• A forested hill of merit
• Good views over the Forest of Bowland
• Choice of paths & tracks

Similar to Pendle Hill, Longridge Fell dominates the local area. Unlike Pendle though its flanks are covered in forestry and, as a result, offer a very different experience. Fortunately the summit peeps up above the forestry and affords some excellent views to the west, in particular towards Fair Snape Fell and the Trough of Bowland. There is access on the non-forested northern slopes but they are grim and I certainly cannot recommend any of them; steep, muddy and uninteresting. This is due to the geological phenomena known as a cuesta ridge where one side of the hill is steep (the edge) whilst the other is less so – basically an escarpment in my terms! The forestry routes from the south add a certain interest to the hill even if, like me, you prefer the openness and views of a treeless ascent. The forest is not over bearing like some with deciduous woodland being planted to break up the dark coniferous trees which are such a feature of this walk.

Recommend: Easy access makes this a popular walk from the Lancashire ‘mill’ towns of Burnley, Blackburn, Wigan & Bolton.

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:	663397. An element of guess work as it is just off the OL41 map but it is where the forest road joins the main road. Aim straight up the track to start.
Terrain:	I found the forest road in good condition but a bit dull whilst the paths were muddy but much more fun.
Eating & Drinking:	The Shireburn Arms at Hurst Green is worthy of a visit particularly if, like me, you are a fan of JRR Tolkein. He worked at the nearby Stonyhurst College and drew much of his inspiration from the area.