Gisburn Forest

Wood, Forest in Yorkshire Ribble Valley

England

Gisburn Forest

River Hodder entering Stocks Reservoir The photo shows the point at which the River Hodder enters the Stocks Reservoir. The reservoir is at a particularly low level. It was opened in 1932 and supplies Blackpool and the Fylde coast. There are a number of waymarked forest walks and cycle routes. Trout fishing is available. — River Hodder entering Stocks Reservoir Credit: Rod Grealish

Gisburn Forest, located in the county of Yorkshire, England, is a picturesque woodland area that spans approximately 3,000 acres. Situated in the Ribble Valley, Gisburn Forest is renowned for its natural beauty and diverse range of flora and fauna.

The forest is predominantly composed of coniferous trees, such as pine and spruce, which provide a dense and enchanting canopy. Walking through Gisburn Forest, visitors are greeted with a serene and peaceful atmosphere, surrounded by the soothing sounds of rustling leaves and chirping birds.

The forest offers a variety of trails and paths that cater to different levels of difficulty, making it an ideal destination for both casual walkers and experienced hikers. These well-maintained trails wind through the forest, offering stunning views of the surrounding countryside and glimpses of wildlife, including deer, squirrels, and a myriad of bird species.

In addition to its natural beauty, Gisburn Forest is also home to a thriving mountain biking community. The forest boasts an extensive network of purpose-built mountain biking trails, attracting enthusiasts from all over the country. These trails cater to different skill levels, ranging from gentle routes for beginners to challenging tracks for experienced riders.

For those seeking a break from outdoor activities, Gisburn Forest also offers picnic areas and a visitor center that provides information on the forest's history, wildlife, and conservation efforts. The center also houses a small café where visitors can enjoy a hot drink and a bite to eat.

Overall, Gisburn Forest is a haven for nature lovers, offering a tranquil escape from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. Its stunning landscapes, diverse wildlife, and recreational opportunities make it a must-visit destination in Yorkshire.

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Gisburn Forest Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 54.003358/-2.388317 or Grid Reference SD7456. Thanks to Geograph Open Source API. All images are credited.

River Hodder entering Stocks Reservoir

The photo shows the point at which the River Hodder enters the Stocks Reservoir. The reservoir is at a particularly low level. It was opened in 1932 and supplies Blackpool and the Fylde coast. There are a number of waymarked forest walks and cycle routes. Trout fishing is available.

Rod Grealish

Farming activity at Higher Ghylls

Mid-June is always a busy time of year for farmers in this area.

Mary and Angus Hogg

At Higher Ghylls

The farm entrance is on the left-hand side of this shot, just before the bridge crossing Bond Beck.

Mary and Angus Hogg

Tosside, roadside wall

This stretch of wall is on the south side of B6478 and to south-west of Tosside. According to the OS benchmark database there is a cutmark in the wall at this location. The verge growth was too dense to make a thorough search.

Mel Towler

Tosside, roadside wall

The rivet benchmark is cut into the wall on the south side of B6478.

Mel Towler

Tosside, B6478

There is a rivet benchmark cut into the wall on the south side of B6478. The mark is just in front of this tree beside the wall.

Mel Towler

Tosside, Bond Beck bridge

According to the OS benchmark database there is a benchmark cut into the south-east parapet. Nothing was found.

Mel Towler

Tosside, roadside wall

The rivet benchmark is cut into the road side wall on the north side of B6478 and to the west of Bond Beck bridge.

Mel Towler

Tosside, roadside wall

There is a rivet benchmark cut into the roadside wall on the north side of B6478 and to the west of Bond Beck bridge.

Mel Towler

Tosside, Brock Thorn Laithe

The damaged benchmark is cut into a boundary stone in the east facing wall of Brock Thorn Laithe.

Mel Towler

Tosside, Brock Thorn Laithe

There is a damaged benchmark cut into a boundary stone which is fixed into the east facing wall of Brock Thorn Laithe.

Mel Towler

Tosside, Marl Barn

According to the OS benchmark database there was a cutmark in one of the gateposts at this location. The entrance has been widened with new wooden gateposts. There is also a new entrance to the left of this field entrance. The gateposts were checked but had no marks.

Mel Towler

Tosside, B6478

The benchmark is cut into a right hand gatepost at a field entrance on the north side of the road.

Mel Towler

Tosside, B6478

There is a benchmark cut into the right hand gatepost at the field entrance on the north side of the road.

Mel Towler

Tosside, B6478

The benchmark is cut into the roadside wall on the north side of the road, and the mark is directly at a wall junction which splits the fields.

Mel Towler

Tosside, B6478

There is a benchmark cut into the roadside wall on the north side of the road, and the mark is directly at a wall junction which splits the fields.

Mel Towler

Gisburn Forest track

A left turn to the north makes this easy-going teack a little harder as it is now gently uphill. Most of the forestry tracks are like this - low gradient and not too challenging for those on mountain bikes so old that suspension was not deemed necessary (at my age I want all the power I can generate to go into actual forward progress, not into compressing shock absorbers).

Andy Waddington