WALKING IN BENTHAM

With the pressure on the more easily identified focuses of outdoor recreation such as the Lake District and the Three Peaks, interest is increasing in quieter and more unspoilt areas "off the beaten track". In recent years, Bentham has come to be appreciated as a walking centre with distinct possibilities.

Situated between the Forest of Bowland Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB) and the Yorkshire Dales National Park, Bentham is at the centre of an area of grassland farming, based on sheep and cattle, and adjoining the open fells. Principal river is the Wenning, but the Greta, the Hindburn and the Roeburn also drain neighbouring valleys, and all eventually join the Lune on its way down to Lancaster. Signs of the enterprising use of water power for local industry in pre-steam days are in evidence everywhere.

The footpath walks around Bentham, all on recognised routes and rights of way, range over a variety of terrains - riverside banks, undulating pastures, flowery meadows, and wind-swept moors, and provide not only superb distant panoramic views, but numerous local features, such as stiles, steps, footbridges, gills, becks and barns, which express the intensive and caring culture of generations of Yorkshire country folk.

Why not try the Bentham Heritage Trail, 3 signposted walks of 2 miles, 5 miles and 9 miles with information boards en route painted by a local artist which will tell you about local history and the environment. Visit www.benthamheritage.net for details.

Books and Maps are available from Bentham Tourist Information Office