Eak Hill

Hill, Mountain in Yorkshire Ribble Valley

England

Eak Hill

View of Forest of Bowland from near Stocks Reservoir The view shows the River Hodder just after it flows into the Stocks reservoir. It flows south to join the River Ribble. The hills in the distance are part of the Forest of Bowland — View of Forest of Bowland from near Stocks Reservoir Credit: Rod Grealish

Eak Hill is a prominent hill located in the beautiful region of Yorkshire, England. Standing at an elevation of approximately 1,200 feet, it is often considered more of a hill than a mountain. Despite its modest height, Eak Hill offers breathtaking views of the surrounding countryside, making it a popular destination for hikers and nature enthusiasts.

The hill is characterized by its gentle slopes and lush greenery, which are a result of the favorable climate and fertile soil in the area. The landscape surrounding Eak Hill is dotted with charming villages, picturesque farmlands, and meandering rivers. Visitors can enjoy a leisurely walk through the meadows or embark on a more challenging hike to the summit, where they can take in panoramic views of the Yorkshire Dales.

Eak Hill is also known for its rich history and cultural significance. The area is home to several ancient archaeological sites, including burial mounds and stone circles, which provide insight into the lives of the early inhabitants of Yorkshire. Additionally, the hill has been a source of inspiration for many artists and writers over the years, with its tranquil and idyllic setting serving as a muse for their creative endeavors.

Whether it's exploring the diverse flora and fauna, immersing oneself in the local history, or simply enjoying the serenity of the Yorkshire countryside, Eak Hill offers an unforgettable experience for anyone seeking a connection with nature and a deeper appreciation for the beauty of the region.

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Eak Hill Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 54.003219/-2.4240922 or Grid Reference SD7256. Thanks to Geograph Open Source API. All images are credited.

View of Forest of Bowland from near Stocks Reservoir

The view shows the River Hodder just after it flows into the Stocks reservoir. It flows south to join the River Ribble. The hills in the distance are part of the Forest of Bowland

Rod Grealish

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

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

St. James' Church, Dalehead

A sign by the path in, on the left (west) says "Dalehead Church and Heritage Centre". Heritage possibly doesn't need a lot of energy - the centre has a wind turbine, but it seems to be well below tree-top height, which must limit its ability to kick out power. On the bright side, not many people seem to die here - it's an extensive graveyard with very few headstones.

Andy Waddington

Tiny stream in Gisburn Forest

A public footpath leaves School Lane to head northwest into the forest, but is scarcely visible on the ground. Crossing this stream, it climbs the muddy bank above to meet a recently made decent path, where the public right of way follows it for a short while towards Stocks reservoir before resuming its course into the forest and becoming totally vague once more. The new path also continues northeast, not a right of way but clearly much more frequented than the public footpath itself. Downhill, the new path passes into the open near the shore of the reservoir, and quite close to the car park at the corner of School Lane.

Andy Waddington

Bird hide above the shore of Stocks Reservoir

Tucked away on the edge of the forest, overlooking the shore of Stocks Reservoir, United Utilities have provided this and at least one other wildlife hide. It really is quite well concealed, whilst offering a clear view over many geese at the upstream end of the water (at least today). A barbed wire fence effectively deters one from getting any closer to the water, or, indeed, getting a clearer picture of the hide itself.

Andy Waddington

Footpath to White Hill House

A small car park on a corner of School Lane (room for four cars, maybe five if carefully packed) serves this rather wet and muddy footpath heading into Gisburn Forest. The forest is popular with off-road cyclists, but this trail is one of those explicitly signed with a cycling prohibition which suited me fine - I wanted a nice wide track, thanks, and headed a little further south for my ride.

Andy Waddington

Merrybent Hill

Andy Waddington

Copped Hill Clough below Brunton Laithe

The stream of Copped Hill Clough has cut quite a deep, tree-lined valley as it descends from Brunton Laithe towards its confluence with the River Hodder to flow into Stocks Reservoir. On the far side is a public footpath that manages to avoid contact with the minor road until 200m to the southwest (uphill) from this point.

Andy Waddington