Distance from Peaks & Pods: from three miles
The Forest of Bowland is a designated National Landscape covering 312 square miles of rural land in Lancashire and Yorkshire. The area is known for its wide-open spaces, wild and untouched landscape and special places to visit. It’s a countryside lover’s dream – brimming with opportunities for outdoor activities in the most stunning scenery.
The picturesque village of Slaidburn is seven miles from Peaks and Pods and there’s no better place to while away a few hours, sipping tea on the village green on the banks of the River Ribble. A lovely riverbank walk will take you two miles from Slaidburn to Newton-in-Bowland, where you can seek refreshment at the multi award winning Parkers Arms. Of course booking is recommended at this popular spot.
Journey on three two miles and you’ll reach Dunsop Bridge – the exact geographical centre of the UK. Load up with food for the ducks from Puddleducks Tearoom and wait for the hungry hoards to peck at your feet! Roll up your trousers to paddle in the beck, and eat home cooked food at the tearoom – popular with cyclists and walkers. There’s a good playground to the rear of the tearoom, then continue on foot for a gentle walk that loops around the village. visitlancashire.com/explore/dunsop-bridge
Amazing Alpacas! For an amazing experience to remember, visit Wood End Farm in Dunsop Bridge to meet the alpacas! Enjoy a ‘Meet and Greet’ experience where you learn about the animals, pet and hand feed them. There’s also an ‘Alpaca Walk’, leading the alpacas through fields before feeding them at the farm when you return. There’s also the chance to organise a private ‘Family and Friends’ experience. All of these experiences need to be pre-booked in advance. Visit woodendfarm.co.uk for more information.
More destinations in the Forest of Bowland:
- Bowland Wild Boar Animal Park (Seasonal) – Hand feed animals, walk through the woods, take a ride on a tractor and barrel ride, see the wide range of animals, explore 30 acres of woodland and play in the children’s tractor play area. www.wildboarpark.co.uk
- Inch Perfect Trials – Thrilling and challenging training and experience days delivered by professional trials riders in stunning and rugged countryside. With 100 acres of trialling land, Inch Perfect Trials is the perfect location for a great day of off-road fun.
Bikes, safety equipment and a hearty lunch are provided on full or half day courses. www.inchperfecttrials.co.uk - Trough of Bowland – A valley and high pass in the Forest of Bowland Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. Scenic and popular with visitors, particularly walkers, cyclists and children who want to run freely and stretch their legs, or paddle in streams. A drive through the Trough is a memorable experience.
- www.visitlancashire.com/explore/forest-of-bowland-aonb
- Inn at Whitewell – For a pretty special gastronomic experience, visit the Inn at Whitewell – a rural inn with an enviable reputation for superb food made with local ingredients. It’s 14 miles from Peaks and Pods but worth the distance for the amazing culinary experience. www.innatwhitewell.com