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Bowland Forest Low walks
Dunsop Bridge and Totridge Fell
Association / Club / Walk leader
9.81 mi
+1,555 ft
-1,555 ft
5h 50
Moderate
Departure from Bowland Forest Low (Lancashire)
Without the optional ascent of Totridge this is a fairly long but mostly undemanding walk, apart from a moderate climb to the shoulder of Mellor Knoll. The fellside climb to Totridge is steep and the trig point is on high peat moorland (avoid in poor visibility), but the reward for the effort on a clear day is an exceptional view that includes Pendle Hill and the tops of the Yorkshire Three Peaks. The stepping stones may become impassable after heavy rain.
Stepping stones and Burholme Bridge
2.04 mi
+157 ft
-148 ft
1h 05
Easy
Departure from Bowland Forest Low (Lancashire)
An easy stroll across the River Hodder via the stepping stones, returning via Burholme Bridge. One steep climb and some road walking. Field paths may be soft and muddy after rain and the stepping stones may be impassable when the river is in spate.
Fair Oak and Long Knots
4.17 mi
+469 ft
-469 ft
2h 20
Easy
Departure from Bowland Forest Low (Lancashire)
A pleasant stroll with superb views down the Hodder valley and a gentle pastoral return via a series of farms. One steep climb and descent above the stepping stones. Field paths may be muddy after rain and the stepping stones may be impassable when the river is in spate.
Birkett Fell
5.97 mi
+794 ft
-791 ft
3h 25
Moderate
Departure from Bowland Forest Low (Lancashire)
A somewhat wilder walk over Birkett Fell, rewarded with wide views over the Hodder valley and encounters with some intriguing limestone features. There are two moderate climbs; the moorland can be bleak in poor weather and paths may be indistinct and boggy in places.
A Hodder Trod
5.74 mi
+495 ft
-495 ft
3h 05
Moderate
Departure from Bowland Forest Low (Lancashire)
A scenic walk along both sides of the Hodder valley; the river is crossed via two sets of stepping stones. Those at Stakes at the southern end are rather uneven and at the time of writing in 2015 one was dislodged, necessitating a nimble hop of about a yard; both sets may be impassable when the river is high (diversions are available). Field paths may be muddy.
Follow the fairies through the fields steeped with history around Clitheroe
Visorando Member2.17 mi
+141 ft
-121 ft
1h 05
Easy
Departure from Bashall Eaves (Lancashire)
Walk along ancient paths with never-ending views, and get in touch with your inner nature lover as you wander further out into the wilderness.
Countryside around charming Waddington
1.96 mi
+157 ft
-157 ft
1h 00
Easy
Departure from Waddington (Lancashire)
A short, hillside walk featuring some wonderful panoramas of Pendle, beautiful scenery and lively animals, then replenish your palate at The Lower Buck with some amazing food and drink.
Uphill and down Dale around Lancashire's prettiest village
4.35 mi
+443 ft
-446 ft
2h 25
Moderate
Departure from Waddington (Lancashire)
A pleasant afternoon ramble through the pastures above Waddington and up onto the fell for breath-taking views over the Ribble Valley before returning via pretty wooded ghylls for a pint at a bustling pub at the heart of the village.
Amble a quiet riverside and peaceful villages around West Bradford
4.03 mi
+75 ft
-75 ft
1h 55
Easy
Departure from West Bradford (Lancashire)
Amble along the well-trodden banks of the Ribble admiring this remarkably quiet section of a hidden industrial quarry.
Clitheroe River Ribble Circular
8.29 mi
+253 ft
-253 ft
4h 00
Easy
Departure from Clitheroe (Lancashire)
A circular walk starting from Edisford Bridge travelling along the South side of the River Ribble before crossing the river at Gindleton to follow the North side of the river back to start.
