With a gorgeous trails for hikers and cyclist, beautiful rolling hills that switch colour with the seasons, a famous post box and links to the Royal Family, the Trough of Bowland is a must visit for all intrepid explorers of the English countryside. The scenic valley is found in the Forest of Bowland Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty in Lancashire and while the drive is almost one hour and a half from Manchester via the M66 the trip is well worth it.
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As reported in LancsLive, it has strong links to the Royal Family with part of the Duchy of Lancaster Estate located within it. King Charles III, who is said to be enamoured by the area, is now the holder of the estate following the death of his mother, Queen Elizabeth II.
Driving through the valley, with phone signal fading with every turn in the narrow single-track road you take and every metre you climb, the hills and fells envelope you just like a trough. It's a spectacular drive to rival any classic or famous mountain pass in the UK.
If you're ever planning a car trip along this solemn route it would be a crime not to make additional time on your journey to stop at the dedicated viewing spots scattered along the route, where you can enjoy a sip of coffee from your flask next to a tranquil stream, say a cheery hello to the sheep grazing nearby, the hills so steep they look precariously placed like fairies sitting on top of Christmas tree. Take the time to climb the small step to the top of the Jubilee Tower and pause to feel the wind on your skin and marvel at the landscape sprawled in front of you, take a picture or snapshot for your memory.
Practice using the panoramic feature on your phone at the summit views on Acre Lane, the sun sporadically beaming down through the open holes in the clouds. This is also a popular spot for hikers and cyclists to head off to trek the area's numerous trails.
Burrowed deep within the belly of the valley is Dunsop Bridge village. This rural community's claim to fame is the fact that it is located smack bang in the exact centre of Great Britain. It lies there, quietly waiting for you - your reward sticking out that exhilarating ear-popping approach.
Once there, you'll find the quaint Puddleduck tea rooms located inside the end stone terrace serving freshly baked pastries and cakes. (we highly recommend you try the Bakewell tart - it was still warm and delicious for us during our morning visit) hot drinks and light lunches. It stands is next to the village Post Office and opposite a public shelter to the Queen to commemorate her Golden Jubilee in 2012.
Park up in the public car park, stroll along the river, wash your muddy boots in the outdoor tap and don't fret if you can't get phone signal - the café has strong wi-fi but there's also a working phone box there (make sure you have at least 60p in change though). It's worth noting that this is not just any old phone box either. It is the 100,000th of its kind in the UK and on it is a little note reminding you that you are standing in the middle of the country.
Potential callers be wary however, you may have to share your phone call with a fair few creepy crawlies - a spider busily weaving its web during our re-enactment of that famous scene involving a phone call in E.T. In summary, while you may have to endure a bout of ear-popping en-route to Dunsop bridge through the Trough of Bowland, we think it's a tiny price to pay for your incredible reward once there.
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