Carwags Lane, near Goosnargh, Preston, Lancashire PR3 2ES
Beacon Fell Country Park
Mixed-habitat reserve
Place photograph
7.2
Wildland
1–2 hours
Time
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Cost
Peaceful
Feel
Why it's Wildland
7.2A modest hill with a wide view: Beacon Fell rises to 266 metres above a patchwork of woodland, moorland and farmland on the edge of the Forest of Bowland. Its summit trig point and carved-woodland sculpture trail give a walk here a few things to seek out beyond the view.
Beacon Fell earns its place through the combination of a proper summit viewpoint, varied habitats and a sculpture trail that gives the woodland walk a sense of discovery. It is a useful, accessible-feeling country-park outing rather than a remote fell expedition; check path and facility details before setting off.
Peaceful · Family-buzz · Big-sky
Find your way
Open mapCarwags Lane, near Goosnargh, Preston, Lancashire PR3 2ES
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The experience
Make for the summit trig point and its broad views, then take the woodland trail past Larch Avenue, Shield Wood, Tarn Wood and Middle Wood. Look out for carved wildlife sculptures along the sculpture trail. The woodland route is reported to take around 40 minutes; allow longer to explore and pause at the viewpoint.
Things to do
Walk the woodland trail to the summit
Pass Larch Avenue, Shield Wood, Tarn Wood and Middle Wood on the trail to the summit. Visit Preston gives around 40 minutes as the route time.
Around 40 minutes
Find the carved wildlife sculptures
Follow the sculpture trail and look for carved wooden animals, including a snake and an owl.
Visit the summit trig point
Reach the summit trig point at about 266 metres and take in the views across the Forest of Bowland and surrounding countryside when the weather is clear.
Look for summer dragonflies and damselflies
Visit Preston notes that ponds attract as many as 11 species of dragonflies and damselflies, which may be seen hovering over them in summer.
Make a day of it
Quick escape · Around 40 minutes for the woodland trail; allow extra time for stops.
Quick Escape: woodland to summit
- 01
Start from the country park and follow the woodland trail through Larch Avenue, Shield Wood, Tarn Wood and Middle Wood.
- 02
Continue to the summit and visit the trig point for the view.
- 03
Look out for carved wildlife sculptures along the sculpture trail.
Half day · Half day; exact duration depends on the trails and stops chosen.
Make a half day of it: trails, wildlife and a pause
- 01
Take the woodland trail towards the summit, allowing time to notice the changing woodland and other habitats.
- 02
Follow the sculpture trail and see which carved animals you can find.
- 03
Pause at the summit trig point for views across the Forest of Bowland and surrounding countryside when visibility allows.
- 04
Visit the Bowland Visitor Centre and café if open; check current hours before travelling.
Verified history
Visit Preston says Beacon Fell Country Park was designed in 1970 and describes it as one of England’s oldest country parks. The source does not provide further historical detail.
Hidden details
A small wildlife-spotting challenge — The sculpture trail includes carved wooden animals such as a snake and an owl. Make a game of spotting them as you walk.
Pondside summer activity — Visit Preston reports as many as 11 dragonfly and damselfly species around the ponds in summer. Their presence on a particular visit is not guaranteed.
When to go
· Choose a clear day for the summit views. No source specifies an ideal time of day.
Summer is the sourced season for looking for dragonflies and damselflies around the ponds. Clear conditions are useful for the summit panorama.
Exposed summit views depend on visibility; the supplied sources do not provide specific weather or safety guidance. Check conditions before setting out.
What to look for
- 01
Find the carved wooden animals on the sculpture trail, including a snake and an owl
- 02
follow the woodland trail through its named woods to the summit trig point
- 03
in summer, look for dragonflies and damselflies over the ponds.
The story
Country park designed in 1970; one of England’s oldest country parks, according to Visit Preston.
Best time to go
Summer for dragonflies and damselflies around the ponds; clear weather at any time of year gives the best chance of far-reaching summit views.
Choose a clear, relatively calm day for the best summit views. Summer is the season highlighted for dragonflies and damselflies around the ponds.
How long to spend
1–2 hours
Perfect for
Walkers · Families · Young children · Wildlife lovers · Photographers · Dogs
Before you go
Address
Phone
Listed hours
- Monday: Open 24 hours
- Tuesday: Open 24 hours
- Wednesday: Open 24 hours
- Thursday: Open 24 hours
- Friday: Open 24 hours
- Saturday: Open 24 hours
- Sunday: Open 24 hours
Check before visiting.
Google rating
Practical information
Opening & access
Country park with public paths. Visit Preston describes well-maintained paths and a woodland trail taking around 40 minutes. Check current access and visitor information before travelling.
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Parking
The source row lists a wheelchair-accessible car park. Parking charges and current arrangements: Check before visiting.
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Toilets
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Food & drink
Visit Preston reports a visitor centre and café; check current opening and service details before visiting.
Check before visiting
Dogs
Visit Preston says dogs are welcome if kept under close control and out of the wildlife ponds; sheep may be grazing at some times of year. Bag and dispose of dog waste responsibly.
Accessibility
The source row reports a wheelchair-accessible car park and entrance. It does not establish that all paths or attractions are wheelchair accessible; check before visiting.
Check before visiting
Cost
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Check before visiting
Water
Ponds
Gallery
Place photographs
Keep exploring
Around Beacon Fell Country Park
Within 50 km · approximate straight-line distances
