Clougha Pike

On the very edge of the magnificent Forest of Bowland, the hiking trails up Clougha Pike allow you to not just ramble around the area to your heart’s content, but they provide fantastic views. The Pike is so named for its abundance of intriguing and unusual lateral cloughs along its southern flank. 

The bulk of Clougha Pike is Access Land so you can explore its full extent as you wish. In reality, the terrain can be rough-going and sticking to the trails is best. Due to grouse shooting, dogs are not permitted on Clougha Fell and much of the surrounding region. In good weather, this is a marvellous spot for a hiking adventure with children as you can pick your distance easily. 

Rambling the cloughs of Clougha

There are numerous starting points for hikes up Clougha Pike, the easiest perhaps being from Rowton to the west. This provides a fairly direct ascent via Rowton Brook, although the ground can get boggy so appropriate footwear is a must. You can also start from other directions and expand your walk along paths to nearby tops, like Ward’s Stone. 

Wild and rugged, Clougha’s moorland atmosphere makes you feel as though you’re in a much more isolated place than you really are. Reaching the summit at 1,355 feet (413 m), a clear day will reward any effort with surprisingly far-reaching views. Lancaster resides in the immediate west, while Morecambe Bay stretches out in the distance. The Pennines and fells of the Lake District are visible to the north and even the Isle of Man can be seen in the Irish Sea. 

Lancaster is an obvious base for ascents throughout the year but you can explore the Forest of Bowland freely, making the surrounding towns and villages all good options.