Clougha Pike from Quernmore
Lancashire
Clougha Pike sits above the Lune Valley on the quiet western edge of the Forest of Bowland and gives one of the best views in Lancashire, stretching from the Lakeland fells to Morecambe Bay and the Isle of Man on a clear day. This dog friendly walk climbs steadily from Birk Bank car park onto the open access moorland, threads through peat hags and gritstone outcrops to the 413 metre summit, then descends via a rougher path back to the car park.
The catch for dog owners is that the United Utilities access land here operates a strict on-lead rule year round to protect ground-nesting birds like curlew and merlin, so there is no off-lead running at all on the fell itself, and dogs are not permitted off the main path during the spring nesting season. Livestock is moderate, with sheep grazing the lower slopes. Terrain is rough, peaty and exposed, and there are no facilities at the car park, so pack water and be prepared for changeable weather.
At a Glance
- Distance
- 9.0 km (5.6 miles)
- Difficulty
- Hard
- Duration
- 3 hr 20 min
- Walk Type
- Peak, Moorland
- Route Type
- Circular
- Off Lead Potential
- None
- Livestock Risk
- Moderate
- Facilities
- None on site, the nearest cafe and toilets are in Lancaster or at the Bay Horse Inn in Quernmore.
- Parking
- Birk Bank car park on Rigg Lane, Quernmore (grid ref SD 526 604), free parking for around 12 cars, no facilities.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is Clougha Pike from Quernmore dog friendly?
Clougha Pike is walkable with dogs but comes with some significant restrictions, earning a rating of 4.5 out of 10 on our dog-friendly scale. Dogs must be kept on lead across the United Utilities access land at all times, and there are sheep grazing on the lower slopes to be mindful of too. It's a rewarding outing for the views alone, but it suits owners who are comfortable with a lead-only fell walk rather than those looking for free-running freedom.
Can dogs be off lead at Clougha Pike from Quernmore?
Unfortunately not — United Utilities, who manage the access land here, enforce a strict on-lead rule year round to protect ground-nesting birds including curlew and merlin. During the spring nesting season, dogs are also not permitted to stray off the main path at all. It's one of the more restrictive fell walks in Lancashire in that respect, so if off-lead time is a priority for your dog, it's worth bearing that in mind before you go.
What should I know before visiting Clougha Pike from Quernmore with my dog?
The terrain is rough, peaty and exposed, so sturdy footwear is a must and it's worth checking the weather before you set off as conditions on the fell can change quickly. There are no facilities at Birk Bank car park, so bring plenty of water for both you and your dog. The nearest café and toilets are in Lancaster or at the Bay Horse Inn in Quernmore, so plan your refreshment stop accordingly.
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