Detour 235: Bowling through the Forest of Bowland, Lancashire, UK
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Enjoy a rollercoaster ride across Lancashire thanks to our friends at Rush Magazine.
Read carefully, because I'm about to let you in on a little secret. Located just north of Preston, sandwiched between the Lake District and Yorkshire Dales lies a hidden gem of tight, nuggety switchbacks strewn across a lush landscape of rolling green hills and open moorlands.
The Forest of Bowland Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty in Lancashire is a haven for driving enthusiasts, boasting some of the most enjoyable and challenging routes in the North West. Whether you're looking to push your driving skills to the limit or simply want to enjoy a leisurely scenic drive, Bowland has you covered.
Bowland is one of our favourite stomping grounds because it packs every possible surface and turn into its figure-of-eight loop. And it’s quiet - making it an ideal location to suss the dynamic attributes of a car. It's with good reason TVR chose these challenging roads to develop and improve their famed Blackpool bruisers.
That said, the roads within the Forest of Bowland aren't just about speed and adrenaline - they also offer a chance to appreciate the beauty of the natural surroundings. Drivers can take a break from the thrills of the road to stop and admire the views, or even indulge in a spot of hiking or cycling, perhaps tracing the route of the famous Pendle Witches.
Handily, whether you follow our route or get yourself lost (highly likely, as there is no chance of phone/GPS reception unless on top of the fells) you're never more than a stones' throw away from an outstanding country pub offering a tranquil beer garden or roaring fire.
Despite its name, the Forest of Bowland is predominantly a moorland. The "forest" is derived from an old English term meaning "a royal hunting ground.” History lesson over, it's time to hit the road. Our starting point is Longridge, not far from the M6 motorway. Should you need to fill up with super unleaded, there is a Shell garage in the town centre (PR3 3NH). Head north out of town, past Ferrari's Country house, right on the border of the Forest itself. As far as good omens for a drive go, that's up there.
As we head towards the sleepy hamlet of Chipping, the road offers some good combinations but is really too populated to enjoy - think of it as a warm up act for what's to come. Gradually however, the the suburbs recede and the manor houses increase in size and grandeur, as fells begin to dominate the windscreen.
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Around Whitewell is where you'll get deep into B-road territory. Between the Doeford and Dunsop bridges lies a real test of your car’s composure and damping, as the road bucks and weaves, tracing the path of the nearby River Hodder. If your belly starts rumbling there is a cracking little café in the village of Dunsop called Puddleducks Tea Room.
At Dunsop, we're faced with a fork in the road, and the choice is clear – we're going to climb through the Trough of Bowland. Although the road is mostly single track, promoting a relaxed pace, it's well worth the pursuit. The countryside is breathtaking, with rolling hills, verdant forests, and sparkling streams. The scenery changes with the seasons, from lush greenery in the summer to fiery hues in the autumn, making it a truly unique experience no matter when you visit.
But the best is yet to come. Once we've navigated the Trough, we're rewarded with a wide, fast, and beautifully surfaced moorland road over the top of Clougha Pike and Grit Fell. At its peak sits Jubilee Tower, a tiny stone monument that looks like a rook. But don't let its size fool you – the observation deck offers an expansive view of Morecambe Bay and the Lake District. On a clear day, you can even catch a glimpse of the Blackpool Tower and the 'Big One' rollercoaster.
Speaking of rollercoasters, afterwards it's all aboard the thrill ride to Caton, then a short respite along the A683 before picking up the excellent B6480 towards Bentham. Whilst it's tempting to carry on towards Ingleton and the Yorkshire Dales, turn right off the high street heading south past the train station. It'll feel like a dead end, but as you climb almost imperceptibly, the moorland will suddenly reveal itself again as you clatter over a cattle grid.
Visibility is outstanding, so despite the single-track road all the way to Slaidburn you can really push on and indulge your tarmac rally fantasies. It's 12 miles of undulating, unclassified road you'll likely have all to yourself, save for the odd wandering sheep. Just keep your eyes peeled for a couple of sump scraping drops and crests.
From Slaidburn and the tempting Hark to Bounty, it's back towards Dunsop Bridge along the B6478, taking a right at Newton-in-Bowland, climbing the final fell of the route - Eastington. A short but engaging climax. Our day usually ends in Clitheroe, seeking out a wood-fired pizza at Vesuvio whilst quenching our thirst at the Bowland Brewery.
Bowland is one of those places that brings less powerful vehicles alive and humbles powerful machinery - it would be just as much fun at maximum attack in a GR Yaris as cruising along in an MX-5 on a sunny day searching for a country pub. There's also huge fun to be had going off-piste and exploring one of the countless unlisted spaghetti B-roads that seem to lead nowhere.
It’s enough to keep us coming back for more time and time again.
Words Craig Toone
Photo Ben Midlane
ROADBOOK
CLASS: moorS the merrier
NAME: forest of bowland
ROUTE: Longridge to Clitheroe
COUNTRY: UK
Distance: 60 Miles
Now home to the highest distillery in England the cat and fiddle has a sobering reputation.