Towns and Villages

Nothing much is known of the history of Abbeystead before the Norman Conquest, except that it was occupied from at least the middle of the prehistoric period. The name is derived from "The site of the Abbey" and relates to the short-lived presence of a house of Cistercian monks in the reign of Henry II.

Barley, or Barleegh as it used to be known, is the most popular place from which to climb Pendle Hill. The village has a large car park, picnic site and information centre to cater for the many walkers who visit.

Bashall Eaves stands on the banks of the river Hodder in the parish of Mitton.

Bolton-by-Bowland is a tranquil and charming little village, with two village greens. The smaller green contains the remains of a 13th Century stone cross and old stocks.

The rural settlement of Brock lies at the northern end of the historic parish of Myerscough and Bilsborrow.

Calder Vale, despite its remote and beautiful setting is very much a working village and you can still hear the clatter of the weaving looms when the mill is working.

Caton lies amidst woodland and farmland in the beautiful Lune Valley.

Chatburn takes its name from St Chad, an Anglo Saxon saint. Built between two ridges at the foot of Pendle Hill and near to the river Ribble.

Chipping is a picturesque village on the slopes above the River Loud.

Nestling under the bulk of Pendle Hill this is one of the loveliest villages in Lancashire, quiet and unspoiled, with a gurgling brook running past the village green and stone-built cottages.

Dunsop Bridge is the entrance to the famous Trough of Bowland. Lovely winding paths from here through the moors to Lancaster are popular with thousands of fell walkers.

The little church at Eldroth was built around 1627 as a chapel and school house, The chief point of interest amongst the scattered farmhouses that go to make up Lawkland is the hall.

Grindleton is situated on a terrace above the River Ribble with superb views of Pendle Hill. It is a Saxon planned village climbing linearly up the fell, parallel to Grindleton Brook.

The Lune Valley was at one time a major route through to Scotland and the North East. It retained a strong coaching trade throughout the 18th century.

The beautiful and idyllic village of Hurst Green is situated in the heart of the Ribble Valley. The village is reputed to be haunted by the Highwayman Ned King, who is thought to be the ghostly figure seen riding through the village late at night.

This small village on the A65 and the river Aire lies between Bowland and the Yorkshire Dales.

Newchurch clings to the southern slopes of Pendle Hill. The village is famous for St Mary's church and its curious 'eye of God' on the tower which watches over the village.

The journey to this attractive spot over Waddington Fell provides views of breathtaking beauty

Roughlee is probably best known for its links to the Pendle Witches story, and its proximity to Pendle Hill.

Sabden was a farming valley from the 13th century onwards, and you can still see the remains of 'vaccary walls' from this time in some areas.

Sawley village grew up around the ruined Sawley Abbey, on the banks of the river Ribble. Its name refers to 'the damp spot where the willows grow'. The Abbey was founded by William Percy II in 1147.

Scorton village in the parish of Nether Wyresdale, along the road from Garstang, developed around the cotton mill and railway in the nineteenth century.

Slaidburn is a picturesque grey stone village set on the banks of the Hodder in the moorland region of the Forest of Bowland National Landscape.

Tosside's origins go back to the dark ages when Britain was invaded by the Vikings. It's name comes from two old Scandinavian words - 'Tod' meaning fox and 'saetr' meaning high summer pasture.

The village gets its name from Wadda, an Anglo Saxon chief, it is home to a babbling brook and the beautiful Coronation Gardens.

The narrow bridge over the River Wenning marks the boundary of the old Norman Lordship of Lonsdale. Wennington Hall dates originally from the 14th century.

Wigglesworth lies just outside the boundary of the National Landscape, but is on an important route linking Settle to the eastern part of Bowland.

At one time Wray was a local textile centre with silk mills, tanners and coopers, clog and basket makers, taking advantage of the fast flowing waters of the Roeburn and Wenning.