NOV 2022 – 5 MILES – PARLICK AND FAIR SNAPE FELL (FOREST OF BOWLAND)

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My friend and I wanted to meet up for a hike before December and the weather looked pretty fair for the week.  My friend recommended this one from one of her walking books, looks pretty good.

Total Distance: 5 Miles
Steps: ~18,000 Steps
Highest Point: 1674 Feet
Total Realistic Time: ~4 Hours

Parlick (also known as Parlick Pike) is an approximately cone-shaped steep-sided hill at the extreme south of the main range of Bowland fells in Lancashire, England. Its bog-free sides make it more popular with walkers than the shallow boggy hills to its north. Paths zigzag up this hill from the south, or for the more strenuous ascent a straight path can be chosen. This hill is usually green — different from the often thorny brown to red of the northern hills. A thin neck joins Parlick onto Fair Snape Fell with well-worn paths linking the two.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Parlick

Car parking is free along the side passes around the area.  There is a small car parking area near the start of the walk.  No public toilets here though.

Here is the route we took:

Nice route up to Parlick which then leads you round to Fair Snape Fell, a good little workout.

We opted to go straight up to Parlick which was a good workout and from there it was fairly flat round to the highest point Fair Snape Fell.

It has been a misty day all day and the drive to the parking area was foggy/misty.  The walk up was misty but when we got towards Parlick, the views became so clear with the clouds hovering on the landscape. It was a beautiful view which I have not seen in a while.  The sun was shining where we were, we were walking on clouds all the way up and round until we got to the farm parts of the walk. Just mesmerising.

Views at Fair Snape Fell

We got a bit lost around the farm areas as the path just suddenly vanished.  My friend had her walking book with her which described the area well and got us out of trouble, look for the stys on the opposite side of the fields was the solution.

We made it finally back to our cars.

We decided to drive to a lovely quiet place for a well deserved coffee and cake called Brabin’s Shop and Gallery, it is quite hidden away.  It looks like a tiny shop from the outside, but when you walk in, it is a hidden treasure trove, gifts and a cafe towards the back of the shop.  Lovely and cosy with the fire burning in the corner whilst having our carrot cake and coffee/tea.

Conclusion:

We both thought it was not going to go as well as it did.  Driving to the meeting point parking area it was very misty.  We both managed to get to the same meeting point which was a miracle as you are in the middle of no where.  So glad we did the hike, the views we had at the top was just dazzling.  I think Barney enjoyed it too. Not seen views of the clouds below us and clear blue skies at the top like that for a long time, so worth it even though it was pretty cold.  We managed to get back to our cars before it got dark and also managed to fit in a coffee and cake, thats the important part of the meet up 😉 

A good workout at the start of the hike, then a leisurely walk most of the way, the paths were not as clear around the farm fields towards the end – just look for the stys on the opposite side of the field.

GENERAL EQUIPMENT

  • Apple iPhone 12 Pro (for taking photos/videos and mapping using OS Maps)
  • Comfy walking shoes (most important)
  • Flask with Hot/Cold drink (a good cuppa is always welcome)
  • ibuprofen (helping hand if you have any aches and pains)
  • Food and snacks (fuel to keep you going)
  • Woolly hat, Scarf and Gloves (needed for keeping cosy and warm)

 

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