Forest of Bowland AONB

  The Forest of Bowland is an area of gritstone fells situated mainly in Lancashire. A western spur
   of the Pennines it was designated an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty in 1964. Prior to the 1974
   county boundary changes much of the Forest of Bowland lay in the West Riding of Yorkshire and
   was once called the "Switzerland of England". Also included in the AONB is the Forest of Pendle
   and Pendle Hill, home to the imfamous Lancashire Witches.
   Much of the Forest of Bowland is barren moorland except for Gisburn Forest which is heavily
   wooded. The Trough of Bowland which forms the centerpiece is a valley between Lancaster and
   Dunsop Bridge. Copper mining took place here at one time.
   The Duchy of Lancashire covers and manages much of the Forest of Bowland and includes
   Whitewell and it's Inn, one of the finest in England.
   Caving opportunities are limited here but there are a few small caves which can be visited
   including Whitewell Cave and Pot and Hell Hole which lives up to it's name!
   Beacon Fell is at the most westerley point of the Forest and the Bowland Visitor Centre can be
   found here from which views across Lancashire, the Fylde and the nearby Fells can be enjoyed.
   On a good day it is possible to see into north Wales as far as the Great Orme near Llandudno.
   Gisburn Forest is popular with cyclists and there is a fly fishery at Stocks Reservoir. Bowland
Wild Boar Park is well worth a visit as is Sawley Abbey.