Michelle & Angela at Gisburn Forest Hub © Mark Sutcliffe
Discover Bowland Itineraries
Easy Access at Gisburn Forest Get out and about on a Tramper at Gisburn Forest a specially designed off-road electric buggy which can be used on rough ground, mud and grass.
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he Champion Bowland Tramper is hosted at the Gisburn Forest Hub café by owners Angela and Michelle. ‘Trampers provide fantastic opportunities for those who struggle walking distances or hills, or who have limited mobility, and it provides opportunities for the whole family to venture out’ says Angela. ‘There is an easy access trail (suitable for Trampers) directly from the café - a wonderful 5 mile route which links to the Birch Hills trail at Stocks Reservoir car park. From here you have great views across the reservoir and can really immerse yourself in
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The Trampers are marvelous for disabled persons. They allow me to enjoy the deep countryside once again, which I thought had been denied to me 10
www.forestofbowland.com
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the tranquillity of our beautiful woodlands here at Gisburn Forest.’ says Michelle. ‘We receive some fantastic feedback from users: ‘ There is no set fee to hire the Tramper, but we kindly ask for a donation to contribute towards the insurance and maintenance of the vehicle through Champion Bowland - a charity which works to enhance the outstanding landscape of the Forest of Bowland AONB. Please be aware that all Tramper users must be accompanied by one other person and one of you must be in possession of a working mobile phone.
To book the Tramper and to arrange an induction please contact Gisburn Forest Hub café on
01200 446387
Over the next few pages you will discover for yourself what makes Bowland so distinctive. Explore the western side of the AONB through our Discover Bowland Itineraries - uncovering two special areas.
From the heather-clad moorlands and peat bogs, to the deeply incised wooded valleys and picturesque villages, all these make up the unique look and feel of our beautiful Bowland. These characteristics are part of a Sense of Place - elements that make that place special: l A Place to Enjoy and Keep Special Highlighting the importance of the area for people’s livelihoods and enjoyment with its value as a unique and protected landscape. l Delicious Local Food and Drink Without food production our countryside would look very different! There are many excellent eateries across the area to sample the best, local and seasonal produce. l A Landscape Rich in Heritage During the medieval period the royal hunting forests were established - the title ‘forest’ refers to hunting rights, and not to a large expanse of woodland, as we interpret it today.
l Wild Open Spaces The fells are covered with peat, blanket bog, acid grassland and heather moor. The highest point is at Wards Stone (560m) - almost a mountain!
l A Living Landscape The landscape has been formed out a of close relationship between people and nature and we all have a part to play in planning for a sustainable future.
l A Special Place for Wildlife The moors in particular are an important breeding ground for upland birds. There are also notable wildflower meadows, woodlands and geological features.
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