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.

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 Tolkien Trail

A journey on foot through ‘The Shire’ in the footsteps of J R R Tolkien, who is believed to have written part of the Lord of the Rings while staying at nearby Stonyhurst College

The Tolkien Trail is one of the most popular short walks in Lancashire – and is consequently a busy route all year round. The walk follows the course of the River Ribble and also explores the woodland tracks and passes the imposing façade of Stonyhurst College.

J R R Tolkien is thought to have written significant portions of the Lord of the Rings while staying at Stonyhurst, while his son John studied for the priesthood at the college.

This pleasant 11km/7-mile circular walking route takes a deep dive into the rolling pastureland, intimate woodlands and rivers that inspired the landscapes of ‘The Shire’ in Tolkien’s best-known work – the iconic Lord of the Rings.

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.