Longridge Fell Circular
6.81 mi
+692 ft
-682 ft
3h 45
Difficult
Departure from Thornley-with-Wheatley (Lancashire)
This circular route around Longridge Fell initially offers excellent views North over Chipping to Bleasedale Moor before entering a woodland section. This woodland has been partially cleared felled providing excellent views South over the Ribble Valley. The final section of the walk gives views West down Ribble Valley to the coastal plain.
Rambling on the River Ribble riverbank from Hurst Green
5.42 mi
+308 ft
-305 ft
2h 45
Moderate
Departure from Aighton, Bailey and Chaigley (Lancashire)
This riverside ramble starts from the Shireburn Arms and descends through farmland to the River Ribble, crossing the impressive footbridge at Dinkley, then following the river downstream towards Ribchester, returning through the woods and pasture to Hurst Green.
Ribble Valley riverside path from The Aspinall Arms, Clitheroe
2.63 mi
+49 ft
-49 ft
1h 15
Moderate
Departure from Little Mitton (Lancashire)
A circular pub walk from the Aspinall Arms taking in glorious riverside paths, grazing pastures, ancient lanes and wild moorland of Ribble Valley, with excellent views throughout.
Bolton-by-Bowland
4.66 mi
+187 ft
-180 ft
2h 20
Easy
Departure from Sawley (Lancashire)
Explore the Ribble and its tributaries, find three medieval crosses, and visit a pretty village.
⚠️ Please check the review as the gate at Grid Ref 779484 might be locked at waypoint (4), if you did the route, please help the author and let us know what the situation is. 😉
Panoramic views of Pendle from the Calf's Head, Worston
2.65 mi
+174 ft
-174 ft
1h 20
Easy
Departure from Worston (Lancashire)
Explore the scenic foothills of the splendid Pendle Hill and enjoy panoramic views across the magnificent Ribble Valley, before returning to the cosy Calf’s Head, in the beautiful village of Worston, for a tasty meal.
Downham village
3.99 mi
+351 ft
-331 ft
2h 10
Easy
Departure from Sawley (Lancashire)
Three highlights: Swanside packhorse bridge, the idyllic village of Downham, and the ruins of Sawley Abbey.
Downham and Pendle Hill
10.53 mi
+1,949 ft
-1,952 ft
6h 30
Difficult
Departure from Sawley (Lancashire)
Over the hill to pretty Downham and onwards to the top of the iconic Lancashire landmark.
Swanside Bridge and Sawley Abbey
2.59 mi
+197 ft
-200 ft
1h 20
Easy
Departure from Sawley (Lancashire)
A medieval packhorse bridge, a pretty stream, and a stroll through the village past the abbey ruins.
Beacon Hill from the Spread Eagle Inn, Sawley
5.31 mi
+728 ft
-732 ft
3h 05
Moderate
Departure from Sawley (Lancashire)
Admire spectacular panoramic views of the Yorkshire Dales, the Bowland Fells and the Ribble Valley on this rewarding hike to the summit of Beacon Hill before returning to the Spread Eagle via ancient drovers’ tracks for a well-deserved drink.
A hilltop hike with Heavenly views from Longridge
2.79 mi
+302 ft
-302 ft
1h 35
Easy
Departure from Thornley-with-Wheatley (Lancashire)
Climb uphill for show stopping 360-degree views across the Ribble Valley and Fylde coast before heading back to The Derby Arms.
Downham via Chatburn
4.23 mi
+358 ft
-331 ft
2h 15
Easy
Departure from Downham (Lancashire)
The walk starts from St Leonard Church on Downham main Street and follows the clockwise circular route via Worsaw Hill, Chatburn and packhorse bridge.
The foothills of Pendle from the Assheton Arms, Downham
4.82 mi
+584 ft
-554 ft
2h 45
Moderate
Departure from Downham (Lancashire)
This adventurous hike explores the foothills of Pendle, offering extensive views of the Ribble Valley, before diving into the wooded valleys beneath its flanks. It's the perfect route for a Sunday morning ramble or a summer evening amble.
