Walking in Bowland

Blessed with hundreds of miles of footpaths and bridleways, the Forest of Bowland is a paradise for walkers – and their four-legged friends. Add to that, the open access land on the fell tops and uplands and this remote corner of Lancashire and North Yorkshire is a truly exhilarating place to explore on foot.

And while walkers are welcome to wander across huge swathes of the AONB, there are some guidelines that all walkers – especially when accompanied by their dogs, do need to be aware of. The rich valleys of Bowland are home to sheep and cattle, and pets need to be kept under close control near livestock. On the open fells, livestock may be present, but also bear in mind that dogs can disturb groundnesting birds. So, the rule of thumb should be: if in doubt, keep your dog on a lead. If threatened by cattle, release your dog so you can both get to safety separately.

Also remember that while the remoteness and solitude of this beautiful area are a major part of its appeal, walkers need to take responsibility for their own safety. The weather is often unpredictable and mobile phone signals are unreliable so in the unlikely event of injury, it can be a while before help is at hand. Be sure to carry the right equipment including Ordnance Survey maps (OS Explorer OL41, OL2 and Explorer 287), compass, first aid kit, high © Mark Sutcliffe energy snack, drink, mobile phone (although coverage can be patchy), and whistle. If you are in difficulty, please dial 999 and ask for Mountain Rescue. Be adventure smart by following Mountain Rescue’s guidance here: www.adventuresmart.uk

Follow this link to access over 50 Bowland walks via pdf downloads or by using the Outdoor Active App www.forestofbowland.com/walking