Beacon Fell POC 2024
The Beacon Fell Country Park comprises 110 hectares (271 acres) of woodland, moorland and farmland. The Beacon Fell summit is 266 metres (873 feet) above sea level and offers spectacular views of the Forest of Bowland and Morecambe Bay. On a clear day, seeing the Isle of Man is possible. Wildlife is abundant for those who are prepared to be observant. Rabbits and hares are frequent and are easily spotted. Roe deer are a little more elusive, but patience may well be rewarded! Stoats and weasels can be seen running across the road or clambering over the dry stone walls. As many as 11 species of dragonflies and damselflies may be seen around the ponds during the summer months.
There is currently one course, the all controls 'score' course, available from this website to download and print, for free.
You choose your route around the controls - see how many you can do!
Safety Aspects
As with any countryside activity, there are various hazards that you need to be aware of and you need to take action to avoid these to remain safe. These include :
Slippery paths/slopes, especially where steps (wet leaves and perhaps ice), and uneven surfaces including tree roots.
Large crags/cliffs and other rock features.
Lakes and ponds – slippery margins.
Prickly vegetation.
Branches/twigs
Moving vehicles in public car parks and access roads
Members of the public, dog walkers, and cyclists – please avoid and be courteous.
If you are running alone please make sure you inform someone of your plans
SROC have completed a Risk Assessment for this activity
| Beacon Fell 2024 | FREE |
| Beacon Fell 2024 | FREE |
Cafe in Visitor Centre, check for opening.
Download from this site (latest version 01/10/24, map updated)
The woodland trail
The woodland trail takes about 40 minutes to complete, taking you past Larch Avenue, Shield Wood, Tarn Wood, Middle Wood and the summit. As you go round the trail you will see the different species of trees that have been planted in the wood and the different habitats that they have created.
Sculpture trail
Starting at the Orme Sight adjacent to the visitor centre the trail leads up to the summit of Beacon Fell. The trail features a number of sculptures carved by local artist Thompson Dagnall.
Fellside trail
The fellside trail is a circular route provided for horse riders. The route takes approximately one hour to complete.
Beacon Fell summit
A triangulation pillar is situated on the site of where the beacon would have stood. Records show that there was a beacon here as long ago as 1002 AD. Later maps show it as part of a chain used to warn of impending danger such as the approach of the Spanish Armada in 1588. More recent beacons have been used to celebrate such occasions as coronations and jubilees. Rising to a height of 266 metres above sea level the summit gives fantastic panoramic views of the Bowland Fell and Parlick Fell.
There is also a cafe on-site from where the permanent course maps can be purchased.