The Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB) covers 312 square miles of rural Lancashire and adjacent Yorkshire. From Hurst Green in the south to Wennington in the North, the Forest of Bowland is dotted with charming stone villages, some of which date as far back as pre-historic times.
Outdoor experts at Millets have compiled a list of 14 places throughout the country that offer glorious things to do for no cost, and the Forest of Bowland ranked in ninth place, based on Google and Tripadvisor ratings.
In first place was Embleton Bay in Northumberland, followed by Porth Joke in Cornwall.
Sam Chadwick, blog author and outdoor enthusiast at Millets, said: “Preparation is key when it comes to visiting any area of the UK, especially during the transitional months between Summer and Autumn, where the weather can be unpredictable. Packing waterproof clothing and taking lightweight layers that can be put on or taken off depending on the temperature is a good idea. Walkers should also wear supportive footwear when visiting sites with uneven and muddy terrain. This helps to reduce the risk of injury, or of tripping over uneven footpaths. You must also leave any place you visit exactly as you found it. Take any rubbish and equipment, such as camping chairs or wind breaks, home with you and be respectful of any wildlife and other people around you.”
Take a look at things to do and places to visit in the Forest of Bowland on the pages below - some do incur charges.
9. The Ribble Valley Sculpture
The Ribble Valley Sculpture Trail was launched in 1993. The first of its kind to be established in Lancashire, which now includes over 20 permanent works of art. The trail travels through Brungerley Park and Cross Hill Quarry, a local nature reserve managed by the Lancashire Wildlife trust, only a mile from Clitheroe town centre. | submit
10. Farm on the Fell
Take a trip to Farm on the Fell in Bleasdale for some raw milk and milkshakes, where the cows get to rear their calves from birth. Farming as naturally as possible means that the milk from the herd has higher levels of Omega 3, higher vitamin and mineral levels and lower levels of the undesirable omega 6. The Farm on the Fell Vending Machine offers fresh pasteurised milk, and a range of fabulous milkshakes; the specials menu changes weekly so be sure to go back a few times over the summer to try other flavours! https://www.facebook.com/cowwithcalfdairy/ | Visit Lancashire Photo: Visit Lancashire
11. Walk up Pendle Hill
To walk up Pendle Hill, you can choose several routes, such as the popular short route from Barley which involves a steep-stepped final ascent to the summit, or the longer route from The Nick of Pendle. The Barley route offers fantastic views, passes by reservoirs, and has amenities like parking and a cafe at the start. The summit features a trig point and offers panoramic views, with the descent back to Barley providing varied terrain and scenery. | Joyce Margaret Clarke Photo: Joyce Margaret Clarke