You’ll find Puddleducks in the middle of the pretty village of Dunsop Bridge – the perfect base for exploring the beautiful Forest of Bowland National Landscape
Puddleducks is located at the heart of the Forest of Bowland National Landscape: 300 square miles of rugged moorland, deep wooded valleys and rich pastureland. It’s home to spectacular wildlife, breath-taking scenery and some of the best views in Britain.
The Forest of Bowland is one of the few remaining areas in England where you can really get away from it all and it’s best explored on foot, by bike or e-bike. Plan your visit with a bit of help from the Discover Bowland website.
Walking
Lace up your boots and head out into the countryside for a bracing walk in beautiful surroundings. There are plenty of delightful walks right from Puddleducks’ front door, or for something a little more challenging, head up the ‘Trough Road’ and take a wander up the Langden Valley, where you may be lucky enough to see rare Hen Harriers displaying high over the surrounding hills. Find some of our favourite walks in the Forest of Bowland at the National Landscape website.
Cycling/e-bikes
Serious cyclists love touring the hills and valleys of Bowland on two wheels and come from all over the northwest to ride here. For more casual riders, Dunsop Bridge has an e-bike hire centre where visitors can rent a bike with electrical assistance which makes light work of the hills for which Bowland is famous. Find out more at Ribble Valley E-bikes.
Walk with Alpacas
Just two minutes down the road from Puddleducks is Wood End Farm, home to a flock of friendly and super-cute alpacas. Visitors are welcome to pop in to meet the alpacas or even take them for a walk up the fell behind the farm. Find out more at the Wood End Farm website.
Wildlife
As well as the friendly ducks who are out constant companions, you’ll find an abundance of wildlife in the Forest of Bowland. Our most iconic species is the spectacular hen harriers, which soar over the fells above the valley, but also look out for dippers and kingfishers on the river and woodpeckers and owls in the woods. You can also expect to see foxes, rabbits and hares and if you’re really lucky, perhaps even an otter fishing in the River Hodder.
Inclusive access
For people with mobility issues or other disabilities, there are two businesses locally who hire off-road mobility vehicles: Wood End Farm and New Laund Farm. Both locations are close to accessible trails allowing both able-bodied and mobility impaired people to explore the wonderful scenery of the Forest of Bowland together. For further information visit the Forest of Bowland National Landscape inclusive access pages.
The Forest of Bowland National Landscape
The Forest of Bowland National Landscape is one of 46 National Landscapes covering just under 1/5th of the UK. They offer a wealth of opportunities for both people and wildlife to benefit from the countryside and, as vibrant, living landscapes, they underpin the economy and the health and wellbeing of our society.
National Landscapes have some of the UK’s best countryside for walking, cycling, wildlife-watching and star-gazing and Bowland is no different.
From quiet lanes, ancient woodlands, distinctive and attractive villages to flower-filled hay meadows, open moorland and a wealth of local culture and heritage.
To plan your big Bowland adventure, visit the Eco Escapes website to find ideas, inspiration and bespoke itineraries.