Longridge Fell
D040- 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 north & 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 with some deciduous woodland being planted to break up the dark coniferous forest.
Recommend: Easy access makes this a popular walk from the Lancashire ‘mill’ towns of Burnley, Blackburn, Wigan & Bolton.


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OS Map: | O/S 1.25,000. OL41 Forest of Bowland & Ribblesdale.Buy Map |
Start Point: | SD 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. |
Height to Climb: | 144ms (472 feet) |
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. |
Similar Walks Nearby: | In the Footsteps of Tolkein Fair Snape Fell Witches of Pendle…fell |
Places to Stay: |
Did this today. Good walk for a couple of hours, not too strenuous, very quiet, nice views, good paths but can get muddy so be warned!