Singing Ringing Tree
/by adminSinging Ringing Tree
Singing Ringing Tree
About 3 miles south of the Forest of Bowland is the Singing Ringing Tree. It is one of the Lancashire panopticons, of which there are three others, The Atom, Haslingden Halo and Colourfields. The panopticons is an arts and regeneration programme across east Lancashire.
This particular sculpture was built in 2006 by architects Mike Tonkin and Anna Liu of Tonkin Liu, a London based firm. It stands at 3 metres (10 ft) and built out of galvanised steel in a series of hollow pipes.
As the wind blows through the pipes of the Singing Ringing Tree it makes an eerie yet beautiful sound.
The sculpture was awarded the National Award of the Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA) for architectural excellence in 2007.
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Gisburn Forest Bike Trails
/by adminGisburn Forest Bike Trails
Gisburn Forest Bike Trails
Sat in the far north-eastern edge of Lancashire, and within the Forest of Bowland, Gisburn Forest bike trails offer nearly 3000 acres of beautiful woodland to explore. In fact, it is the largest forest in Lancashire, giving you miles and miles of trails and tracks to enjoy.
Much of the forest offers terrific mountain bike trails with breathtaking panoramic views and exciting hills to have fun on.
Beginners and families can ride along the easy trails at Bottoms Beck (taking in Stocks Reservoir), and the more experienced riders can thrash their way down Bigfoot Slab. So whether you have just bought your first bike, or you see yourself as the next Grant Ferguson, there really is a trail for everyone.
Much like ski runs, the trails are all colour graded. Green (easy), Blue (moderate), Red (Difficult) to Black (severe), which gives you a general indication of difficulty. i.e. Some blue runs are more challenging than others. The forest roads are also really good for all levels of cyclist but just like the trails they come along with their own inherent risks.
The best place to start any Gisburn Forest Bike Trails is at The Hub. You can hire bikes, buy bits and have a drink in the cafe.
The Hub
Address: Stephen Park Dale Head, Slaidburn, Clitheroe BB7 4TS
Phone: 01200 446387
Web: https://www.forestryengland.uk/gisburn-forest-and-stocks
Sawley Abbey
/by adminSawley Abbey
Sawley Abbey
Sawley Abbey is a Grade I listed building and Scheduled Ancient Monument, built around 1149, and lasting until 1536.
It was built for Cistercian monks and the last two abbots were executed.
In 2009, Sawley Abbey was featured for the 1st episode of series 3 of The Tudors.
Located in the village of Sawley, it is now managed by English Heritage and open to the public. Entry to the ruins is free.
Opening hours
Opening Times:
Open daily
10am-5pm (April to October)
10am-4pm (November to March)
Closed over Christmas and New Year.
Access: The abbey grounds are mostly flat and grassy.
Disabled access is limited.
Parking: Limited free parking on the road adjacent.
More Information: The abbey is usually opened each day by a local key holder.
Nearby walk
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