Following recent storm damage, most bike trails are open with three short diversions. The Dalehead Ramble is open with some diversions.
Visitor information
Opening hours
How to find us
Parking & prices
Facilities & access
Contact details

Opening hours

The forest is open from dawn until dusk, seven days a week.

The Gisburn Cafe is currently open Wednesday to Sunday 10am to 4pm. Please check their Facebook page for more information.

Weekdays

Monday
Main car park Dawn to dusk
Cafe Closed
Tuesday
Main car park Dawn to dusk
Cafe Closed
Wednesday
Main car park Dawn to dusk
Cafe 10am - 4pm
Thursday
Main car park Dawn to dusk
Cafe 10am - 4pm
Friday
Main car park Dawn to dusk
Cafe 10am - 4pm

Weekends

Saturday
Main car park Dawn to dusk
Cafe 10am - 4pm
Sunday
Main car park Dawn to dusk
Cafe 10am - 4pm

How to find us

How to find us
Stephen Park, Slaidburn
Sat Nav Postcode: BB7 4TS
By Car

From Clitheroe - follow B6478 north

From Settle - follow A65 south then B6478 west

From Lancaster - follow road from Abbeystead to Newton south and then take B6478 north

By Public Transport

Limited bus service from Settle to Tosside which is three miles away from Gisburn.  

OS Grid Ref
SD745560

54.0000068, -2.389269

Parking and prices

Car parking available at Gisburn Hub, Cocklet Hill and Stocks Reservoir. 

Gisburn Hub main car park uses number plate recognition, please pay on exit with card or coin. You can also pay online up to 48hrs after your visit on the Park with Ease website.

Cocklet Hill and Stocks reservoir car parks uses Pay & Display with coin only.

Parking Charges

The money you pay for parking helps us to look after the forests. Read how
Gisburn Hub main car park
Up to 1 hour £2.00
Up to 4 hours £3.50
All day £4.00
After 6pm £2.00
Cocklet Hill and Stocks reservoir car parks
Up to 1 hour £1.50
All day £3.00

Additional information

Number of accessible parking spaces: 5
Card payments accepted
Pay on exit system

Facilities and access

The Gisburn Cafe is currently open Wednesday to Sunday 10am to 4pm.  Please check the cafe Facebook page for more information.

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Planning your visit

For more information on planning your visit, take a look at our accessibility information:

Assistant dogs welcome
Cafe
Cycle hire
Dogs allowed
Picnic area
Toilets
Tramper/Mobility Scooter hire

Contact details

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

Wheelchair hire is currently unavailable
23/05/2022 13:55
Bicycle hire available
23/05/2022 13:56

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 been adapted to be tramper friendly.  

 

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.

Explore our newly accredited Dark Sky Discovery Site at Gisburn. Be in awe as the cosmos magically reveals itself in the skies over Bowland.

Gisburn Forest Hub is one of five sites within the Forest of Bowland AONB to be granted the Discovery Site status.

More information on the Discovery Sites and events can be found here:

https://forestofbowland.com/Star-Gazing

Whilst we do not have any purpose built or waymarked horse riding routes, horse riders are welcome to explore our network of forest roads. Please also observe all operational signage and diversions. The public road passing through the forest is designated a 'Quiet Road' and its use enables circular routes to be followed through the forest. 

No permit is needed to ride at Gisburn. 

For more information on our facilities, opening times and contact details, please see our visitor information.

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

 

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

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 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.

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 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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