Stocks Reservoir and Gisburn Forest
Reservoir views, forest trails, and barely any climbing. One for when you want miles without mountains — or when the rest of the Dales is under a cloud.
Reservoir views, forest trails, and barely any climbing. One for when you want miles without mountains — or when the rest of the Dales is under a cloud.
A trail run looping around Stocks Reservoir and through Gisburn Forest in the Forest of Bowland AONB. Good all-weather tracks and minimal climbing make this one of the most accessible routes in the region.
##The route
From the Gisburn Forest Hub car park, the route circuits Stocks Reservoir before looping through the forest tracks. The terrain is mostly well-drained gravel track with some rougher forest paths.
##The forest
Gisburn Forest is managed by Forestry England and shared with mountain bikers — be ready to share the trails. The café at the Hub is open most days and does proper food.
Forestry vehicles on some tracks — be alert. Shared use with mountain bikers. Muddy forest paths after heavy rain.
Safety on this route
- No signal? Text 999 — pre-register first: text register to 999
- Tell someone your route and expected return time before you head out