New Sustainable Tourism Itineraries Make it Easier to Explore the Forest of Bowland by Rail and Bus

Two new short break itineraries have been created to inspire visitors to explore the Forest of Bowland National Landscape by public transport.

Commissioned by Community Rail Lancashire and launched during Community Rail Week, the new itineraries connect Clitheroe and Whalley rail stations with local bus services and active travel routes – encouraging visitors to explore the area on foot, by bike or using public transport.

Eco Escapes poster - Clitheroe Train Station

Bowland Tracks to Trails and a Shortened Three-Day version of the Ribble Valley Jubilee Walking Trail can be downloaded free from the Eco Escapes website. Highlights of the two new itineraries include The Tolkien Trail, the Ribble Valley Jubilee Trail, Stonyhurst Museum and Whalley Abbey.

Bus connections – such as the new Route 11 – allow walkers to explore circular and linear walks along the Hodder Valley, including Slaidburn, Dunsop Bridge, Whitewell & Wigglesworth (from Clitheroe) and Pendle Hill, Hurst Green and Chipping.

The new itineraries were funded by the Community Rail Network and a grant from the DfT Community Rail Development Fund. They include fully mapped walking and cycling routes which connect direct with bus and rail services in the Forest of Bowland. The itineraries can be downloaded as pdfs from the Eco Escapes website or followed using GPS apps on smartphones.

There are now 16 itineraries hosted on the Eco Escapes site, alongside an interactive sustainable travel map, details of visitor attractions, accommodation, walks, rides and wildlife.

Hetty Byrne, Sustainable Tourism Officer, Forest of Bowland National Landscape said:

“For nearly 20 years, we've focused on developing sustainable tourism here in the Forest of Bowland, emphasising the connections between nature, society and culture, while ensuring financial benefits stay within the local community.

Eco Escapes poster - Whalley Train Station

“The Eco Escapes initiative has played a crucial role in bringing this vision to life, making the Forest of Bowland National Landscape an inspiring place for those looking for eco-friendly holidays in this beautiful area, as well as highlighting car-free options for people living locally.

“We're delighted to have been able to partner with Community Rail Lancashire to add to the Eco Escapes offer from the Clitheroe Line into the heart of Bowland.”

Chairman of Community Rail Lancashire Richard Watts said:

"Community Rail Lancashire (CRL) and the Clitheroe Line Community Rail Partnership (CLCRP) have been delighted to work with the Forest of Bowland National Landscape to develop two new EcoEscapes itineraries based on Clitheroe Interchange and Whalley stations. The project aims to encourage more people to visit and explore this lovely area by public transport as well as on foot and bike on arrival.

“We are delighted it has been possible to launch this project during Community Rail Week and the year-long Railway 200 celebration which is looking at the past, present and future of the railways. This project is very much about the future of the railway and encouraging greater use of this more sustainable form of transport to enable access to some of the best countryside the UK has to offer."

Mike Cliffe, Chair of the Clitheroe Line Community Rail Partnership said:

"These itineraries are designed to bring a wide range of destinations and activities closer to the railway. Visitors can combine rail travel on the Clitheroe Line with local bus services, footpaths and cycleways to create their own unique days out in the Forest of Bowland National Landscape and the Ribble Valley. I hope that the project will increase awareness and take-up of sustainable travel opportunities in this great part of Lancashire."