fort perched above it and among the finest native meals scenes in Lancashire.
When you’re coming from additional afield, that is your final correct cease for unbiased retailers and a great deli – top off at Cowman’s Well-known Sausage Store or Cubicles, and swing by Alternate Espresso for a robust brew earlier than the lanes slim.
The ruined Clitheroe Fortress is definitely worth the quick uphill stroll. Views stretch out throughout the Ribble Valley and trace on the wildness forward.
When you’ve obtained time, the city’s museum is a quiet gem, and also you may stumble throughout a farmers’ market in case your timing’s proper.
Keep: Base your self at Gibbon Bridge Lodge, set simply exterior Clitheroe with a peaceable backyard, free parking and a shared lounge. It’s a perfect nation retreat earlier than you head into the Bowland fells
Cease 1: Dunsop Bridge – geographic coronary heart of Britain
From Clitheroe, head north-west into the Forest of Bowland and also you’ll quickly attain Dunsop Bridge, usually (semi-officially) referred to as the geographic centre of Nice Britain.
There’s not a lot to the village – a cellphone field, a café, a stream operating by means of the center – however that’s the appeal.
Eat: Seize a espresso and perhaps a bacon roll at Puddle Geese café, then stretch your legs with a stroll alongside the river Dunsop.
The Trough of Bowland street heads out from right here; a famously scenic, twisting route that’s a part of the enjoyment of this journey.
Cease 2: Bowland Knotts – windblown views and complete quiet
Take a detour as much as Bowland Knotts, a excessive moorland viewpoint that sits proper on the Lancashire–Yorkshire border.
It’s a bit off the primary drag and appears like a spot the remainder of the world forgot.
There’s no signage or café; simply wind, heather and views that roll all the way in which to Ingleborough on a transparent day.
It’s a kind of locations the place a flask of tea within the boot feels proper.
Park safely on the roadside and stroll a number of hundred yards to get away from all the pieces however birdsong and the occasional bleat.
Cease 3: Slaidburn – stone-built serenity
Roll down by means of open fells to Slaidburn, one of the vital picture-perfect villages in Lancashire.
There’s a bridge over the river, a row of stone cottages, and a pub, The Hark to Bounty, that dates again to the sixteenth century.
It’s a great spot for lunch or a pint. When you’ve time, wander to St Andrew’s Church, whose churchyard and inside are easy, quiet and impossibly atmospheric.
There’s a small heritage centre right here too, the place you possibly can choose up native strolling routes or learn up on the world’s pre-industrial previous.
Keep: Unwind in The Previous Loft, a comfortable one-bedroom vacation dwelling within the coronary heart of Slaidburn.
It encompasses a non-public entrance, absolutely geared up kitchen, backyard entry and free Wi‑Fi, excellent for stress-free after a day of riverside strolls.
Cease 4: Waddington – pubs and perfection
Subsequent up is Waddington, one other significantly handsome village with stone terraces, a stream operating proper by means of its centre, and no scarcity of floral window bins.
It’s been voted ‘greatest saved village’ extra instances than it is aware of what to do with.
Eat, keep or each: The Decrease Buck Inn is a basic English pub with actual fires, native beer and a comfortable vibe. Whereas Waddington Arms presents a barely extra trendy spin with out of doors tables and stable pub meals.
When you’re right here in spring, preserve an eye fixed out for the Waddington duck race – it’s a neighborhood custom and wildly aggressive.
Cease 5: Pendle Hill – witches, walks and wild views
Drive east to Pendle Hill, looming over the panorama with a historical past as dramatic as its slopes.
Famously linked to the Pendle Witch Trials of 1612, the hill has since turn into a spot of fantasy, pilgrimage and climbing challenges.
The stroll to the summit is steep however manageable for many and rewards you with one among Lancashire’s best views. On a transparent day, you’ll see all the way in which to the Yorkshire Dales and even the Welsh hills.
If folklore’s your factor, you possibly can discover the Pendle Witches Path, which weaves native historical past with scenic stops and eerie tales.
Or simply sit on the summit wall with a sandwich and really feel smug.
Remaining cease: Downham – timeless Lancashire
Lastly, make your option to Downham, a village so unspoilt it virtually feels curated.
No TV aerials, no street markings – simply cobbled streets, slate roofs and inexperienced pastures framed by stone partitions.
You may recognise it from the BBC collection Born and Bred, however Downham’s star high quality is quiet.
It’s a spot to finish your journey slowly: have tea and spend the night time on the Assheton Arms, go to the outdated church, and let the entire route settle in.
From right here, you possibly can loop again to Clitheroe in beneath 20 minutes, or prolong your keep overlooking the Ribble Valley.
Non-obligatory add-on: Gisburn Forest
When you’ve obtained vitality and first rate climate, think about including a brief detour to Gisburn Forest.
It’s a preferred mountain biking spot but additionally nice for straightforward woodland walks and birdwatching.
Tip: Deliver binoculars – purple kites have been noticed right here in recent times.
Necessities
Driving time with out stops: Approx 2 – 3 hours complete
What to pack: Strolling boots, a water-proof, a picnic blanket and a sat nav that’s proud of single-lane roads.
Driving tip: Some lanes are very slim – count on to reverse for tractors and sheep. At all times verify climate situations earlier than heading onto excessive moorland roads.
Remaining Ideas
This street journey by means of Lancashire is about low-key brilliance – locations that don’t shout for consideration however reward those that decelerate and keep curious.
You gained’t discover many bucket-list sights right here, however you will discover an actual connection to the land: hedgerows heavy with blackberries, paths formed by sheep, and villages that haven’t modified in generations.
Take your time, converse to locals, cease usually and don’t be afraid to take the scenic route. That is Lancashire at its most genuine – a world of delicate magnificence and lasting appeal.
