Trough of Bowland

• Best of the Forest of Bowland
• Plenty of wildlife to spot
• Enjoy the village of Dunsop Bridge

Heading north from Dunsop Bridge brought me in to the heart of the Forest of Bowland. An ex work colleague once wrote a piece about a walk up the River Dunsop where she described the multitude of birds which frequent the valley so I combined this with one of my favourite drives, the sharp v which occupies the Trough of Bowland. The tarmac road north up the River Dunsop was pleasant enough(only used by the odd farmer and United Utilities) but I was stopped from circling remote Middle Knoll by the warden who said that a Tawney Eagle was nesting up the valley so could not be disturbed. This is unusual but buzzards and oyster catchers are less so. It is certainly a wonderfully peaceful spot and well worth a visit. From Brenand Farm there is a steep climb over the slopes of Whin Fell in to the Trough itself which presented some lovely views in a genuinally wild and remote setting. From the Trough it is an easy walk back along the road but there are many detours worth taking including a lovely riverside stretch from the parking area at Lngden Brook. To me Dunsop Bridge is the best place to be based for a walking holiday; the village is lovely, the setting peaceful and the walks of the highest quality.

Recommend: I have not been round Middle Knoll – it would add 1 mile but I suspect worth it.

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© 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:	1/25,000. OL41 Forest of Bowland & Ribblesdale
Start Point:	660551. Head up the track before crossing the bridge and head up the Dunsop Valley
Terrain:	There are good and clear paths throughout. However much of the walk is on tarmac so I avoided this on the return by taking the riverside track from Langdon and cutting the final corner to Closes Barn
Eating & Drinking:	The Puddleducks Post Office and tea shop is lovely with interesting nic nacs and home made cakes.
Similar Walks Nearby:	Fells above Slaidburn A Round of Birkett Fell A Circuit of Stocks Reservoir
Places to Stay:	Inn at Whitewell, Dunsop Bridge