Langden Castle

1. Park at Langden Intake on the road between Dunsop Bridge and Lancaster. As you leave the car park there is a memorial stone for airmen killed in plane crashes in Bowland during World War 2 and the Berlin airlift.

2. Follow the tarmac track westwards through the avenue of trees. Keep an eye and ear out for Dippers in the river and Siskin and Redpoll in the trees. Go past the Water board building and through the kissing gate. Keep to the track as the view ahead opens up to reveal the Langden Valley. Look out for grey wagtails by the river and meadow pipits and skylarks up on the fell.

3. Go through a field gate and continue on the track to where it splits. The left hand track, following the Public Right of Way is fairly level and gives good views of the river environment and the upland oak woodland. The upper track is steep in places and takes you to the edge of the moorland plateau. If following this section, keep a look out for merlin, ring ouzel, red grouse and don’t forget the possibility of a hen harrier.

4.The tracks re-join, then continue to Langden Castle – unfortunately not a real castle, but still a welcome shelter from the rain (common) and sun (rare). Langden castle makes a perfect terminus and is a lovely spot for a picnic. After admiring the views retrace your route back to the car park at Langden intake.

Dogs must be kept on a lead from March 1st to December 10th unfortunately but still a lovely walk!