Pendle Hill from Downham (short version)
6.37 mi
+1,542 ft
-1,519 ft
4h 15
Moderate
Departure from Downham (Lancashire)
This Lancashire walk starts from the pretty village of Downham and provides a relatively easy ascent of Pendle Hill. In good weather the views are extensive over the Ribble Valley to the Yorkshire Dales and the Southern Lake District, across Burnley to the Southern Pennines and across Clitheroe to the Trough of Bowland. The route is fairly easy to follow although do be careful during the descent as paths shown on maps are not very accurate.
Downham via Worston
5.89 mi
+407 ft
-384 ft
3h 05
Moderate
Departure from Downham (Lancashire)
The walk starts from Information Barn Downham and follows the anticlockwise circular route via Worsaw Hill, Worston and Little Mearley Hall.
A riverside ramble and picnic beside the Ribble from Bolton by Bowland
2.72 mi
+253 ft
-243 ft
1h 30
Easy
Departure from Bolton-by-Bowland (Lancashire)
This walk takes in some beautiful Bowland scenery, on a clear day you will get a great view of Pendle Hill.
Ribchester Via Higher Hud
6.06 mi
+417 ft
-417 ft
3h 10
Moderate
Departure from Ribchester (Lancashire)
The walk starts Ribchester Arms, Ribchester and follows clockwise circular route via Duddle Wood, Higher Hud and River Ribble.
A riverside ramble through roman Ribchester
3.05 mi
+128 ft
-128 ft
1h 30
Easy
Departure from Ribchester (Lancashire)
A walk taking in beautiful countryside and rich heritage features. A combination of fascinating Roman remains and stunning riverside scenery, including views of the magnificent Pendle Hill, with the White Bull providing the perfect welcome on your return.
Dinckley Bridge Circular
6.48 mi
+387 ft
-390 ft
3h 20
Moderate
Departure from Clayton-le-Dale (Lancashire)
The walk starts from Baker Brow above Ribchester Bridge and follows a clockwise circular route via Dinckley Bridge.
Ribble Valley landscapes circular from Foxfields Country Hotel
2.98 mi
+499 ft
-479 ft
1h 50
Easy
Departure from Billington and Langho (Lancashire)
Admire spectacular views across two stunning valley landscapes. An early climb will be well worth it, with panoramic views across the Bowland Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty to the north, and then, once you have crossed the hill, the Pennines to the south. It is the perfect route for a mid-week escape followed by a sumptuous meal. Fairly challenging with an early climb to the top of the hill, ladder stiles and perhaps boggy in places.
Abbeystead - Tarnbrook - Big hill
7.97 mi
+1,115 ft
-1,115 ft
4h 40
Moderate
Departure from Over Wyresdale (Lancashire)
A walk of two halves, first half mainly uphill, second half mainly down-hill. Surface all gravel path or tarmac road so easy to follow and walk on.
Note. I have since been told that there are two stiles on this route which are difficult to get over so please take this into account if you have any mobility problems, I personally didn't notice the issue at the time of the walk although I was able bodied at the time. Unfortunately due to an accident since I've not been able to return to this walk and it is possible that the stiles have deteriorated since.
Osbaldeston Circular
4.89 mi
+246 ft
-253 ft
2h 30
Easy
Departure from Osbaldeston (Lancashire)
The walk starts from Osbaldestone Green and follows the anticlockwise circular route via banks of River Ribble.
Simonstone from the Best Western Higher Trapp Hotel
4.29 mi
+545 ft
-548 ft
2h 25
Moderate
Departure from Simonstone (Lancashire)
Admire spectacular views of Pendle and the South Pennines as you pass through pastoral countryside. The trees along the route are also particularly interesting, with the route passing through beautiful old beech woods on the lowland following the shapes of weathered trees on the high ground. Long steady climb and a little wet in a few places.
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