The best walks and hikes around Gisburn Forest

Gisburn Forest offers a wide variety of hiking opportunities, with over 350 routes available. These range from easy strolls to more challenging climbs, ensuring there's something for every ability level.

Hikers in Gisburn Forest can expect diverse terrain, including deep forests, challenging hills, and gently undulating mixed coniferous and broadleaved woodlands. You'll find stunning views over the Bowland Fells and Stocks Reservoir, alongside natural features like woodland glades, bogs, and becks.

Yes, Gisburn Forest is well-suited for families. There are many easy paths, such as the Birch Hills Walk, which offers views over Stocks Reservoir and passes wildlife hides. The forest also features a play area near the Gisburn Forest Hub, making it an enjoyable destination for all ages.

Gisburn Forest is generally dog-friendly. While specific rules may vary by trail or sensitive wildlife areas, dogs are typically welcome on most trails. It's always best to keep them under control, especially around livestock or wildlife, and to clean up after them.

Yes, Gisburn Forest offers several excellent circular routes. A notable option is the Stocks Reservoir loop – Forest of Bowland, a moderate 8.9-mile (14.3 km) trail providing extensive views of the reservoir and the surrounding landscape. Another popular choice is the Whelp Stone Crag from Tosside loop, which includes a climb to Whelp Stone Crag for panoramic views.

The Gisburn Forest Hub serves as a central point for visitors, offering amenities such as a café (The Hungry Pine), toilets, and a viewpoint. It's also connected to Stocks Reservoir car park by an easy 3 km (2 miles) link path, with the option to visit Dalehead Chapel.

Gisburn Forest boasts numerous scenic spots. The Stocks Reservoir loop – Forest of Bowland offers extensive views of the reservoir. For elevated perspectives, the Whelp Stone Crag from Tosside loop provides panoramic views of the area. Additionally, the Gisburn Forest Hub Link Path includes a dedicated viewpoint.

Beyond the forest, you can explore several interesting points. The Birch Hills Walk passes two wildlife hides, ideal for birdwatching. For those interested in higher ground, nearby peaks include Weets Hill Summit & Trig Point and Sugar Loaf Hill, offering different perspectives of the landscape.

The area is highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.6 stars from over 1,300 reviews. Reviewers often praise the diverse landscapes, the extensive views over Stocks Reservoir and the Bowland Fells, and the variety of trails suitable for different abilities.

Yes, Gisburn Forest is recognized as an accredited Dark Sky Discovery Site. This means it offers excellent conditions for stargazing after dusk, providing a unique opportunity to observe the night sky away from light pollution.

Gisburn Forest strives to be inclusive. Off-road mobility scooter hire is available, allowing individuals with mobility needs to explore parts of the forest. It's advisable to check with the Gisburn Forest Hub for specific accessible routes and availability of equipment.

Most waymarked trails in Gisburn Forest begin from Stocks Car Park. There is also a link path connecting Stocks Car Park to the Gisburn Forest Hub, which provides additional facilities.

Yes, the Hungry Pine café is located at the Gisburn Forest Hub, offering refreshments and meals. This provides a convenient stop before or after your hike.