Highlight • Summit
Clougha Pike
Hiking
5.0
(69)
Running
5.0
(1)
The bulk of Clougha Pike is Access Land so you can explore its full extent as you wish. In reality, the terrain can be rough-going and sticking to the trails is best. Due to grouse shooting, dogs are not permitted on Clougha Fell and much of the surrounding region. In good weather, this is a marvellous spot for a hiking adventure with children as you can pick your distance easily.
Rambling the cloughs of Clougha
There are numerous starting points for hikes up Clougha Pike, the easiest perhaps being from Rowton to the west. This provides a fairly direct ascent via Rowton Brook, although the ground can get boggy so appropriate footwear is a must. You can also start from other directions and expand your walk along paths to nearby tops, like Ward’s Stone.
Wild and rugged, Clougha’s moorland atmosphere makes you feel as though you’re in a much more isolated place than you really are. Reaching the summit at 1,355 feet (413 m), a clear day will reward any effort with surprisingly far-reaching views. Lancaster resides in the immediate west, while Morecambe Bay stretches out in the distance. The Pennines and fells of the Lake District are visible to the north and even the Isle of Man can be seen in the Irish Sea.
Lancaster is an obvious base for ascents throughout the year but you can explore the Forest of Bowland freely, making the surrounding towns and villages all good options.
This Highlight is in a protected area
Please check local regulations for:
Tips
October 19, 2019
Hiking
October 15, 2014
Hiking
Trig point at 413m and amazing views out to sea and north-west to the Lake District.
January 30, 2023
Running
The ridgeline from here to Ward's Stone and beyond is a great run, it can be turned into a loop from any of the local car parks.
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Nearby routes
Best routes near Clougha Pike
4.5
(24)
88
hikers
8.33km
02:44
290m
290m
Embark on the Clougha Pike loop from Rigg Lane, a difficult 5.2-mile (8.3 km) hike that challenges you with 964 feet (294 metres) of elevation gain, typically taking around 2 hours and 44 minutes to complete. The trail begins pleasantly through Rigg Wood before opening up to beautiful moorland. As you approach the summit of Clougha Pike, the terrain becomes rockier and more uneven, featuring gritstone boulders and potentially boggy sections, some equipped with duckboards. From the peak, you are rewarded with sweeping panoramic views of the Forest of Bowland, Morecambe Bay, and on clear days, even the distant Lake District Fells and Yorkshire Dales.
Starting from Rigg Lane Car Park, be prepared for varied conditions; the route can be muddy, especially after rain, and includes steep climbs. While some descriptions rate similar routes as easier, this specific loop is considered difficult, requiring good fitness and sturdy shoes. The trail traverses a managed grouse moor, so be aware that access might be restricted during certain seasons. Always check local conditions before you head out.
Beyond the physical challenge, the Clougha Pike loop offers rich historical and natural insights. You will pass old rocky structures from the 250-year-old Birk Bank Quarry and distinctive meltwater channels known as "cloughs." Near the summit, look for the fascinating Three Chambers sculpture by artist Andy Goldsworthy, set within a disused quarry. The area is also home to moorland birds like red grouse, curlew, and meadow pipit, adding to the unique character of this Forest of Bowland adventure.
4.6
(18)
139
hikers
8.90km
02:55
310m
310m
Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Mostly accessible paths. Sure-footedness required.
4.8
(6)
50
hikers
11.6km
04:04
420m
420m
Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Mostly accessible paths. Sure-footedness required.
Details
Informations
Elevation 460 m
Good to know
Family Friendly
yes
Wheelchair access
no
Dog Friendly
no
Weather
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Wednesday 13 May
12°C
3°C
82 %
Additional weather tips
Max wind speed: 23.0 km/h
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