Travel Information
The beauty of Bowland is that it can be remote and isolated, but this means that it is not always well served by public transport. In some parts it is more suited to visitors wishing to explore at a more leisurely pace by bike or on foot or horseback.
Bus Services
Regular services are provided to the following areas:
The B10 and B11 Bowland transit bus service links Clitheroe with the Hodder Valley villages of Newton, Slaidburn, Dunsop Bridge, and Whitewell. The linking B1 runs a shuttle service between Slaidburn and Settle.
On Summer Sundays the Pendle Witch Hopper runs a circuit around Pendle Hill, and on weekdays it links Nelson with Clitheroe via Newchurch, Barley and Downham.
To the west of the AONB lies the market town of Garstang, easily reached by the half hourly bus 40 between Preston and Lancaster. There is also the Garstang Super 8 minibus to the fascinating, former industrial village of Calder Vale.
In the Lune Valley, the excellent Lune Villager (80/81) service provides superb local connections, seven days a week, running into the late evening, from Lancaster to Caton and Hornby, with some services going through to Wray and Wennington and a more limited service to Bentham and Ingleton in North Yorkshire.
- More information can be found on the Countrygoer website.
- For general information on travel and a journey planner visit the North West Journey Planner or the Transport for Lancashire website.
Bowland by Bus
A new leaflet 'Bowland by Bus' is now available which has been created by The Dales & Bowland Community Interest Company and is supported by Forest of Bowland AONB. The leaflet highlights special places to visit and walks exploring the Hodder & Ribble Valleys in the south eastern part of Bowland, using public transport.
Further Information
How to get to the area
By Air
The nearest major airport is Manchester Airport. Other airports nearby include Blackpool Airport and Liverpool John Lennon Airport.
By Train
Clitheroe Interchange is the most central rail station for Bowland. Others include Giggleswick, Clapham, Bentham, Wennington, Settle, Blackburn, Burnley, Preston and Lancaster. Go to the official National Rail Enquiries for your journey details.
By Coach or Bus
National coach information can be found at National Express. Alternatively try the Lancashire Travelwise web site.
Click here to download a free copy of Adobe Reader.