Gisburn Forest and Stocks

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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.

Why not support Gisburn Forest and Stocks either as a local member for £45 a year, or visit Gisburn and forests all over the country as a national member for only £8 a month/£96 a year.

At a glance

  • 4 walking trails  - Most of the waymarked walking trails start from Stocks Car Park, with a link trail along the road to the Gisburn Forest Hub.
  • The Hungry Pine  - Opening Hours
  • Room on the Broom activity packs available from The Hungry Pine
  • Walking through the forest can be done from Gisburn Forest Hub Car Park
  • 4 cycling trails
  • Off Road Mobility Scooter hire from The Hungry Pine
  • Play area
  • Wheelchair hire - currently unavailable
A large farmhouse-style building with trees behind

Make a night of it

Planning a get together or event? Enjoy a unique forest escape at Gisburn
Forest event
23 May
11.30am to 4.30pm

Weightless Woodland: Hammock sound bath in the forest

Suspended. Immersed. Weightless.

Beyond the reach of the modern world, beneath the canopy of the ancient forest, lies a state of...

Forest event
30 and 31 May

Test ride the latest Mountain Bikes & E-MTB's from the top brands, back-to-back at Gisburn Forest. Supported by the top brands!

Our big Northern Demo Weekend at Gisburn Forest is...

Forest event
4 July
7.30am to 8pm

An off road classic in the UK’s finest county

Starting & finishing on the smooth fire roads in Gisburn Forest, this ride mixes long, rolling back road sections through the Forest of...

Forest event
5 July
7.30am to 8pm

The 6th edition of this classic Dales gravel ride.

An absolutely stunning route through one of the most picturesque regions of the UK. Our ride starts in Gisburn Forest & heads into...

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.

Join Witch and her friends on an enchanting adventure at Gisburn Forest and Stocks, from Thursday 29 January.

This interactive family trail is packed with Room on the Broom themed...

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...

An easy path through mixed woodland with views over Stocks Reservoir. On this trail you will pass the old vicarage garden picnic area and two wildlife hides.

This trail has also...

Our work

Orienteering route at gisburn

Get to know Gisburn Forest

Understand how Gisburn Forest is managed by reading our forest plan. The plan outlines the forest's character and attributes and describes the work we will do in the next decade.

Nearby forests

rich oak woodland

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...

beech woodland

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...

Eggerslack

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...

Whitbarrow forest hills

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...

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