Walking Holidays Forest of Bowland
Why Choose Walking Holidays in the Forest of Bowland?
Are you dreaming of a getaway where the only sound is the crunch of your hiking boots and the calls of curlews? Welcome to the Forest of Bowland, an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB) that remains one of England’s best-kept secrets.
Whether you are staying at The Shippon Luxury Holiday Let at Thornley  or Cobble View Cottage, Waddington, you are perfectly positioned between the rolling Ribble Valley and the dramatic Bowland Fells. Here is our curated guide to the best walking trails right on your doorstep.
1. The “Big View” Hike: Parlick Fell & Fair Snape Fell
Distance: 5 miles (Circular)
Difficulty: Moderate to Strenuous
Best for: Panoramic views and “Big Sky” photography.
Just a short drive from Longridge, this is arguably the finest upland walk in the area. The initial climb up Parlick Fell is steep, but it quickly rewards you with a ridge walk that locals call the “loveliest mile in Lancashire.” On a clear day, you can see across the Fylde Coast to the Lake District and even the Isle of Man.
Insider Tip: Watch out for the colourful paragliders who often launch from the summit of Parlick!
2. The Literary Legend: The Tolkien Trail
Distance: 5.5 miles (Circular)
Difficulty: Easy
Best for: History buffs and families.
Start in the nearby village of Hurst Green for a walk that famously inspired J.R.R. Tolkien’s vision of Middle-earth. You’ll pass the majestic Stonyhurst College, cross the historic Cromwell’s Bridge, and wander along the banks of the River Ribble. It’s a magical, gentle route that truly feels like walking through “The Shire.”
That is a fantastic addition! Waddington Fell is a local favourite because it provides that “wild moorland” feel without requiring a full day of hiking. It also features that iconic viewpoint, which looks directly across the valley toward Pendle Hill.
3. The Wild Moorland: Waddington Fell
Distance: 3–4 miles (Circular or Out-and-Back)
Difficulty: Moderate
Best for: Sunset views and dramatic heather moorland.
If you want to feel like you’ve truly escaped into the wilderness, Waddington Fell is the place to go. Located just above the picturesque village of Waddington, the fell offers expansive views across the Ribble Valley toward the brooding silhouette of Pendle Hill. The terrain here is classic Bowland—think heather, gritstone outcrops, and wide-open skies.
It’s particularly stunning in late summer when the heather turns a deep purple, or on a clear winter evening when the valley lights below start to twinkle.
Insider Tip: After your walk, head down the hill into Waddington. It’s home to some of the best gastropubs in the country (like the Higher Buck or the Waddington Arms), perfect for a well-earned post-walk lunch.
4. The Family Favourite: Beacon Fell Country Park
Distance: Various (1–3 mile loops)
Difficulty: Easy
Best for: A relaxed afternoon, dog walking, and woodland sculptures.
Located just minutes away, Beacon Fell is perfect if you want stunning views without the heavy legwork. The summit stands at 266 metres, offering a 360-degree vista of the Lancashire Plain. The kids will love hunting for the wooden sculptures hidden among the pine trees.
5. The Hidden Gem: Longridge Fell
Distance: 4 miles (Circular)
Difficulty: Moderate
Best for: Escaping the crowds.
As the southernmost fell in England, Longridge Fell offers a unique perspective of the Ribble Valley. The trails through the coniferous forest open up to reveal views of the Loud Valley and the distant Yorkshire Dales. It’s a peaceful, quiet route perfect for a morning “reset.”
Why Choose a Self-Catering Walking Holiday?
After a long day on the fells, there is nothing quite like coming back to your own private sanctuary. At Bowland Breaks, we provide:
Private Hot Tubs: The ultimate way to soothe tired muscles. The Shippon only
Log Burners: To keep you cosy while you plan tomorrow’s route. The Shippon
Dog-Free Peace: A pristine, allergy-friendly environment for a perfect night’s sleep.
The Best “Post-Walk” Pubs for a Well-Earned Pint
No walking holiday in the Forest of Bowland is complete without a stop at one of our legendary local inns. Here are our top picks for a cosy fireside drink or a hearty meal after you’ve tackled the fells:
The Higher Buck (Waddington): Perfect if you’ve just finished the Waddington Fell loop. Known for its incredible food and warm, rustic atmosphere, it’s the quintessence of a Bowland gastropub.
The Shireburn Arms (Hurst Green): The natural finishing point for the Tolkien Trail. This historic 17th-century inn offers stunning views over the Ribble Valley from its terrace—the perfect spot to toast to your miles covered.
The Inn at Whitewell: If you’ve ventured deeper into the Forest of Bowland, this is an absolute must-visit. It’s a spectacular, high-end inn perched right on the banks of the River Hodder.
The Derby Arms (Longridge): Just a stone’s throw from our properties. It’s a fantastic choice for a more relaxed evening meal after a day exploring Longridge Fell or Beacon Fell.
Note for Walkers: Most of these pubs are popular year-round. If you’re planning a weekend visit, we highly recommend booking a table in advance!
Plan Your Next Adventure
Ready to lace up your boots? The Forest of Bowland is waiting to be explored.