Rewarding Country Walks

Alternative Adventure and Outdoor Activities Service

We deliver professionally run outdoor education and outdoor pursuits activities for the widest possible range of groups. Venues used are around the Lancashire, Merseyside and Greater Manchester area. This includes corporate events, management groups, Over 50’s clubs, hen parties, stag parties, adult and junior birthday parties, fun days for family groups, primary schools, junior schools and secondary schools, pupil referral units, special needs organisations, further education and sixth form colleges and youth groups.

Our activities include Rock Climbing, Forest Schools, Open Canoeing, Orienteering, Abseiling, Archery, Gorge Walking, Caving, Mobile Climbing Walls, Problem Solving Exercises, Mountain Biking, Sea Cliff Traversing, Team Building Exercises, Kayak Canoeing, Mountain Walks, Winter Skills, Navigation, Raft Building and more.

We deliver qualification courses from a number of National Governing Bodies.

Cobden View self catering cottage

Cobden View cottage is set in its own grounds with glorious panoramic views of Sabden valley and Pendle Hill in the Forest of Bowland. Through its windows, you can also see sheep and cattle (plus some hens and geese) that graze the hillside fields at Cobden Farm. The well-equipped cottage, with two bedrooms, can sleep up to five people and a baby. There’s a spacious lounge with a log burner, a dining kitchen with plenty of room, a shared four-piece bathroom and a utility room. All have lots of extras aimed at making your stay special.

Well-behaved dogs are more than welcome. The private rear garden has decking area ideally sited for al fresco meals, or just relaxing and enjoying the wonderful scenery. On clear nights, it’s perfect for Dark Skies gazing.

Walk from the door of Cobden View onto public footpaths close by that link with others criss-crossing Sabden valley. The cottage is a mile from Sabden with its two shops, including a Post Office; Sanwitches cafe in the former mill; a beauty salon Ella-Mia; and two pubs. For children, there’s a lovely play park and grass play area next to Sabden Brook where they can paddle. A Sabden Treasure Trail leaflet, produced by the Pendle Hill Landscape project, is a great way to discover the village.

Location-wise, the cottage is not far from Blackpool, Lytham St Annes and Southport seasides (less than an hour’s drive), the Yorkshire Dales and West Pennine Moors (an hour); M65 (10-15 mins); A59 (10 mins).

Falcon Manor

In the heart of historic Settle, Falcon Manor is a glamorous restaurant, hotel and wedding venue that combines classic sophistication with contemporary chic.

Our 16 boutique bedrooms are furnished to the highest standards with traditional touches and sumptuous styling, each and every room at Falcon Manor has a unique personality. From the gorgeously decadent Rafters Suite to our simply sublime doubles and twins, you’ll find it easy to relax in a Falcon Manor room. With goose down duvets, feather-soft pillows and the finest cotton sheets, you’re guaranteed to sleep soundly. And when it comes to food our philosophy is simple. To take the freshest ingredients, prepare them with care and respect and create stunning dishes, packed full of flavour.

Located as we are on the edge of the National Landscape we are ideally located for walking, cycling and mountain biking, all of which are wonderful ways of exploring the local countryside. Discover hidden places using the many routes and trails that criss-cross the area. From a gentle stroll along the banks of the River Ribble to the challenge of the 24 mile Three Peaks walk and everything in between.

Shireburn Arms

Located in the picturesque village of Hurst Green, The Shireburn Arms is a 17th Century hostelry offering stunning views, beautiful accommodation and locally produced food. Original architectural features cosy, up to date contemporary fittings and fabrics to create a unique yet homely feel.

You’ll find a relaxed, informal atmosphere in which to enjoy beautifully prepared food. Open fireplaces and cosy corners. A meal at The Shireburn Arms is both comfortingly familiar and yet still a wonderfully special experience.

Our head chef has crafted a menu that pays homage to the region’s produce, as well as his talents, and features local specialities using the freshest ingredients. And, of course, you’ll be wanting something to drink. Our wine list has something to suit every palate and with a well stocked bar featuring a selection of the finest local ales, we’ll make sure you don’t go thirsty.

Dining both inside and outside on our beautiful south-facing terrace & gardens.

Smelt Mill Outdoor Centre

Smelt Mill provides accommodation for groups in the heart of the Forest of Bowland National Landscape. It is ideally located for outdoor activities such as walking, mountain biking and bird watching.

• Rooms – 5 x 2 beds, 3 x 4 beds and 1 x 6 beds
• Full central heating
• Lounge with log fire
• Professionally equipped kitchen
• A multi-purpose room for activities and dining
• Showers and changing rooms
• Drying room
• Multi-media presentation equipment and satellite TV
• Indoor climbing wall
• Garden area suitable for activities, games BBQ etc
• Camping with toilet and shower area
• Guest WiFi
• Limited Off-road car parking

The Assheton Arms

The Assheton Arms is perched on a hill looking over the picture postcard village of Downham in Lancashire’s beautiful Forest of Bowland. This renowned country inn is open all day every day during the summer months for drinks, light snacks, fine dining and elegant accommodation.

