Forest of Bowland
The Forest of Bowland Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty covers
312 square miles, making it the same size as New York City, and
includes the famous landmark Pendle Hill.
This stunning area is perfect for some of the most remote and
rugged walking in the region, including Bleasdale and Fairsnape
Fells and the Whitendale Valley.
Great places for cycling include the Gisburn Forest, Salter Fell or
the more tranquil Lune Valley.
Fast flowing streams and rivers that cascade down from the Pennine
fells provide ample opportunities for watersports and migrating
salmon can be seen under the bridge at Ribchester.
The fells’ extensive heather moorlands are extremely important for
upland birds and have been designated as a Special Protection Area
because of this.
In fact the area is now the most important site in England for Hen
Harriers, with between 6 and 10 breeding pairs, which is up to 90%
of the English population.