Read carefully, because I’m about to let you in on a little secret. Nestled between the National Parks of the Lake District and the Yorkshire Dales lies a lesser-known – but no less captivating – Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty called the Forest of Bowland. Within lies some of Lancashire's most challenging and corrugated tarmac – a network of switchbacks winding through secluded green valleys and cresting over expansive moorland fells.

It feels appropriate to start close to home. Not because of convenience, but because of significance. Regular Rush Magazine readers will recognise the Forest of Bowland as our go-to proving ground for many a road test – not for its proximity, but for its complexity. There’s good reason TVR chose these roads to develop and hone their famed Blackpool bruisers: Bowland packs every combination of camber, corner radius, and unpredictable surface into its figure-of-eight loop. This density and variety make Bowland the ideal place to explore a car’s dynamic limitations – and refine your road craft.

The Best Driving Roads in the Forest of Bowland; The Rush Route

Start - Shell Longridge, PR3 3NH

Travel time - approx. 2hrs 30.

Distance - 71 miles

Ideal car - Renault Clio 182 Trophy, Mazda MX-5, TVR Chimaera

A Royal History

The Forest of Bowland is a name rooted in history rather than literal description. Predominantly moorland rather than forest, the word ‘forest’ in this case comes from Old English, referring to a royal hunting ground in mediaeval times. The name Bowland itself, however, is even older, originating from the Old Norse term ‘Boga-lundr’ – meaning a bend in a river, a fitting description of the meandering Hodder, which carves through the heart of the landscape.

Entering the Wild Heart of Lancashire

The journey begins in Longridge, and as we leave the last of the manicured lawns of the market town behind and transition into the wilderness, the road leads us past Ferrari’s Country House – an auspicious start to any drive.

Passing the sleepy hamlet of Chipping, the roads tighten and twist as the giant fells begin to loom large in the windscreen. The tarmac pitches and rolls, tracing the Hodder’s lazy curves, as Bowland’s true character begins to emerge – equal parts beauty and bite. The elegant stone bridge crossing the river marks the beginning of serious driving. On the other side, a sequence of sharp left- and right-hand bends lies in wait, cresting and dipping with the intensity of a toboggan run.

The river fades from view as we press onwards towards Whitewell, but the drystone walls close in, leaving no margin for error on a road surface as fickle as the corners it twists around. Here, a balanced throttle takes precedence over full chat, and the focus shifts to carving precise lines rather than testing the limits of adhesion.

The Trough of Bowland Pass

Past Whitewell, the road rejoins the twisting Hodder and follows it upstream to Dunsop Bridge, which flashes by in a blur before the torrent of water splinters into a tributary through the Trough of Bowland Pass. This is a road to savour for its scenery, not its speed. The single-track pass threads the needle through a beguiling valley where blind crests and sweeping bends keep you guessing. Here, you’re as likely to yield to wandering pheasants as to fellow motorists.

Once safely through the pass, the road descends to the valley floor and widens just enough for two cars to pass – though rarely at speed. There’s an almost ethereal, fairy-tale beauty to this section of the drive, with tranquillity emanating from centuries-old giant oaks and pines, their stillness underscored by the gentle rhythm of a meandering stream. It feels like stumbling upon an oasis of calm within the windswept moorland desert.

At times, the flatness of this stretch can feel disorienting after the relentless undulations of the Trough. Yet, such contrasts are part of Bowland’s enduring appeal, as its constantly shifting landscapes cast their spell on you.

The Ascent to Jubilee Tower

It’s not long before the final cattle grid rattles beneath the wheels, and the road opens into a fast, wide moorland stretch scaling Clougha Pike and Grit Fell. Lush greens give way to tones of pale straw and orange – a welcome relief from the claustrophobia of the pass – offering an opportunity to make up for lost time.

