Visitors are being inspired to explore the Forest of Bowland National Landscape by public transport thanks to the creation of two new short break travel itineraries.
Commissioned by Community Rail Lancashire and launched during Community Rail Week, the new itineraries connect Clitheroe and Whalley stations with local bus services and active travel routes – encouraging visitors to explore the area on foot, by bike or using public transport.
Bowland Tracks to Trails and a shortened three-day version of the Ribble Valley Jubilee Walking Trail are the two latest itineraries of a bank of 16 that can be downloaded for free from the Eco Escapes website, alongside an interactive sustainable travel map, details of visitor attractions, accommodation, walks, rides and wildlife. Highlights of the two new itineraries include The Tolkien Trail, the Ribble Valley Jubilee Trail, Stonyhurst Museum and Whalley Abbey.
The new guides were funded by the Community Rail Development Fund, administered by Community Rail Network on behalf of the Department for Transport.
Richard Watts, chair of Community Rail Lancashire, said: “Community Rail Lancashire and the Clitheroe Line CRP have been delighted to work with the Forest of Bowland National Landscape to develop two new Eco Escapes itineraries based on Clitheroe Interchange and Whalley stations. The project aims to encourage more people to visit and explore this lovely area by public transport as well as on foot and bike on arrival.
“We are delighted it has been possible to launch this project during Community Rail Week and the year-long Railway 200 celebration which is looking at the past, present and future of the railways. This project is very much about the future of the railway and encouraging greater use of this more sustainable form of transport to enable access to some of the best countryside the UK has to offer.”
Hetty Byrne, sustainable tourism officer for the Forest of Bowland National Landscape, said: “For nearly 20 years, we’ve focused on developing sustainable tourism here in the Forest of Bowland, emphasising the connections between nature, society and culture, while ensuring financial benefits stay within the local community.
“The Eco Escapes initiative has played a crucial role in bringing this vision to life, making the Forest of Bowland National Landscape an inspiring place for those looking for eco-friendly holidays in this beautiful area, as well as highlighting car-free options for people living locally.
“We’re delighted to have been able to partner with Community Rail Lancashire to add to the Eco Escapes offer from the Clitheroe Line into the heart of Bowland.”
Mike Cliffe, chair of the Clitheroe Line CRP, said: “These itineraries are designed to bring a wide range of destinations and activities closer to the railway. Visitors can combine rail travel on the Clitheroe Line with local bus services, footpaths and cycleways to create their own unique days out in the Forest of Bowland National Landscape and the Ribble Valley. I hope that the project will increase awareness and take-up of sustainable travel opportunities in this great part of Lancashire.”
Keep up to date with future news, projects and events from Community Rail Lancashire via their website.
Header image from L-R: Simon Clarke, community rail development officer at Community Rail Lancashire, Sarah Gibbs from iCycle Clitheroe and Mike Cliffe, chair of the Clitheroe Line CRP at Whalley Station.
