Dunsop Head, Whitendale, Hard Hill Top & Croasdale Fell
“I can’t believe I forgot my coat!”
Summary
The Forest of Bowland is situated in the North East of Lancashire and has been known as an area of outstanding beauty. I have visited the area multiple times on my bike and a few small walks, but I wanted to really explore the area and see what it had to offer.
An 11 mile hike should do the trick I think? No problem!
The Hike
As we parked up on Back Road near Slaidburn, where the hike began, we tied our boots, put our packs on and I noticed I had forgotten one essential item, MY COAT! “I can’t believe I forgot my coat!” Luckily I was wearing my body warmer.
Slightly annoyed at myself, we persevered and began walking on Back Road that soon veered off onto the fells. This is when climbing began to Wisket Hill and Dunsop Head with vast views of the unfolding rolling terrain and swooping valleys;the winds were light and all we could hear was the odd grouse fly past into bleak exposed moorland. Once we reached the top of Wisket Hill, the terrain was fairly steady to Dunsop Head that followed really good fell top paths. The terrain quickly changes to boggy peat which was quite tricky in places, however, the reward of descending into Whitendale was breathtakingly beautiful, and with fells of Middle Knoll and Blue Scar in sight surrounding the area we both stood in admiration of the colourful landscape that lay ahead of us.
Onwards, follows a narrow path nestled in-between the valley floor along the tranquil Whitendale River. However, the terrain wasn’t as forgiving as there were numerous treacherous patches that we had to manoeuvre around, before climbing to Hard Hill Top, where the 3-mile Roman road joined. Descending on the gentle Roman road was a lovely way to end the day, meandering down the valley to the remainder of our hike over a series of fields as the sun was setting.
A hike not to be missed if ever exploring the fells & valleys of Bowland.
