Sitting on the edge of the Forest of Bowland, Clitheroe is perfectly placed for anyone who loves wide open fells, quiet river valleys, and proper countryside walking. This is a landscape made for dogs. Big skies, heather moorland, woodland trails, and miles of space to stretch legs and clear heads.
Below you will find a curated selection of the best dog friendly walks near Clitheroe and across the Forest of Bowland, with a mix of short rambles, longer fell routes, and gentler riverside options. These are walks that feel wild, not overdeveloped, and ideal for adventurous dogs and owners alike.
Pendle Hill from Barley
One of Lancashire’s most iconic hills, Pendle offers a rewarding walk with huge views across the Ribble Valley and into Bowland on a clear day. The route from Barley is the classic approach, climbing steadily across open moorland.
Dogs are welcome year round but should be kept under close control, especially during lambing season. The summit plateau is exposed, so be prepared for wind even on calm days.
Distance: approx. 4.5 miles
Difficulty: Moderate
Terrain: Moorland paths and stone tracks
Lead advice: Some livestock, but plenty of off lead potential for well behaved dogs
Beacon Fell Country Park
Beacon Fell is a brilliant all rounder for dog walking, especially if you want variety without committing to a long hike. The park has a network of well signed trails that wind through woodland and open fell. It’s also a great option for people with children as the park has plenty of facilities, including a play area and cafe.
It is particularly good for reactive dogs thanks to wide paths and multiple route options. Facilities nearby make it ideal for a relaxed half day out.
Distance: 2 to 6 miles depending on route
Difficulty: Easy to moderate
Terrain: Woodland trails and fell paths
Lead advice: Optional but advised around cyclists and families
Dunsop Bridge River Walk
Often called the heart of the Forest of Bowland, Dunsop Bridge is peaceful, remote, and perfect for dogs that love water. This gentle riverside walk follows the River Dunsop through meadow and woodland.
It is a great option in warmer weather, with plenty of spots for a paddle. The area is quiet even at weekends compared to more famous National Park routes.
Distance: approx. 3 miles
Difficulty: Easy
Terrain: Riverside paths and grass tracks
Lead advice: Mostly off lead friendly
Tolkien Trail (Hurst Green Circular)
This well known route links Stonyhurst College with the surrounding Ribble Valley countryside and is said to have inspired parts of Tolkien’s writing as he walked the same route whilst visiting his son who attended Stonyhurst. In fact, the college has original pages from the Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit on display that Tolkien himself donated.
The walk offer varied terrain and plenty to keep dogs occupied, with winding riverside sections, gentle farmland and woodland, there’s not much that this iconic walk doesn’t offer. Dogs are welcome but expect some stiles and grazing fields, so good recall is essential.
Distance: approx. 6 miles
Difficulty: Moderate
Terrain: Fields, riverside paths, woodland
Lead advice: On lead around livestock, but otherwise plenty of off lead options
Longridge Fell from Jeffrey Hill
A local favourite with expansive views across Lancashire and towards the Lake District on clear days. The climb is steady rather than steep, making it accessible for most reasonably fit walkers and dogs.
The open nature of the fell means dogs can enjoy freedom, but there are often sheep grazing.
Distance: approx. 4 miles
Difficulty: Moderate
Terrain: Open fell and stone paths
Lead advice: On lead during lambing season
Stocks Reservoir Circular
This is one of the best flat walks in the area, ideal for older dogs or recovery days. The reservoir circuit is wide, well surfaced, and offers constant views across water and surrounding hills.
It can be breezy but is manageable in most conditions and popular with dog walkers year round.
Distance: approx. 6.5 miles
Difficulty: Easy
Terrain: Gravel paths and tracks
Lead advice: Optional but advised near cyclists
Nicky Nook via Grizedale
Although just outside Bowland proper, Nicky Nook is worth including for its dramatic scenery and manageable length. The climb is short but steep, rewarded with panoramic views over the Fylde and Bowland fells.
Dogs should be confident on uneven ground, especially near the summit.
Distance: approx. 4 miles
Difficulty: Moderate
Terrain: Fell paths and rocky sections
Lead advice: Recommended near edges and livestock
Gisburn Forest Dog Friendly Trails
Gisburn Forest offers miles of shaded trails that are ideal in warmer weather. Stick to the quieter forestry tracks away from the main cycling routes and you will find peaceful loops suitable for most dogs.
It is a good choice when weather higher up in Bowland is poor and there are multiple well-signed routes (one of which is the Stocks Reservoir walk detailed above) that you can undertake depending on how long you would like to be out for.
Distance: 2 to 7 miles
Difficulty: Easy to moderate
Terrain: Forest tracks and woodland paths
Lead advice: On lead near cyclists
Map of Dog Friendly Walks in Clitheroe and The Forest of Bowland
Explore these dog friendly walks in Clitheroe and across The Forest of Bowland using our handy map below, click the pins below to uncover more information and directions to the nearest car park.
Gisburn is the dependable option when the fells are too exposed or you want shade and shelter. From Stephen Park you can build a calmer dog walk on the wider forestry tracks, or dip onto smaller trails for a more woodland feel.
Because the area is popular with cyclists, it’s worth choosing quieter tracks at peak times and keeping your dog on lead near faster bike routes. It’s also a strong choice in warmer months thanks to tree cover.
