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Most of Ribble Valley is designated an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. From the River Ribble to the Bowland Fells, the area is the perfect destination for immersing oneself in stunning scenery and engaging in adventurous outdoor activities. And Ribble Valley hosts some of the most amazing viewpoints in the North of England. The majestic Pendle Hill dominates the landscape in Ribble Valley and from Longridge Fell, the most southerly fell in North of England from the fell’s 1,148ft (350m) summit, you can enjoy views across Preston, the Fylde Coast, and the Yorkshire Dales and on very clear days, the Lake District, Wales and sometimes even the Isle of Man can be viewed.

The River Ribble is one of the North of England’s most dramatic rivers, it passes through some breath-taking countryside as it makes its 75-mile journey from its source in the Yorkshire Dales to the Ribble Estuary near Lytham. The River weaves and turns through the Ribble Valley countryside, passing numerous quaint and rustic villages along the way. From historic Roman forts, to the awe-inspiring views that inspired Middle-Earth in J.R.R. Tolkien’s ‘Lord of the Rings’ and ‘The Hobbit’ novels, discover and explore Ribble Valley for yourself.

The River Hodder is one of the most peaceful and unspoilt rivers in Lancashire. It begins life high in the fells, 400m above sea level, where it drains much of the Forest of Bowland Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and feeds the large Stocks Reservoir, which provides much of Lancashire’s water.

Another feature of Ribble Valley that makes it so unforgettable is its heritage. Sites such as the 14th century Whalley Abbey, the Ribchester Roman Museum and the medieval Clitheroe Castle form part of the locality’s backdrop. What’s more, the breathtaking Stonyhurst College served as a source of inspiration for the prolific author JRR Tolkien for his work ‘Lord of the Rings’.