Located just a short drive away from our park here at Holgates Ribble Valley is the beautiful Trough of Bowland Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, home to some of the best views in the county.
Here are some of our favourite vantage points from which to take in the amazing local scenery.
Best Views in the Trough of Bowland
1. Longridge Fell
Located to the south of the area, Longridge Fell is the most southerly fell in England and dominates the local landscape. Most walkers head up from the quaint village of Chipping and once you’ve made your way up the forested hill, you’re treated to views, not just of the Forest of Bowland, but on clear days, as far as the Lake District and Snowdonia.
It’s a fairly steep climb to the top, but the views are more than worth it once you reach the peak at Spire Hill.
2. Nicky Nook
The wonderfully named Nicky Nook is located not too far from Scorton, and while it isn’t the largest of fells, it still offers some impressive views.
The walk talks you alongside a reservoir and up this modest hill, where on a clear day you’ll be able to see across Lancashire and Morecambe Bay and on a clear day, perhaps as far as the Isle of Man or the North Wales coast.
Also, be sure to keep an eye out for birds such as meadow pipits and skylarks and consider stopping by Wyresdale Park once you’re finished.
3. Crook O’ Lune
Crook O’Lune is a local beauty spot perched on a bend in the River Lune, not too far from the M6 and in the north-west corner of the area.
It’s home to a lovely picnic spot with some amazing views over the river and its tree-lined banks. In fact, the area is so beautiful that it was once captured by the famed artist J. M. W. Turner.
You can walk from the picnic site and head upriver toward Claughton, passing some of the local bridges on your way along the riverbank.
4. Beacon Fell
Beacon Fell Country Park is spread over 110 hectares of the Forest of Bowland and the fell itself stands at 226 metres above sea level, meaning on a good day, it offers views of Morecambe Bay and Blackpool Tower.
The fell gets its name as it once formed part of a chain of warning beacons due to the great visibility from the summit and was used to warn of attacks form the Spanish Armada, as well as French attacks around the turn of the 19th-century.
You’ll also find a selection of art sculptures by local artist Thompson Dagnall located around the fell too.
5. Trough of Bowland
The Trough of Bowland is a valley and high pass that reaches 968 ft above sea level, linking Bowland to Wyresdale.
While it offers some dramatic scenery, the valley is also notable as the path taken by the ‘Pendle Witches’ to their trial at Lancaster Castle in the 17th century.
6. The Tolkien Trail
Fans of the works of J.R.R. Tolkien will definitely want to head to the village of Hurst Green, from where you can embark upon this trail of areas that were said to inspire the author during his multiple visits to the area.
Tolkien spent a lot of time at the nearby Stonyhurst College while writing The Lord of the Rings series.
The trail takes in much of the woodland and scenery that inspired locations such as the Shire and you’ll also see some familiar place names along the way too.
We definitely recommend a day trip out into the Forest of Bowland to experience some of these spectacular views for yourself! Why not book a spectacular holiday to go alongside?
