Forest of Bowland
In recent years, a remarkable scene has developed across the Ribble Valley with regular diners adopting a local food mantra which has helped to reinvigorate traditional farming and artisan food production. By way of acknowledging this transformation, the borough council has launched the Ribble Valley Food Trail aimed at promoting Lancashire producers, farmers’ markets, up-and-coming chefs and, of course, fine foods. The trail features an easily navigable map of thirty-six exemplary local restaurants, inns, shops and delicatessens. Following the Food Trail sounds like it could quite possibly be the weekend to end all weekends and one I think I’ll be attempting in the not too distant future.
The next morning, having booked a room at Clough Bottom Farm Cottages just outside Clitheroe, I regrettably left the fabulous inn behind, vowing to return as soon as I could. However, my disappointment was short lived as on entering the lovingly converted stone-built farm building I was greeted by the sight of a welcome hamper stocked with local produce including organic Lancashire cheese, Bowland milk, Tea Bread made on the farm, jam and chutney made with fruit picked from the trees around the farm and fair-trade tea and coffee. And to make your stay even more relaxing, the proprietors will even prepare a home cooked meal and have it waiting in the fridge for when you arrive. You can even order a Lancashire Breakfast Hamper too; now that I did take advantage of.
“With a visit planned to the famous Bowland Brewery later that day – a beer enthusiast’s heaven – I decided to spend that morning stretching my legs along the Ribble Valley Sculpture Trail which leads from Brungerley Bridge, just outside Clitheroe, through Brungerley Park to Cross Hill Quarry. Launched in 1993, a number of artists have contributed sculptures to the trail as well as assisting local community groups whose pieces are also on show – from a beautiful carving of an otter to mushrooms, footprints and a wildlife mosaic. Even the waymarkers were part of the sculptures.”
Sawley Tempted, Bowland Gold, Chipping Steamer, Hen Harrier and Bowland Dragon are all handcrafted real ales produced by the Bowland Brewery, and without sounding like I need to spend a week or two at The Priory, I couldn’t wait to sample them. Should you wish to take a closer look at the brewing process and enjoy a guided tour and beer tasting like I did, make sure you call the brewery owner Richard Baker to pre-arrange your visit. Tour over, and having demolished a number of ‘beef and beer sausages’ I headed for the shop. Seriously tempted to leave with a nine gallon cask of Chipping Steamer, sense prevailed, and I left the shop clutching a mini-cask brimming with just under nine pints. Unfortunately there weren’t nine pints left the next morning, but thankfully I stopped at five for fear of one of the most monumental Maconie hangovers ever.
Home to an array of the county’s best food and drink, a veritable feast is waiting for you in and around the Forest of Bowland, not forgetting the fabulous scenery along the way. I hope you find the perfect ingredients for a rural escape, I know I did.
