Travel Information

The beauty of Bowland is that it can be remote and isolated, but this means that it is not always well served by public transport. In some parts it is more suited to visitors wishing to explore at a more leisurely pace by bike or on foot or horseback.

Bus Services

Regular services are provided to the following areas:

The B10 Bowland Transit route serves the beautiful Hodder Valley, via Whitewell, Dunsop Bridge, Newton and Slaidburn. On Sundays the Pendle Witch Hopper (70/71) goes to Pendleton or Barley for the ascent of Pendle Hill and weekdays Barley is accessible from Nelson using the Pendle Wayfarer (P1).

To the west of the AONB lies the market town of Garstang, easily reached by the half hourly bus 40 between Preston and Lancaster. There is also the Garstang Super 8 minibus to the fascinating, former industrial village of Calder Vale.

In the Lune Valley, the excellent Lune Villager (80/81) service provides superb local connections, seven days a week, running into the late evening, from Lancaster to Caton and Hornby, with some services going through to Wray and Wennington and a more limited service to Bentham and Ingleton in North Yorkshire.

More information can be found on the Countrygoer website.

For general information on travel and a journey planner visit the North West Journey Planner or the Transport for Lancashire website.

Bowland by Bus

A new leaflet 'Bowland by Bus' is now available which has been created by The Dales & Bowland Community Interest Company and is supported by Forest of Bowland AONB. The leaflet highlights special places to visit and walks exploring the Hodder & Ribble Valleys in the south eastern part of Bowland, using public transport.

Bowland by Bus 2008 leaflet in PDF format (1.92mb)

Further Information

How to get to the area

By Air

The nearest major airport is Manchester Airport. Other airports nearby include Blackpool Airport and Liverpool John Lennon Airport.

By Train

Clitheroe Interchange is the most central rail station for Bowland. Others include Giggleswick, Clapham, Bentham, Wennington, Settle, Blackburn, Burnley, Preston and Lancaster. Go to the official National Rail Enquiries for your journey details.

By Coach or Bus

National coach information can be found at National Express. Alternatively try the Lancashire Travelwise web site.

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