We love to go away with Patch and our latest staycation was to Bowland Fell, a holiday park in North Yorkshire.
It’s been a very long time since I’ve stayed at a holiday park but it went far beyond our expectations – things have changed a LOT since the 1980s!
Bowland Fell is ideal for families but it was just Patch and I who stayed in one of their luxury holiday lodges for the weekend to sample their dog friendly package.
About Bowland Fell Park
Bowland Fell Park is close to Tosside, on the edge Forest of Bowland and the Yorkshire Dales, and set in 130 acres of countryside.
It’s a large holiday park, with its own indoor swimming pool, games room and outdoor play area for children and perfectly placed for walking and cycling enthusiasts.
On site is the Crowtrees Inn, a 17th Century pub filled with character, offering a selection of real ales and a beer garden, and Pipers restaurant for traditional pub grub.
There’s a gorgeous farm shop selling everything you need for a break away plus lots of lovely locally sourced produce – every ice cream flavour you can think of – so you really get a taste of Yorkshire.
What really struck me was how tranquil it is. For miles, all you can see is farmland and while I was there at a weekend when families were around, it was still so peaceful.
Even if you don’t want to travel to far, you can walk for miles in the surrounding fields so there’s everything and your pet need.
Patch had his own welcome pack with treats, bowls, poo bags and bed.
Accommodation at Bowland Fell Park
Each lodge is self catering, with wi-fi, a cooker, tv, fridge-freezer and eating area and we had a breakfast welcome pack with cereals, fresh bread, locally sourced jam and milk.
Patch and I stayed in a three bedroomed luxury, pet friendly caravan that sleeps up to eight people.
Two the rooms were twin and one a double, and each had a wardrobe. There was also a loo and a shower room with a loo, so plenty of room for families.
Outside was a balcony and many people had brought along barbecues – guests are of course asked to tidy up afterwards.
What we did on our stay at Bowland Fell Park
As I was travelling alone, I can’t give you the list of pubs I visited on my trip like I usually do, but I did go on some stunning walks.
When we arrived, I was pleased to find a guide with a selection of mapped out walks, ranging from 1.5 miles to eight miles, mostly because I am USELESS at navigating!
On the first night, we had a walk around the grounds to stretch Patch’s legs, then settled into our lodge.
Clapham Circular Walk
The next day I filled my backpack with a packed lunch for us both and set off to Clapham Village, which is about a half hour drive away.
The Clapham Circular was one of the walks we had in our pack covering four miles of the Clapham Moor, and most of it was off road, across farmland, woodland and alongside pretty streams.
On the whole walk, Patch and I didn’t see a single person. It was fantastic and he absolutely loved all the new smells, sights and nibbling sheep poo!
Switching off is something I struggle with. But being on my own with Patch and trying to navigate meant I could enjoy being in the moment and take in the views.
Plus I could stop and take as many photos of Patch as I wanted. Usually, my walking companions get fed up!
I only got slightly lost and Patch only a teeny bit muddy so I was pretty pleased with our first outing!
On the way home, we went into nearby Settle, a village with plenty of independent shops, many of which let in dogs.
We popped to Booths to pick up some supplies for the evening and crashed out back at Bowland Fell Park.
Gisburn Forest and Stocks Reservoir
The following day, thrilled at being able to follow a map, I decided I wanted more of a challenge so set off to Gisburn Forest which is only a 15 minute drive away.
It’s next to Stocks Reservoir, and you can take an eight mile walk around the water, but as it was quite hot, I chose the more shaded forest route.
You can walk or cycle and there’s a range of routes which you can view on the Giburn Forestry England website.
I ended up on the cycle path rather than the walk and did a mix of the ‘Eight’ which is a 11 mile figure of eight loop, and the 5.5 mile Bottoms Beck trail, covering around eight miles.
The scenery is simply breathtaking. I went through miles of forests, paths, alongside fields and took in so many stunning sights.
Again, there’s no phone signal, so you really can escape from it all.
We called in at the dog friendly Forest Den Cafe after around six miles and lunch for me was an ice cream and a can of 7Up and Patch had a handful of gravy bones.
When we passed the Stocks Reservoir it was so peaceful, with a few boats on the water. We were able to get down a bank so Patch could cool down with a paddle.
Dinner at the Crowtrees Inn, Bowland Fell Park
After an eight mile walk, I was ready for a hearty dinner, so checked in to the Bowland Fell Park pub and ordered a Sunday Roast.
Portions were very generous with a huge serving of fresh veg and were really tasty. I may or many not have put a little bit in Patch’s treat bowl for him to try it too.
While I didn’t sample the ale, there was a good selection and a varied wine list, but for once I was glad not to have a tipple and opted for an early night instead.
Would I go back?
Absolutely. I was gutted to have to go home on Monday morning. It’s such a peaceful place and I came back feeling relaxed and recharged, if a little achy from our walks.
Everyone was so lovely and friendly and Hayley and Vicky in reception made a huge fuss of Patch.
Bowland Fell Park is ideal whether you’re a solo traveller looking to enjoy being with your dog or a family searching for adventure.
There’s so much to do, and I can’t wait to return.
Prices for a three night break from 14th June start from £206, subject to availability. Find out more at www.bowlandfell.com
- With thanks to Bowland Fell for inviting us to review their park.