Distance: 2 to 7 miles
Difficulty: Easy to moderate
Terrain: Forest tracks, woodland trails
Lead advice: Recommended near cycle trails
Facilities: Parking, forest facilities nearby
A cracking short fell adventure with a surprisingly punchy climb and big pay off views. Nicky Nook is not the highest hill in the world, but it gives that proper summit feeling, especially when you hit the open top and the panorama opens up.
Starting from Scorton Picnic Site makes logistics easy, and it’s a handy one when you want a proper walk without driving deep into Bowland. Keep your dog close near livestock and along any narrow lanes on the approach.
Distance: Approx. 4 to 6 miles
Difficulty: Moderate
Terrain: Woodland tracks, fell paths, steep grassy climb
Lead advice: Use a lead around livestock
Facilities: Picnic site parking
A brilliant, low stress reservoir circuit that works year round. The route is well established and gives you steady views across the water with a good mix of open shoreline and quieter sections near woodland and farmland edges.
This is ideal for older dogs, recovery days, or anyone who wants a longer walk without steep climbs. It can be breezy and exposed in places, so pack layers and keep an eye on the weather.
Distance: Approx. 6.5 miles
Difficulty: Easy
Terrain: Gravel paths and tracks, generally good underfoot
Lead advice: Optional, but use a lead near cyclists and livestock
Facilities: Parking, open access all day
A local go to when you want a satisfying fell walk without a brutal climb. Starting from Jeffrey Hill gets you onto the open fell quickly, with wide views over Lancashire and a route that can be as short or as long as you want depending on your loop.
It’s a good one for energetic dogs who love open ground. Expect sheep at times, plus boggy patches after wet weather, so keep a lead handy and wear proper boots.
Distance: Approx. 3.5 to 7 miles
Difficulty: Moderate
Terrain: Fell tracks, open paths, occasional boggy sections
Lead advice: Use a lead around livestock and during lambing
Facilities: Parking at the start, limited facilities on route
A brilliant Ribble Valley loop mixing riverside paths, farmland, and pockets of woodland, with the sort of scenery that feels storybook in the right light. Starting from Hurst Green makes it easy to add a pub stop at the end, which never hurts after a muddy winter walk.
Dogs will love the variety, but be ready for stiles and grazing fields. This one is best if your dog has solid recall, or if you are happy keeping them on lead through the livestock sections.
Distance: Approx. 6 miles
Difficulty: Moderate
Terrain: Fields, riverside paths, woodland, stiles
Lead advice: Use a lead in livestock fields and near roads
Facilities: Pub, parking, refreshments
A peaceful Bowland favourite that follows the River Dunsop through a quiet, remote valley. This is the sort of walk where dogs can potter, sniff, and paddle without the crowds you get in the bigger National Parks.
It’s a great all season option: cool and shaded in summer, atmospheric in winter, and generally gentle underfoot compared to the higher fells. Do keep an eye out for livestock in surrounding fields depending on your loop.
Distance: Approx. 3 miles
Difficulty: Easy
Terrain: Riverside paths, grass tracks, some muddy stretches after rain
Lead advice: Mostly off lead friendly, use a lead near livestock
Facilities: Small village facilities, limited parking
Beacon Fell is ideal when you want an easy, flexible walk with loads of route choices. You can stitch together short woodland loops, longer fell-edge circuits, or a bit of both, and it stays walkable in most conditions thanks to solid paths and forest tracks.
It’s a strong choice for dogs who like sniffy woodland trails and plenty of variety without committing to a big day out. Weekends can be busy near the visitor area, so go early if you want it quieter.
Distance: 2 to 6 miles (choose your loop)
Difficulty: Easy to moderate
Terrain: Woodland trails, compact paths, occasional muddy sections
Lead advice: Optional, but recommended near families and bikes
Facilities: Parking and visitor facilities near the main area
A proper Lancashire classic, this route climbs steadily from Barley into open moorland and up onto Pendle’s broad summit plateau. It feels wild fast, with big views across the Ribble Valley and the Bowland fells on a clear day.
Expect a mix of stone tracks and moorland paths, plus changeable weather at the top even in summer. Keep your dog close when sheep are on the fell, and pack water because it can be surprisingly exposed and dry on the higher ground.
Distance: Approx. 4.5 miles
Difficulty: Moderate
Terrain: Moorland paths, stone tracks, some steep sections near the top
Lead advice: Use a lead around livestock and during lambing season
Facilities: Toilets and refreshments nearby in Barley
Explore even more dog friendly adventures across the UK with our Wildpack Map, our curated map of dog friendly points of interest, including walks, beaches, campsites and more.
Practical Tips for Walking Dogs in the Forest of Bowland
- Livestock is common, particularly sheep. Always carry a lead and use it when needed
- Weather changes fast on exposed fells, even in summer
- Water is plentiful but not always safe. Avoid stagnant pools
- Ticks are present year round. Regular checks are essential
- Leave no trace, especially in sensitive moorland areas
Where Next?
If you are exploring this corner of Lancashire, these walks link well with other nearby adventures:
- Dog friendly beaches in Lancashire
- Dog friendly beaches in Blackpool
- Dog friendly walks in the Yorkshire Dales
- Dog friendly walks in the Lake District
- Dog friendly beaches in Merseyside
Final Thoughts
Clitheroe and the Forest of Bowland remain one of the most underrated dog walking destinations in the UK. It is quieter than many National Parks, just as beautiful, and far less commercial. If you like big landscapes, peaceful trails, and space to roam with your dog, this area should be high on your list.