Bowland Forest
A selection of waymarked woodland footpaths and cycle routes are available to suit all abilities. The circular reservoir footpath gives visitors the chance to experience the patchwork of farmland and forestry surrounding the open waters of the reservoir itself.
The reservoir is a haven for wildlife and is one of the best sites in the North West to see a wider range of wildfowl.
Gisburn Forest to the east of the reservoir has become an important recreation destination with a range of activity opportunities for locals and visitors provided at the Gisburn Forest Hub which is managed by the Forestry Commission.
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Stocks Board House, Catlow Road, Slaidburn, Clitheroe, Lancashire, BB7 3AQ.
Tel: 01200 454 400. |
Call ahead for opening times. | Forestry England
Stocks reservoir car park, School Lane, Clitheroe, BB7 4TS. Car parks at School Lane and Gisburn Forest Hub are pay and display. |
Available at the Stocks reservoir café and Gisburn Forest Hub. |
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A waymarked circular footpath around the reservoir (8 miles), starts and finishes at the School Lane car park. Please do not wander down to the reservoir edges and to keep to the route, as much of it passes close by several sensitive areas for wildlife.
Three waymarked forest trails through Gisburn Forest. |
There is a bird hide near the School Lane car park.
Up to 30 species of wildfowl can be encountered during an average winter, with spectacular numbers of common species, and potentially Red Throated Diver, Whooper Swan, Gadwall, Ring-Necked and Long-Tailed Ducks. |
Refreshments available at Stocks reservoir café (Opening Hours March – November, Mon-Sun 8:00am until dusk, November - March Limited opening Saturday and Sunday (weather permitting) and Gisburn Forest Hub (opening hours 10:00am till 4:00pm, 7 days a week) | Near School Lane car park and at Gisburn Forest Hub. |
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Information board at car park and Gisburn Forest Hub. | Fly fishing on the reservoir with Stocks Fly Fishery. | Excellent cycling trails for all abilities at the Forestry Commission site at Gisburn Forest Hub. |
If you have any general enquiries, please speak to our friendly team on 0345 672 3723.
We want to share our beautiful sites with you, and we ask you enjoy them in a manner that allows others to enjoy them after you, this includes:
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