At the summit stands Jubilee Tower, a silent sentry overlooking the surrounding beauty. Below, Morecambe Bay spills into the North Sea, while the peaks of the Lake District rise on the distant horizon. On a clear day, you might even catch a glimpse of Blackpool Tower or the famous “Big One” rollercoaster, whisking thrill seekers around its tracks.

Speaking of rollercoasters, the frantic descent toward the hedgerows of Quernmore brings us into classic B-road territory en route to Caton. The A683 offers a brief respite before turning onto the B6480 toward Bentham – another sublime countryside backroad, tailored for a nimble machine and a precise driver.

A Safe Passage South to Slaidburn

While it’s tempting to continue toward the Yorkshire Dales, we detour onto the unclassified road leading to Slaidburn. This stretch is a pure driver’s delight: 12 miles of tight, single-track tarmac with sharp turns and sudden elevation changes, bordered by vast moorland vistas. The remote location and vegetation cropped low to the ground invite you to fully exploit the narrow road or simply amble along, taking in the panorama of the Yorkshire Dales and Gisburn Forest.

After Slaidburn – a quaint sandstone village seemingly lifted from the cover of a biscuit tin – the road begins to contort in a familiar manner as the B6478 carries us towards Clitheroe, the conclusion of our journey. But not before Bowland offers one final challenge in the form of the fast stretch over Easington Fell. From here, the journey back towards town is swift, with wide, flowing roads that provide a satisfying conclusion to a day of technical driving.

Ultimately, the twisting roads of the Forest of Bowland are best suited to a small, nimble hot hatchback or classic roadster. The narrowness and frequency of engaging, single-track roads can become a source of frustration in more powerful cars or wider modern machinery.

But driving pleasure comes in many forms, and while the Forest of Bowland might not scale the heights of some of the routes to follow, it embodies the spirit of adventure. Consider this a loose guide – half the joy of the area lies in wandering off piste, investigating the countless unclassified roads that catch the eye. And no matter the season, you’re never far from a classic country inn with a welcoming roaring fire or a peaceful beer garden – the perfect place to plan your next windscreen wanderlust.

Food & drink in the area

The Italian Orchard, Broughton

Established over thirty years, an outstanding family-run ristorante offering both modern and traditional Italian cooking. Al fresco dining in the summer, seafood a speciality - try the Dover Sole

The Inn at Whitewell

Renown traditional country inn overlooking the River Hodder. Dogs welcome. On-site winery worth exploring as is the local countryside for a relaxing walk.

Hark to Bounty Inn

Another rustic country inn along the route in sleepy Slaidburn, serving nothing but homemade food. Note - closed Monday/Tuesday/Wednesday

Vesuvio Pizzeria

If you don't want to make a meal of things, Vesuvio is a fantastic wood-fired pizzeria takeaway in Clitheroe. You can even nip around the corner to the Bowland Brewery beer hall for a cold one whilst your pie cooks. An authentic slice of Napoli.

Northcote Manor

Michelin-starred fine dining hotel in Langho, just outside of Clitheroe. Home of celebrated chef Lisa Goodwin-Allen

Yu Copster Green

Modern and cosmopolitan Chinese restaurant, complete with Gordon Ramsay's seal of approval - Yu is a former winner of Ramsay's TV show "Best British Restaurants"

Where to stay

There are almost too many country inns along the route to list, but if you can get in, it is hard to look past the Inn at Whitewell. For those who prefer the great outdoors, we recommend camping at Bowland Wild Boar Park. A great spot for stargazers too.

Other Great Roads Nearby

Bowland is a great launching pad for a more expansive adventure into the Yorkshire Dales. We recommend following the B6478 from Clitheroe or Slaidburn toward Settle. From there take the B6479 to the famous Ribblehead Viaduct, then pick up the outstanding B6255 to Hawes. Once there, you'll find yourself on the doorstep to the Buttertubs Pass.

The Best Driving Roads in the Forest of Bowland - Map Links & QR Codes

Bowland Map

Into the Yorkshire Dales via Settle

Into the Yorkshire Dales via Ingleton