THE circular walk around Stocks Reservoir, near Slaidburn, in the Forest of Bowland is a delight - and seeing as its not the easiest place to reach, its hardly ever busy writes Lesley Tate

I SET off on this walk around Stocks Reservoir in the Forest of Bowland Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB) on the hottest day of the year so far and was ready for the ice lolly from the angling club half way around, where there was also a bowl of water for the thirsty dogs. The eight mile circular walk is a walk of contrasts. It quickly goes into really lovely, green countryside before dropping down towards the reservoir, which with the cloudless blue sky looked like the Italian Lakes. It skirts the peaceful reservoir for a bit before striking out into woodland, through lovely wildflower meadows, and back to the start point. The walk is managed jointly by United Utilities, which owns the reservoir, and the Forestry Commission, and along the way there is a wildlife hide and picnic area. It is however, very low key and does nothing to distract from the natural beauty of the area. Parking is to be paid for though, but at £3 for the day, will hardly break the bank.

Step by step

1 From School Lane car park, go through the gate on the right of the car park (with your back to the road), following the 'stocks circular path' sign. The lovely, wooded path passes a picnic area, on the left and also a hide. Continue through the woodland, on the well walked path, crossing over a beck and climbing up to some old farm buildings, go through the gate to the left of the buildings.

2 Following the stocks path sign, go along the delightful grassy track as it zig-zags its way down the the hill to the footbridge over the River Hodder. Cross over bridge, and follow path as it climbs uphill with stone slabs across what can get rather boggy. Continue uphill until you reach the route of an old railway track, coming in from left.

3 Sticking always to 'stocks path' signs, you turn left here to join the track and follow it, as it bears off to the right for a while, before heading down towards the reservoir.

4 The track will take you to the reservoir fly fishing club, path goes behind clubhouse, but there is a cafe where you can stop for refreshments and a sit at a picnic table. Continue out of the car park and through a natural burial ground, where people can plant a tree in memory of a loved one, and follow the surfaced, narrow road, until you come to the splendid Stocks Board House - now United Utilities Bowland Estate Office, on you left. Take the 'stocks path' ,marked path, through a gate to right of building, and head down to the dam, cross over the dam, and just before you reach end, followed signposted route, down and then left to skirt side of reservoir.

5 Climb gently uphill, now with reservoir on left, and following well marked route, you will bear off to right through fields and into a newly planted woodland before passing through lovely, wildflower meadows.

6 The path will eventually meet the road, but continues next to the road and through woodland back to car park and start point.

Factfile:

Area: Forest of Bowland AONB

Start/finish: School Lane Car Park, Stocks Reservoir, Gisburn Forest.

Distance: About eight miles, allow three hours

Difficulty level: Easy

Terrain: Woods, grassy paths, moorland, tracks, small section of road

Livestock: Plenty of sheep, and cattle, dogs must be kept under strict control.

Stiles/gates: all easy

Refreshments: At angling club (when open)

Parking: Stocks Car park, School Lane - £3 for the day

OS Map: OS 103 Blackburn and Burnley