Ribble Way Walking

The Ribble Way is a 121-kilometre long-distance footpath following the River Ribble from its source in the Yorkshire Dales to its estuary at Preston. The section that passes close to Bolton-by-Bowland runs through some of the finest pastoral scenery in Lancashire — the river winding through meadows below the moorland fells, with the distinctive profile of Pendle Hill visible to the south.

Bolton-by-Bowland makes a good starting point for circular day walks along the Ribble Way, with routes ranging from five to twelve kilometres depending on how far you follow the river before turning up onto the fell. The Skirden Beck, which joins the Ribble near the village, is particularly attractive in spring when the banks are bright with flowers. Maps and route information are available from the Ribble Valley Borough Council website.

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A story
The Ribble rises on the slopes of Pen-y-ghent in the Yorkshire Dales and flows 121 kilometres to the sea at Preston. The section near Bolton-by-Bowland, where the river winds through farmland below the Forest of Bowland fells, is one of the least-walked and most beautiful stretches of the whole route. In spring, the river banks are bright with marsh marigolds and the fields above are full of nesting lapwings.