Fair Snape Fell

• Includes the best mile in Lancashire
• Bleak moorland in the winter
• Gliders often fly off Parlick

The mile between the western summit of Fair Snape Fell and Parlick is the best mile of walking in the Forest of Bowland. The track is excellent, the views south and west far reaching and when I was up there last week the hang gliders and traditional gliders were decorating the skies with their bright colours. Sadly I saw little wildlife, which is unusual as this is a relatively new and large area of Open Access land which should be encouraging more native species of bird and beast. The challenge on this walk though is how to showcase this special mile but enjoy the remainder without it seeming too much like a secondary act. The first time I visited Fair Snape Fell I simply climbed Parlick, walked up and back but I felt I wasmissing something. This time I included the round of Saddle Fell, the well named Wolf Fell before reaching the ‘real’ summit of Fair Snape Fell. The climb up Saddle Fell is on an excellent bridleway whilst the crossing to Fair Snape is rather a peat hopping challenge which adds sufficient interest to the walk; however it is still an aperitif to the main course which is truly something to savour,

Recommend: Visit the large cairn and O/S pillar which is marked Fair Snape Fell to the west of the plateau but it is not the highest point. This lies 1/2 a mile to the north east.

Download GPX file

© Crown copyright 2010 Ordnance Survey. Image produced from the Ordnance Survey Get-a-map service. Image reproduced with kind permission of Ordnance Survey and Ordnance Survey of Northern Ireland.

OS Map:	O/S 1.25,000. OL41 Forest of Bowland & Ribblesdale
Start Point:	601442. Parking is available roadside on the lane leading to Parlick. There is a footpath opposite leading through Wolfen Hall and this is the best route by leaving the 'the finest mile' to the end of the walk.
Terrain:	Bog and peat hags from Saddle Fell to Fair Snape Fell, otherwise good
Eating & Drinking:	Chipping is a lovely village, off the beaten track adds to its appeal. The Sun Inn boasts the most active ghost in Lancashire!
Similar Walks Nearby:	Longridge Fell The Trough of Bowland Fells above Slaidburn
Places to Stay:	Inn at Whitewell, Dunsop Bridge