Expect a warm welcome from the friendly staff at this much-loved local institution which has all the features you’d expect from a traditional country inn: flagstone floors, exposed beams, cosy nooks and crannies hearty food and well-kept cask ales.

The extensive menu caters to all tastes – from sandwiches and light snacks to fine dining featuring the very best local Lancashire produce.

The views from the sunny, south-facing terrace across the rooftops of Downham across the verdant pastureland to the imposing outline of Pendle – the most iconic hill in Lancashire. A short, but challenging walk takes you to the summit of this famous hill in around 90 minutes.

And for those who find themselves wanting to linger longer, ‘The Ash’ has 12 elegant and individually styled bedrooms – perfect for an indulgent short break or impromptu night away.

The Coach and Horses

The Coach and Horses is a traditional country inn set in the idyllic village of Bolton by Bowland in the heart of the Ribble Valley.

Recently restored to its original glory, this Grade II listed building includes a cosy bar and elegant restaurant plus an onsite micro brewery.

Let our chef take your taste buds on a journey with new and exciting dishes served alongside pub classics done right. The menu is varied, using ingredients of the season, locally sourced where possible.

We have seven beautifully created bedrooms, each bedroom is unique, decorated in a style befitting a traditional coaching inn.

The Coach and Horses country inn is ideally located for exploring the Forest of Bowland, Pendle Hill and Gisburn Forest, with miles of public footpaths on its doorstep.

The Garden Cottage

Safely nestled in the garden of Fairhurst Cottage, The Garden Cottage offers home from home comfort with all you would need to enjoy a getaway holiday with your pets. Appreciate the peace and quiet, enjoy the garden, listen to the wildlife, look up to the Beacon Fells, relax and reset!

The Spread Eagle Inn

A welcoming riverside inn beside the River Ribble in the village of Sawley, the Spread Eagle is the ideal spot for everything from a quick pint to an indulgent three-course meal.

The location is gorgeous and there are a handful of tables right beside the river overlooking the bridge.

Comfortable accommodation also available. Open all day. Booking recommended.

The Traddock

A luxury country house hotel in the pretty village of Austwick on the border between the Forest of Bowland and the Yorkshire Dales National Park.

The Traddock Hotel is a small country house hotel in the village of Austwick on the edge of the Forest of Bowland and the Yorkshire Dales National Park. The hotel offers award winning 5 star comfort and service with top quality cooking, warm hospitality and a relaxing and homely place to rest and recharge. Offering 14 luxurious rooms or suites, all individually decorated in a comfortable and homely style, with modern bathrooms, most with roll-top baths.

Local producers are key to the menus in the three AA Rosette restaurant where head chef Ryan Shilton and the team offer both a brasserie menu and an 11-course tasting menu at supper. As well as two dining rooms, there are a trio of lounges for afternoon tea, a bar and a glorious walled garden to relax in.

The owners strongly believe in minimising their impact on the environment and have ethical and recycling policies that reduce our impact and help the local community, winning Green Tourism Gold Accreditation.

Wild Bowland Walks

Guided Walks in the Forest of Bowland National Landscape

Quieter than the Yorkshire Dales, less commercialised than the Peak District and more compact than the Lake District, the Forest of Bowland is an oasis of tranquility where you’ll find room to breathe and space to think.

Just over an hour from Manchester and Leeds, the Forest of Bowland National Landscape is one of England’s last expanses of undiscovered upland landscape.

We run guided walks throughout the year, specialising in small family and friends’ groups who want to enjoy the views and the landscape without worrying about navigation in unfamiliar terrain. We can cater for all abilities, but we specialise in taking visitors into the heart of the Forest of Bowland on paths less travelled – heading off piste into access land to reach the hidden gems.

Along the way, we’ll show you the remarkable wildlife that makes its home in the Forest – including roe deer, brown hares, upland waders, merlin, peregrine and, of course, the iconic hen harrier – symbol of the area.

We have more than a decade’s experience in upland walking across the UK and for the last five years we have focused on the Forest of Bowland, where we are based. We have extensive experience of guiding small groups in the Forest of Bowland and across the northwest.

Principal guide Mark Sutcliffe is author of the Cicerone Guide to Walking in Lancashire and Short Walks. in the Ribble Valley and a former editor of both Country Walking and Lakeland Walker magazines. He is also a regular contributor to Countryfile magazine.

Drop us a line or give us a call to find out more and discuss your specific needs. We’ll be running a series of scheduled walks during 2025, so keep an eye on our social media channels for updates and booking details. Now booking bespoke walks and short breaks for spring 2024.

Yealand Old School

Yealand Old School is located in the heart of the Arnside and Silverdale National Landscape which offers visitors an extensive range of footpaths and quiet lanes to explore, rich in wildlife and with stunning views across Morecambe Bay as well as towards the Yorkshire Dales and Lake District National Parks and The Forest of Bowland.

Recent redesign and refurbishment has created versatile self-catering accommodation suitable for groups, individuals and families.