Get away from the pressures of modern life in rural Lancashire

Lancashire is probably best known for the seasideand pastries, and a feast of fruit and vegetables
resort of Blackpool and the cities of Manchesterpacked with natural flavour - can be found at
and Liverpool. However rural Lancashire offersshops and restaurants along leafy lanes and in its
unspoilt places that are truly far away from thehistoric towns and villages.
pressures of modern life.Clitheroe lies on the edge of the less well-known
The two great cities of Lancashire have seen awestern Pennines and the misleadingly named
renaissance in the last few years and areForest of Bowland. 'Forest' is used in its traditional
shedding their images of dark, northern Englishsense of a royal hunting ground, when in fact this
industrial cities by focussing on culture, shoppingArea of Outstanding Natural Beauty is mainly open
and sport. The regeneration is grounded in themoorland and small valleys dotted with farming
history of the respective cities. With its maritimecommunities. Until quite recently visitors have
past, the focus of the renewal in Liverpool hasbeen unable to access many of its rugged fells as
been the redevelopment of Albert Dock, home toprivate landowners reserved them for
several museums including the Tate and Thegrouse-shooting. Walkers are now beginning to be
Beatles Story.drawn to this stunning location where a network
Manchester has revitalised an area of formerof paths cross ancient moorland and the Bowland
dockland at the end of the Manchester Ship CanalFells, where dramatic scenery and waterfalls are
and just a short distance from the city centre.discovered. Slaidburn, in the heart of the Forest of
Salford Quays is home to The Lowry, aBowland is a picturesque Bowland village with
spectacular arts complex and the largest collectionattractive greystone Lancashire cottages.
of paintings by LS Lowry, plus the Imperial WarA little to the south and dominating the area lies
Museum North.the mythological Pendle Hill. This majestic and
Blackpool is synonymous with English seasidebrooding whale-back shaped hill is situated
holidays and although you can still enjoy abetween the Ribble Valley, Forest of Bowland and
nostalgic visit complete with donkey ride, fish andBronte Country. Rising to almost 2000 feet, to
chips and a stroll along the promenade, the resortscale the fell can be a challenging walk (although
has moved on to cater for the demands of thethere is also a relatively easy route from a road
21st century holidaymaker.which passes over the shoulder of the hill). The
In complete contrast, rural Lancashire offerstop offers breathtaking views across the Forest
some of the best scenery and finest locallyof Bowland, the Yorkshire Dales and on clear
produced food in the country. The Ribble Valley isdays, the Lake District. However, it is the
a rural haven where you will find green valleys,sensational events that took place during the
commanding fells and heather-strewn moorland.17th-century for which it is best known. Discover
Following the Ribble Valley upstream through rollingthe Pendle Witches Trail, a fascinating walking tour
countryside and quaint villages you will comewhich takes you around some of the places that
across the cosy market town of Clitheroe. It isare synonymous with the infamous Pendle
well known for its specialist shops includingWitches who were hanged. It starts in the quaint
tempting food and drink outlets such as finehamlet of Barley and takes in the villages of
wines, award-winning sausages and a renownedNewchurch and Roughlee, with their picturesque
coffee shop. Indeed, the Ribble Valley is home toLancashire cottages, both recent winners of
some of Lancashire’s best food and drink. AnLancashire Village of the Year awards. The story
array of wonderful foods - meat from traditionalis perpetuated by a hilltop gathering each
Lancashire breeds, organic milk and cheese,Halloween.
yogurt and ice-cream, handmade chocolate, pies