Forest Of Bowland Aonb, a national landscape in rural Lancashire and North Yorkshire, is characterized by its diverse and dramatic natural environment. The area features a central core of deeply incised gritstone fells, vast expanses of heather-covered peat moorland, and extensive river valleys. This varied terrain provides a setting for several sports like hiking, jogging, mountain biking, road cycling, and more.
The Forest Of Bowland Aonb offers a wide range of outdoor…
193
Routes
4.6
(1811)
Average rating
19376
People visited

4.8
(255)
1,638
hikers
11.4km
03:02
130m
130m
Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.

4.8
(255)
1,621
hikers
10.7km
02:52
130m
130m
Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.

4.8
(128)
821
hikers
7.10km
02:04
180m
180m
Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.

4.6
(93)
465
hikers
8.58km
02:42
340m
340m
Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
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4.7
(94)
1,532
riders
19.0km
01:45
270m
270m
Easy mountain bike ride. Great for any fitness level. Suitable for all skill levels.

3.3
(7)
66
riders
49.6km
03:41
890m
890m
Moderate mountain bike ride. Good fitness required. Suitable for all skill levels.

5.0
(2)
5
riders
15.7km
01:20
390m
400m
Moderate mountain bike ride. Good fitness required. Suitable for all skill levels.

4.7
(27)
642
riders
14.0km
01:19
220m
220m
Easy mountain bike ride. Great for any fitness level. Suitable for all skill levels.
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5.0
(1)
78
runners
9.93km
01:10
240m
230m
Moderate run. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.

56
runners
7.87km
01:03
320m
310m
Hard run. Very good fitness required. Mostly accessible paths. Some sure footedness required.

9
runners
18.1km
02:12
390m
390m
Hard run. Very good fitness required. Mostly accessible paths. Some sure footedness required.

8
runners
29.2km
03:41
580m
590m
Hard run. Very good fitness required. Sure-footedness, sturdy shoes and alpine experience required.
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4.0
(2)
26
riders
101km
04:46
1,260m
1,260m
Hard road ride. Very good fitness required. Mostly well-paved surfaces and easy to ride.

4.6
(5)
206
riders
48.2km
02:25
570m
570m
Moderate road ride. Good fitness required. Some segments of this route may be unpaved and difficult to ride.

5.0
(5)
131
riders
59.7km
03:20
1,090m
1,090m
Hard road ride. Very good fitness required. Mostly well-paved surfaces and easy to ride.

4.8
(6)
154
riders
Easy road ride. Great for any fitness level. Mostly well-paved surfaces and easy to ride.
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4.8
(6)
22
riders
10.8km
01:02
150m
150m
Easy gravel ride. Great for any fitness level. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.

4.5
(2)
49
riders
64.5km
04:14
1,100m
1,100m
Hard gravel ride. Very good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.

4.3
(4)
15
riders
17.1km
01:24
420m
420m
Moderate gravel ride. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.

5.0
(2)
20
riders
26.1km
01:59
550m
550m
Hard gravel ride. Very good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
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5.0
(1)
282
riders
10.6km
01:03
180m
180m
Moderate bike ride. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.

4.0
(2)
112
riders
85.0km
05:46
1,300m
1,300m
Hard bike ride. Very good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.

145
riders
10.0km
00:59
130m
130m
Easy bike ride. Great for any fitness level. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.

5.0
(2)
100
riders
60.6km
03:55
830m
830m
Hard bike ride. Very good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
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The Forest Of Bowland National Landscape offers a wide range of outdoor activities. These include hiking, jogging, mountain biking, road cycling, touring cycling, and gravel biking. The area features diverse terrain suitable for various skill levels.
The Forest Of Bowland offers many hiking opportunities, from challenging fell climbs to gentler paths. Popular options include routes around Pendle Hill and paths through the scenic Ribble Valley. More information can be found in the Hiking in Forest Of Bowland Aonb guide.
Yes, the Forest Of Bowland provides easy hikes suitable for various abilities. These routes often traverse woodlands, open fields, and the gentler sections of river valleys. The Easy hikes in Forest Of Bowland Aonb guide lists several options.
The Forest Of Bowland features diverse terrain for mountain biking, including expansive moorlands and gritstone fells. Notable trails include "Gisburn Forest: The 8," an 11.8-mile route, and the "Salter Fell, The Cross O'Greets loop." Further details are available in the MTB Trails in Forest Of Bowland Aonb guide.
Yes, the area is ideal for road cycling due to its scenic beauty, picturesque villages, and network of "Quiet Lanes." Sections of the Lancashire Cycleway and the Way of the Roses pass through the region. Explore options in the Road Cycling Routes in Forest Of Bowland Aonb guide.
The Forest Of Bowland offers family-friendly walks suitable for different ages and abilities. These routes often explore woodlands, riverbanks, and less challenging terrain. The Family-friendly hikes in Forest Of Bowland Aonb guide provides specific recommendations.
The landscape is dominated by deeply incised gritstone fells, vast expanses of heather-covered peat moorland, and blanket bog. Lower slopes feature stone-built farms and drystone walls, while steep-sided, wooded valleys known as "cloughs" connect upland and lowland areas. Pendle Hill is a prominent landmark on the southeastern edge.
The Forest Of Bowland Aonb is a popular destination, with more than 240,000 visitors sharing their experiences on komoot. There are over 1,200 routes available, with an average rating of 4.52 out of 5 stars. This indicates a high level of satisfaction among users.
Komoot offers several guides for the region, including Hiking in Forest Of Bowland Aonb, MTB Trails in Forest Of Bowland Aonb, and Road Cycling Routes in Forest Of Bowland Aonb. Other guides cover topics like easy hikes, running trails, and traffic-free bike rides.
For official information, the Forest Of Bowland National Landscape maintains a website at forestofbowland.com. General inquiries can also be directed to 01200 448000.
Yes, the Forest Of Bowland offers challenging hikes, particularly on its deeply incised gritstone fells. These routes often involve significant climbs and traverse vast expanses of moorland. Hikers seeking more strenuous options can find them within the region's diverse terrain.
The Forest Of Bowland is internationally important for its heather moorland and blanket bog, supporting diverse wildlife. It is a major breeding ground for upland birds, including the iconic Hen Harrier. The area is also designated as a Special Protection Area for birds.

