Gisburn Forest and Stocks

Visitor information

Wilderness and relaxation go hand in hand at Gisburn. Enjoy fantastic cycling and walking in the heart of the stunning Forest of Bowland

Step into the fairy tale woods of Gisburn Forest and Stocks. Explore the trails and experience a sense of space and freedom as you breathe in the fresh air and hear the peaceful bird song.

Gisburn’s dramatic scenery, with deep forest and challenging hills, provides the perfect backdrop for our award-winning mountain bike trails. Demanding climbs and exhilarating downhills make it the ultimate off-road mecca!

For those seeking a unique outdoor adventure, visit after dusk to soak in the wonder of the stars at this accredited Dark Sky Discovery Site.

At a glance

Tramper Hire available
23/05/2022 13:56
Cafe open Wednesday to Sunday 10am - 4pm
23/05/2022 13:59

Things to do

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Cycling and mountain biking trails at Gisburn

Whether you've just bought your first bike or you're happy shredding through rock gardens, Gisburn Forest offers a fantastic opportunity for natural cycling.

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Gruffalo Party Trail at Gisburn

2024 is The Gruffalo’s 25th birthday year and to celebrate, everyone is invited to take part in a brand-new forest adventure.

What to expect

The interactive family trail features all sorts of party-themed activities and games, along with fun facts to teach you about life in the forest for the Gruffalo and other creatures.

Follow the trail to help find the missing party items to give the Gruffalo a birthday to remember. Search for balloons, pine cones, apples and the Gruffalo himself, and complete fun activities and rubbings as you go along.  

This trail is through the forest and unfortunately isn't accessible for wheelchair users or pram friendly.

Get the party started with a Gruffalo Party Trail pack

Pick up your pack for just £4 from the cafe during opening hours, packed with fun things to do on your party adventure.

Inside you’ll find:

kraft bag to colour inparty headband to wearparty trail activity leafletstickerspencil and crayonkeepsake sew-on Gruffalo Party patch

Share your party fun using the #GruffaloTrail hashtag.

The Gruffalo © 1999 & TM Julia Donaldson & Axel Scheffler. Licensed by Magic Light Pictures Ltd.

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Tramper in Gisburn Forest

The Champion Bowland Tramper is now located at Gisburn Forest Hub and is available to hire from the cafe.  There is a five mile easy access trail from the cafe with a link route to Stocks Reservoir to enjoy the wonderful scenery along the Birch Hills Trail.  A perfect opportunity for less mobile people to enjoy the beauty of the forest.  The Tramper is provided by Forest of Bowland AONB. 

The Tramper can be booked in advance by contacting the Hub café on 01200 446387 or by emailing gisburncafe@outlook.com - the staff at the cafe will be able to carry out an induction for those new to the Tramper.  The price is £10.00 per use.

Users must be over 16 and accompanied by an adult.

 

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Walking trails at Gisburn

Come to Gisburn Forest for stunning views over the Bowland Fells and Stocks Reservoir, wildlife watching or to find peace and tranquillity amongst the woodland glades.

The walking trails will take you into the heart of the forest, along historic trackways and former railway lines. You might even see some of the forest’s extensive wildlife from the wildlife hides on the Birch Hills walk.

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Nearby forests

rich oak woodland

Lord's Lot Forest

Rich in a range of tree species including Scots Pine, Red oak and Beech, Lord's Lot is a vibrant woodland located near Carnforth and north of Lancaster.

Popular with the local community and walkers, Lord's Lot is open all year, providing the perfect place for healthy outdoor activity.

 

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beech woodland

Dalton Crags Forest

Located between Kendal and Lancaster, Dalton Crags is a large woodland occupying a south-west facing slope on the edge of the Hutton Roof massif.

The woodland is a mixture of limestone pavement, ancient woodland and newly planted beech & larch. It provides the opportunity to engage with nature and go on a peaceful forest walk!

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Eggerslack

Eggerslack Woods

Eggerslack Woods is a delightful, tranquil place with native trees, an abundance of wildlife and a wide range of holly, ivy and ferns. Located south of Kendal, it is well-equipped with footpaths and is a natural gateway to spectacular views.

Eggerslack Wood is a popular location for walkers and is often visited as part of more extended walks over Hampsfell. Eggerslack is well placed to offer short walks from Grange-over-Sands or from the parking area on Hampsfell Road.

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Whitbarrow forest hills

Whitbarrow Forest

Residing within the Lake District National Park, Whitbarrow Forest is situated on a limestone ridge overlooking the Lyth Valley approximately eight kilometres to the south-west of Kendal.

The wider Whitbarrow massif is a popular walking area; much of which is now designated open access land. The whole area is well-served with public footpaths, permissive paths and a wide range of other paths and tracks.

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