JOHN MERRILL'S FOREST OF BOWLAND CHALLENGE WALK - 27 MILES, 3,000ft of ascent

ABOUT THE WALK & MY STORY -

I first came to the Forest of Bowland five years ago to do this walk. I
camped near Garstang one "sunny" Easter Bank Holiday. But it rained; not just rain but it sheeted down turning everything instantly into a quagmire. The walk was out of the question I drove over the Trough ofBowland to have a look but through the swishing wiper blades little was seen. I carried on home back to Peak District and soon joined the mass migration as everyone was returning home because of the weather.

Somehow other walks kept getting in the way and although I had
modified the route, I never found the right moment to return. But, l am glad the idea remained and that I kept putting it off. Then in early
September I made an attempt only to be beaten again by bad weather. Three days later the weather improved and a two hour drive from dawn brought to Beacon Fell Country Park. There with no about, just a heavy dew and a cloudless blue sky I set off. Instantly it was magical and the waiting was worth it.

Crossing Beacon Fell the view to Parlick and Fair Snape Fell was crystal clear and I could trace the route through Bleasdale and onto the moors. I looked at Parlick and thought I will see you later in the afternoon. After 2 1/2 hours I was on the summit of Fair Snape Fell with an incredible view to Blackpool Tower 26 miles away, to Morecambe Bay and the Lakeland Fells. The peat ground was bog¢y after the rain but I enjoyed the devious route and soon was descending to Langden Castle. A magnificent remote walk with two rivers to ford. Further down Langden Brook I stopped for lunch, after not eating for seven hours. I was recently back from France so continuing the tradition out came the baguette, camembert cheese and of course, the red wine!

Ten minutes later with an enlivened step, I pressed on eating my first
chocolate bar. Skirting the road from the Trough of Bowland I turned
right to head southwards to the next "hill", Parlick. Quite cruel really,
but 8 1/2 hours from Beacon Fell, I was on this summit looking at Fair Snape Fell two miles away! But, this is a challenge walk. I swiftly
descended heading for Beacon Fell and there as a rich sunset unfolded with views of the Lancastershire coast, I descended to the car park and Visitor's Centre.

I always hate the end ofa walk. the planning, the preparation and now the execution, leave a gap. All I could think of was that I had had a most exceptional day and a truly excellent challenge. Apart from four people para-gliding from near Parlick’s summit I had had the area to myself.

Yes, it had been worth the wait.
Here then is my Forest of Bowland Challenge Walk. A remote walk
through rugged country with a decidedly sting in the tail. I hope youenjoy it as much as I did and may you too experience fine weather for the circuit ............ Happy Walking!

John N Merrill

PS: Please fet me know how you get on.

A5 Guideboook wrapped in a plastic waterproof cover, signed by John Merrill.

Special embroidered cloth badge and signed certificate from John Merrill, for successful walkers.

Names added to my Walkers Roll of Honour page.