Sites and Facilities
Disability Facilities on Beacon Fell
There are public transport links from Preston to Longridge and Chipping, both approximately 3 miles from the Park. The park is an isolated hill rising 266m. above sea level. A tarmac road runs around the park and is subject to traffic control which makes it a "one way" system, clockwise. All the facilities and car parks are accessible from the circuit road and the main car parks are metalled. There are no height barriers on any of the car parks, but there is a restriction on vehicles using the Park between 10pm and 6am.
The Bowland Visitor Centre , opened in 1995, contains information and displays on the Forest of Bowland and Beacon Fell and is located near the main parking area at Fell House. Fell House has two large car parks, the upper one having two designated parking bays for orange badge holders. From these bays a level tarmac path, 1.8m wide, leads to the Centre, 35m. and the Cafe, 23ms. The centre is open seven days a week from Easter to 30th September. Monday to Friday 10.30am to 7.00pm and Saturday to Sunday 10.00am to 7.00pm. For Winter opening times please check with the Visitor Centre. Telephone 01995 640557 or 01772 534709.
The toilet block consists of a Radar key accessible toilet, plus ladies, gents and a family room. The toilets are locked at night but the Radar system is still accessible and there are also 24hr. Facilities the door to which is 1m. wide and opens outward, with a 5cm lip. A Radar key can be borrowed from the centre if required. The Radar toilets have an inwards opening door with an open width of 86cm. The toilet block is 70m. from the parking bays along a smooth tarmac path 1.8m wide. The Bowland Visitor Centre and cafe are accessible through double doors fabricated from wood and glass which gives a good visual contrast to the rest of the building. The doors are 80cm wide and open outwards. There is a small weatherproof lip at the base of the external doors. The centre is single level and there is a good visual contrast between the floor covering and the display units. The level of lighting both natural and artificial in the centre, classroom and cafe is acceptable. Immediately outside the cafe is a level, tarmac area with two picnic tables suitable for wheelchair access.
A picnic area with 6 tables suitable for wheelchair access is 160m. from the cafe via 70m. of tarmac/paved path and 90m. of crushed stone path, the route crosses the circuit road. This picnic area offers panoramic views of the Fylde coast. The summit of Beacon Fell is 516m. from the designated bays in upper Fell House car park and is reached via Sheepfold picnic area from the car park. The path to the summit is steep in places and some sections are rough underfoot.
The summit offers panoramic views over Lancashire and the summit trig. point incorporates a brass view indicator. Sheepfold picnic area can be reached from Sheepfold car park, 40m. over unmade path. On the other side of the park, at Quarry wood car park there is a wheelchair trail from the car park to the Tarn. The path is metalled with a width of 1.6m and 120m. in total. A steep section of the path has 3 level rest stops 10m. apart. The Tarn offers a small picnic area and scenic views onto the island and across to Longridge Fell.
On Carwags Lane leaving
the park towards Longridge is Carwags picnic and barbecue area. This site is
the only place on the park where fires and barbecues are allowed. The site consists
of a level tarmac car park with a tarmac ramp leading to a toilet block. There
are no separate disabled facilities but the Ladies and Gents each have wheelchair
accessible toilets. The toilets are within 30m. of the car park. The park is
heavily used by visitors and on some paths Horse riders and mountain bikes will
be encountered. From Sheepfold picnic area a stone path 'Queens Grove', can
be followed to view the wooden sculptures in the trees, a distance of 75m. Queens
Grove may be followed back to the main car park although a series of steps will
be encountered.
Tramper Trails
All terrain electric buggies.
Available for use now at Beacon Fell Country Park. These outdoor activity buggies are designed specifically to cove rough ground, mud and grass safely. We have constructed three "tramper trails" around the Fell offering you the chance to enjoy a real countryside experience.
Lancashire Countryside Service is committed to improving access to the countryside for all. As part of this programme, two new Tramper buggies have been purchased for use at the country park. The new battery powered vehicles are available for members of the public to borrow and use on three low-mobility trails. Each of the new trails offer a unique experience and different views of the surrounding area.
Whether you use a wheel chair most of the time or just have problems getting around on hills and uneven ground. These buggies are available for use free of charge but it is essential that you book in advance.
For booking and further information contact a Ranger on 01772 534709.
Bowland Visitor Centre
You might wish to consider Lords House Farm
Education Centre at Rishton which offers Environmental Education for
Schools and Community Groups. Click
here for more information.