Forest of Bowland: Discovering a beautiful family break
Nov 24 2009 By Lewis Arnold
As my car slowly winds through rush-hour traffic, I often daydream of living a simpler, less stressful life. I can easily imagine myself living on a quiet plot by the coast with solar panels shining and wind turbine spinning in the breeze, tending a fertile, organic allotment garden that grows all the food I need.
Although for most of us, household bills, work and a mortgage, put pay to this idyllic existence, there is a middle path to be taken.
I’ve discovered it’s possible to lead a more environmentally friendly, ethical and self-sufficient life without leaving the modern world behind entirely. So when the opportunity came along for family weekend break we decided against the cheap flight abroad and looked for somewhere closer to home that would be more eco-friendly.
The Forest of Bowland, an area of outstanding natural beauty on the Lancashire and Yorkshire border, seemed like an ideal choice. In 2005 it became the first protected area in England to be awarded a European charter for its work in encouraging people to visit the area and also protect the natural habitat and landscape.
After a hectic working week, we hit the road and headed to Lower Gill holiday cottages, which are situated next to the Yorkshire Dales National Park.
The journey is around 90 miles from Tyneside and even travelling late on a Friday afternoon with a car full of kids, we arrived in two-and-a- half hours. Lower Gill cottages nestle in a pretty, wooded glade, at the end of a half-mile private road and are quite secluded so unless you know the area well, it makes sense to have a decent map.
The Wilson family have lived at Lower Gill for more than 60 years as dairy and stock rearing farmers. In 1995 the family diversified into the self-catering holiday market. The farmhouses, which date back hundreds of years, have been converted into a range of holiday lets sleeping from four to 12.
We took up residence in Primrose Cottage, which sleeps five in rustic comfort. The kitchen was perfectly equipped for self-catering and the bedrooms and lounge were spacious.
The real charm of the cottages is on the outside. All properties enjoy a characterful stone exterior and have their own delightful patio areas that open out into the landscaped gardens and lead to a picturesque brook and meadow.
This really makes for an idyllic, peaceful spot for a rural holiday and a welcome change from the hustle and bustle of the city.
The Wilsons have put a lot of thought and effort in over the years to change Lower Gill from a working farm to a tranquil eco-friendly holiday destination.
The family restored derelict hedgerows to encourage thick bushy hedges with grassy strips alongside providing fruit, berries, nuts and shelter for over- wintering birds and mammals as well as shelter.
The pastures and hay meadows have been managed to encourage ground-nesting birds such as lapwings and curlews.
The wildlife that can be seen there would keep even the most ardent twitcher occupied. Oystercatchers, tawny owls, jays, skylarks, greater spotted woodpeckers, buzzards, fieldfares and tree creepers have all been spotted along with mammals such as hares, deer, badgers, voles and bats.
The children enjoyed trying to spot different types of wildlife and felt carefree running around in the countryside and enjoying the fresh air.
The holiday destination also benefits from a new carbon neutral heating system fuelled by woodchips and all the lighting is from low energy bulbs, saving a total of 25 tons of carbon emissions annually.
Two ponds have also been dug to increase habitat diversity and a new right of way introduced linking existing public access to Flowery Fold wood which was previously inaccessible.
Tree planting at the most northerly boundary has created a wildlife corridor joining the wood, which is classed as ancient woodland.
Lower Gill also houses a heated indoor swimming pool, a games room with table tennis, snooker table, pool table and children's toys as well as an all-weather tennis court and football field to satisfy the more energetically minded.
Having so many activities on hand was a big hit with the children and kept them occupied while my wife and I relaxed in the cottage and soaked up the tranquil environment.
The day after our arrival we were delighted to discover that holidaymakers also have access to the farmland.
It was a brisk, fresh morning, so we enjoyed a pleasant walk around the fields before heading back to the cottage for mugs of steaming, hot chocolate.
If you are a fan of the outdoors and enjoying walking the area is a perfect spot.
The Three Peaks are also on the doorstep, where the open fells and moors make a superb backdrop for hiker and close by is Gisburn Forest, where there are 16km of marked cycle routes and footpaths.
This area is a mecca for mountain bikers and a new trail was officially opened during our stay.
In the afternoon we discovered the local pub, the Dog and Partridge, a real ale watering hole with a family atmosphere.
We enjoyed a great afternoon sampling a few halves of real ale while the kids tucked into large portions of hearty, homemade gastropub fare.
The locals told us there was top-notch fishing close by at Stocks reservoir and Settle, a busy, market town, was also a good place to visit.
There was so much on offer where we were though that we found no need to stray too far. We easily kept the kids busy with nature rambles close by to Lower Gill.
Driving back to Tyneside with the kids worn out in the back from the outdoor pursuits and fresh air we reflected on a peaceful weekend well spent.
By choosing the Forest of Bowland, we had helped limit the environmental impact of our short break and had an all too brief taste of that simpler, greener way of life.
Travel facts
Lower Gill Holidays Ltd, Orchard Cottage, Lower Gill, Tosside, BD23 4SJ
To find out more about the area visit www.forestofbowland.com
Great value attractions that have the Green Tourism Business Scheme accreditation include the Bowland Wild Boar Park, Cobble Hey Farm & Gardens, Forrest Hills golf and fishing, Leighton Moss RSPB Nature Reserve, Off the Rails and Beacon Fell Country Park: www.lancashire.gov.uk/environment/countryside
To find other green tourism accredited attractions and accommodation, visit www.lancashiregreentourism.com
Lower Gill encourages guests to abide by the Countryside Code and follows this code so visitors can help to look after the splendid countryside they have come to visit.
Reduce, Reuse, Recycle: The Forest of Bowland takes recycling seriously, and hopes visitors say no to packaging and plastic bags. Find recycling banks in most main car parks across the area.
Reduce car traffic: Walk, cycle or use public transport. Walking and cycling are great ways to see the area without adding to traffic. Use public transport where possible to travel to your start point, but try exploring near to where you are staying.
Buy Local, See Local: Support local producers and services – this way your visit has a real benefit to the communities of the Forest of Bowland. Visit a host of attractions – farm shops, village stores, pubs, cafes, and craft shops.
Chill out - switch off: Enjoy a fabulous, light touch holiday – switch off lights and dripping taps; use the voluntary laundry card scheme where you see it, so that only towels that really need washing are laundered; every single effort helps protect and enhance our beautiful environment. It takes a moment and it's all worth it.
Follow the Countryside Code: respect – protect – enjoy. The Countryside Code reminds visitors to protect plants and animals; take litter away; leave gates and property as you find them; keep dogs under control; consider other people.
