COVERING OVER 300 SQUARE MILES, THE AREA FEATURES ROLLING FELLS, RUGGED MOORLAND AND ANCIENT WOODLAND 09:52, 01 Jun 2025 If you find yourself heading Northbound on the M6 on a Friday night,

there's a good chance your destination is somewhere within the Lake District National Park. Only an hour and a half from some parts of Greater Manchester, it's a go-to destination

for many packing up for the weekend in search of stunning natural landscapes with its mountains, lakes, valleys, and coastlines. This well-trodden beauty spot is an obvious place to head to,

but on the way there's an area that is sometimes overlooked, but also offers outstanding and unspoilt landscape. The Forest of Bowland in North-East Lancashire covers over 300 square

Chadwick, blog author and outdoor enthusiast at Millets said: “In recent years, more people have discovered the benefits of spending time outdoors, with hotspots like Mam Tor and Scafell

Pike growing in popularity. "We have compiled a list of England’s best hidden gems, for those who want to avoid the crowds whilst enjoying the outdoors.” Within the research, the

Tripadvisor rating for each hidden gem in England was shared with the Forest of Bowland scoring a 4.5/5 on the review site. Visitors who have visited the area have praised it for the floral

and fauna, as well as its wildlife and "beautiful natural vistas". Others on the platform said it is great for walks, while it's density of woodland is "staggering".

This designated Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB) covers both rural Lancashire and Yorkshire. From Hurst Green in the South to Wennington in the North, it offers some of the best

options for peaceful walks, riding and cycling in the North of England. The AONB also includes a detached part known as the Forest of Pendle, which is separated from the main part by the

Ribble Valley. One of the best-known features of the area is Pendle Hill, which lies in Pendle Forest. From the pretty stone village of Barley, or Barleegh as it used to be known, which

people have been living in for around 3,000 years, visitors can climb Pendle Hill and once at the summit they're rewarded with amazing views of the Ribble Valley and Forest of Bowland.

The village has a large car park, picnic site and information centre to cater for those who visit, as well as a pub, cafe and busy village hall. Meanwhile, nestled under the bulk of Pendle

Hill, you'll also come across the quiet and unspoilt village of Downham with a brook that runs past the village green and stone cottages. Though it is steeped in history - it's

church tower is an excellent example of 15th century architecture - the village may also be familiar to people who have watched 'Whistle Down the Wind', as the area was used as a

location for filming. More recently the BBC drama Born and Bred was filmed here too. Another spot to bookmark in the area is the picturesque village of Slaidburn on the banks of the Hodder

in the moorland region of the Forest of Bowland. Meanwhile, Chipping, on the slopes above River Loud, is a conservation area with stone-built cottages, a 13th-centrury church and Chipping

Craft Centre, which is said to be a property that has been used as a shop for the longest continuous time in the UK. Elsewhere, the hills on the western side of the Forest of Bowland attract

walkers from Lancaster and the surrounding area, including Clougha Pike, the westernmost hill. To make the most of the nature and wildlife on offer, visitors also make sure to include the

Trough of Bowland, a scenic pass with scenic views; Beacon Fell Country Park, which features walking trails; and Bowland Wild Boar Park, a lovely place to enjoy the countryside and local

wildlife. Other 'hidden gems' listed by Millets to explore this summer include Porth Joke in Cornwall, the Forest of Dean in Gloucestershire, Warburg Nature Reserve in Oxfordshire,

and Runswick Bay in Yorkshire. Burt for those heading out, the team at Millets also have some guidance on visiting these areas, in terms of being prepared but also having respect for the

natural landscapes. Sam adds: “If you are visiting any area of the UK this summer, it is important to be prepared. Ensuring that you pack a backpack or rucksack with enough food and water,

as well as a change of clothes is vital. "It is also a good idea to pack waterproof clothing, as the UK’s weather can be unpredictable. "Walkers should also wear supportive

footwear when visiting sites with uneven and muddy terrain. This helps to reduce the risk of injury, or of tripping over uneven footpaths. Article continues below “You must also leave any

place you visit exactly as you found it. "Take any rubbish and equipment, such as camping chairs or wind breaks, home with you and be respectful of any wildlife and other people around

you.”