Autumn is a fantastic time of year in the Forest of Bowland and this year's Festival Bowland events programme has a great opportunity for countryside lovers who relish getting outside, but who might have restricted mobility.
On Saturday 30th September the Forest of Bowland National Landscape will be running a series of Tramper taster sessions along the recently opened Churn Clough Easy Access Trail in Sabden.
Trampers are specially designed, all-terrain, four-wheel drive electric buggies, which can be used on country tracks, mud and grass. Trampers can help people who have difficulty walking, or who may be less mobile, to experience the countryside alongside friends and family on suitable routes.
The stile-free trail is just over 2 ½ miles long and has been graded as Disabled Ramblers category 2 – moderate. This circular walk climbs gradually from the village of Sabden to the edge of Churn Clough reservoir before looping back to the start. The route offers plenty of opportunity to take in views of famous Pendle Hill and even, on a clear day, Darwen Tower away to the south-west.
Sessions are available at 10am, 12 noon and 2pm and will last around one and half hours. Although there are no toilets along the route, facilities are available in Sabden village.
Early booking is recommended as Tramper numbers are limited.
First time Tramper-users will be given a full induction before each guided session and we ask that a walking companion accompanies any visitors wishing to use a Tramper. (Additional family and friends are very welcome and any under 18s must be accompanied by an adult.)
The event is free but donations towards the upkeep of the Trampers are welcome on the day.
There is a minimum age for Tramper use. Please enquire on booking.
For more information, and to book a place, please email sandra.silk@lancashire.gov.uk or phone Sandra on 07973 923142.
(To find out more about the Tramper which is available to hire in Sabden, please see this link Sabden Tramper | Forest of Bowland National Landscape)