Between Preston and Lancaster, the Ribble valley is a popular area for those escaping from nearby towns.  The Forest of Bowland is an area of outstanding natural beauty, originally a Royal hunting ground, this area of grouse moorland is popular with walkers.

The area is a treasure trove of picturesque county villages and quiet lanes, all against a backdrop of the dramatic fells and quiet woodland.  The pretty village of Dunsop Bridge is officially the centre of the British Isles, and the recent television series Born and Bred was filmed in this area.  From here you can take the old drovers track know as the Trough of Bowland that continues for 20 miles across the hills to Lancaster.