David
Matthews
Professional Mountain Leader
Ì
Special Short
Breaks
The Forest of Bowland
The Forest of Bowland is an upland area of Lancashire covering approximately 240 square miles designated an 'Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty' (AONB). Until the Countryside Rights of Way Act (2004) came into force most of this area was 'out of bounds' to walkers. It is probably the most undiscovered upland area in Britain, where you can walk and explore all day and be unlikely to meet other walkers. Bowland has become one of the favourite haunts of bird watchers, with an abundance of birds including Hen Harriers and Peregrine Falcons.
The walking days in Bowland are generally fairly easy, with the highest hill only 1800 ft high, which allows you to enjoy long days. This allows you to explore deep into sylvan valleys and lonely moorland, magical woodland, meadows and heather clad hillsides. It is however a beautifully bleak and lonely wilderness area that calls for good navigation skills.
A special short break allows you to stay for four nights at Smelt Mill, the beautiful accommodation owned by the Bowland Pennine Mountain Rescue Team, deep in the heart of Bowland, with three escorted full days walking, and a short half day walk. Should participants wish, the walks can incorporate tuition in map reading and compass work to develop navigation skills.
Smelt Mill
Smelt Mill has been developed from a row of stone built cottages, and is best
described as a wild country refuge of high quality. It is carpeted
throughout, double glazed, centrally heated and comfortably furnished. The four
bedrooms
can each accommodate 4 to 8 people, however, only 2 persons will usually be expected
to share a room. The beds are either single or double bunks (doubles are
5ft wide!) and all have spring interior mattresses. There are plenty of toilet
and shower facilities, but no rooms are en-suite.
Smelt Mill is a non-smoking establishment
The package includes:
Full board, with breakfast, packed lunch and a full dinner,
and
daily walks led by a qualified mountain leader.
Itinerary
Monday: Guests arrive 2pm
- Short walk to stretch the legs
Tuesday: Full Day Walking
Wednesday: Full Day Walking
Thursday: Full Day Walking
Friday: Depart at 10
am
Conditions:
Numbers: Minimum of 4 persons booking - maximum 10, (unless the group want more than 2 persons to a room)
Cost: £235 inclusive per person, a deposit of £35 per person at the time of booking, balance 14 days before arrival.
What to bring (Full detailed list is sent when booking)
Guests usually bring a sleeping bag or a duvet.
Towels and toiletries.
Walking gear (boots, waterproofs etc etc).
Your choice of drinks for the evenings (Coffee, tea and fruit squash are provided).
For bookings, enquiries and to ascertain availability telephone: 07867 - 594135
