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Discover the Accessible Hubs of Access the Dales in the Forest of Bowland National Landscape.
- accessthedales
- 9 hours ago
- 4 min read
Where is the Forest of Bowland?
The Forest of Bowland lies in the north-west of England—predominantly in north-east Lancashire, with a smaller portion extending into North Yorkshire. It covers approximately 803 km² (312 sq miles) of largely rural terrain.
The landscape is dominated by upland gritstone fells and heather-covered peat moorland, with steep valleys (known locally as “cloughs”) leading down to green lowland pastures and wooded river valleys. Historically the term “forest” in this context refers more to a royal hunting ground than to dense woodland.
For those seeking accessible outdoor adventure and inclusive experiences, the Forest of Bowland offers a quieter alternative to some of England’s more-famous national parks, while boasting wild scenery, rich wildlife and a strong sense of “off-the-beaten-track”.
Why Access the Dales Hubs Matters
Access the Dales is a charity focused on making the countryside accessible to people of all mobility levels. Within the Forest of Bowland region, we have established several “hubs” where mobility scooters are available to borrow, with easy-to-reach parking and toilets, guided experiences and inclusive settings. These hubs provide opportunities to explore significant landscapes.
Below, we explore six of their hubs within the Forest of Bowland region, each with its own character and accessibility features.
Gisburn Forest Hub
Situated at Stephen Park, Dale Head near Clitheroe (Grid Ref SD745560) in Lancashire.
Highlights:
Two TGA Breeze mobility scooters are available for borrowing, enabling visitors with mobility challenges to explore the woodland paths.
Accessible toilets are located in the car park, making the hub a practical and inclusive space.
Why visit: The forest setting offers a serene and welcoming environment, with accessible infrastructure that allows you to enjoy woodland trails without the stress of steep climbs or rough terrain.
Keasden Head Farm
Located near Clapham, North Yorkshire (LA2 8EZ).
Highlights:
The hub covers 322 acres of upland farm comprising hay meadows, grazing pastures, heather moorland and a wooded river valley.
An all-terrain “Tramper” vehicle is available to borrow, making the varied terrain accessible.
Note: The route crosses a shallow ford — walkers should be prepared with waterproof boots.
Why visit: A farm and rural moorland experience in one — ideal for visitors who want to feel immersed in Bowland’s upland character but still enjoy accessible mobility.
New Laund Farm Hub
At Little Bowland Road, Whitewell, Clitheroe (BB7 3BN).
Highlights:
Availability of the TerrainHopper mobility device for visitors with limited mobility.
Guided walks offered for all ages and abilities — great if you’d like some company and interpretation of the landscape.
Set in a beautiful landscape of rolling hills and lush valleys — perfect for a slower-paced exploration of Bowland.
Why visit: If you are keen to explore Bowland’s broader terrain, perhaps with assistance or in a group, this hub offers both the scenery and the support you may need.
Wood End Farm Hub
Wood End Farm is a traditional hill farm located in Dunsop Bridge, right in the heart of the Forest of Bowland National Landscape, where the family has lived and worked since the early 1900s. The farm is home to beef cattle and sheep, and has diversified to include a friendly herd of alpacas, offering “meet & greet” walks and accessible experiences — complete with a free all-terrain Tramper scooter for visitors with limited mobility. With its focus on sustainable agriculture, traditional hedgerows, and dry-stone walls, Wood End Farm beautifully blends working farm life with inclusive tourism in the Lancashire countryside.
Highlights & Why visit: This farm-style hub blends accessible countryside exploration with a working farm environment. If you enjoy the idea of being in a rural agricultural setting — perhaps meeting animals, meandering through pastures or low hills — this could be a very accessible option to enjoy Bowland. Take a walk up to the Queen's View - a favourite spot of our late Queen Elizabeth II.
Whinney Hill Hub
The British Thoroughbred Retraining Centre (BTRC) at Whinney Hill Farm near Lancaster spans 180 acres of countryside with sweeping views over the Lune Valley. It is a charitable organisation dedicated to the welfare, retraining and rehoming of retired racehorses, while also offering inclusive access facilities, including a Terrain Hopper all-terrain mobility vehicle and wheelchair-accessible amenities, to welcome visitors from all backgrounds.
Cobble Hey Farm
Cobble Hey Farm & Gardens is a working farm-turned-garden near Claughton on Brock in the heart of the Forest of Bowland National Landscape, where a once-simple grazing field has been transformed into a tranquil multi-environment garden featuring woodland walks, ponds, rockeries and a summer-fruit orchard. The farm is committed to sustainability and wildlife conservation, offering pesticide-free gardening, composting, a bird hide accessible via a “Tramper” all-terrain mobility device, and a tearoom serving home-grown, locally-sourced produce. Visitors can enjoy gentle walking routes, rich gardens, and views over the countryside, making it a peaceful and inclusive destination for all.
Planning Your Visit: Tips for Success
Book ahead: The hubs require booking for the mobility scooters.
Check accessibility features: Look for accessible toilets, parking spaces, and surface levels. For example, Gisburn Forest clearly notes accessible toilets.
Choose your terrain carefully: While these hubs are designed for accessibility, terrain will still vary — e.g., Keasden Head includes a ford. Pick a hub aligned with your mobility level.
Enjoy the landscape: Bowland’s charm lies in its relatively quiet, wild feel. From the fells to the valleys, it offers space, nature-rich habitats (moorland birds, blanket bogs) and local heritage.
Be weather-aware: The upland areas of Bowland can be exposed; paths may be wet or uneven. Even ‘accessible’ routes benefit from weather-appropriate gear.
Respect the environment: As a designated National Landscape, Bowland has protected habitats and low-density visitor numbers — stay on paths, follow guidance and enjoy the tranquillity.
Final Thoughts
The Forest of Bowland might not be as high profile as the Lake District or Yorkshire Dales — but that’s part of its charm. It offers wide-open skies, rugged uplands and peaceful countryside with fewer crowds. By providing accessible hubs, Access the Dales opens up this beautiful area to people of all abilities. Pick your hub, book the mobility scooter, and treat yourself to a day of inclusive enjoyment in one of England’s most special landscapes.
