Imagine trekking along quiet tracks, cutting through the heart of some of most remote and beautiful parts of Bowland. Skirting picturesque farms and villages with a sense of stepping back in time to a forgotten part of the English countryside; and no better way to do it than by horse back.

Horse riding is growing in popularity and although there are currently no trekking centres within the AONB, there are opportunities to ride your own horse along a network of country lanes and bridleways.

We actively encourage the use of public transport in the Forest of Bowland AONB, for more detailed information visit our Travel Information page. You can use the North West Journey Planner to plan getting to the start of your route by public transport, each route provides you with details of the nearest bus stop or train station, so you can easily plot your journey.

All horse riding routes

It is strongly advised that you refer to the page on safety information before going horse riding. This page highlights safety information and the Countryside Code and also provides further information about sustainable tourism and how you can make your contribution towards keeping the Forest of Bowland special!

Horse Riding

North Lancashire Bridleway - The first phase of this ambitious project to develop a circular bridleway in Bowland is complete, offering 47km of bridleway that cuts through the heart of the Forest of Bowland AONB. The majority of accommodation available on the route is provided by working farms, with many offering livery for horses. The route travels from Halton on Lune near Lancaster before wending its way up the Roeburndale Valley over to Slaidburn and the Hodder Valley on the old Salter Fell Road, skirting Dunsop Bridge and Whitewell and finally on to Chipping.

North Lancashire Bridleway leaflet - There is a comprehensive leaflet that includes a map of the route and a list of accommodation providers, to obtain a copy call 01772 534709. or you can download it from the link below.

• North Lancashire Bridleway Leaflet in PDF format (2,543kb)

Horse Riding

North Lancashire Bridleway - The first phase of this ambitious project to develop a circular bridleway in Bowland is complete, offering 47km of bridleway that cuts through the heart of the Forest of Bowland AONB. The majority of accommodation available on the route is provided by working farms, with many offering livery for horses. The route travels from Halton on Lune near Lancaster before wending its way up the Roeburndale Valley over to Slaidburn and the Hodder Valley on the old Salter Fell Road, skirting Dunsop Bridge and Whitewell and finally on to Chipping.

Future developments

Work on developing the second phase of the North Lancashire Bridleway is currently underway, and includes the creation of further local networks linked to the overall long distance route.

North Lancashire Bridleway leaflet - There is a comprehensive leaflet that includes a map of the route and a list of accommodation providers, to obtain a copy call 01772 534709, or you can download it from the link below.
North Lancashire Bridleway Leaflet in PDF format (2,543kb)

Riding Schools

Broomhill Equestrian, Grindleton – Tel: 01200 440462 or visit the
Broomhill Equestrian website (www.broomhillequestrian.co.uk)

Greenhall Farm, Tatham - Tel: 01524 261594 or visit the
Greenhall Farm website (www.greenhallridingcentre.co.uk)