Country Escapes
(John Muir)
Shift the pace down a gear or two and swathe yourself in the rich green blankets of the Wyre Countryside – a total contrast to the lively summer seaside resorts.
Wyre is fortunate to share in the beauty that is the Forest of Bowland; an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, which was the first region in England to be awarded Europarc status. We take our cultural and environmental conservation very seriously here in Wyre, and it shows - in the unspoiled landscapes and close-knit communities.
Visit Garstang, at the foothills of the Bowland Fells, Gold award winner and finalist in the ‘Champion of Champions’ in Britain in Bloom in 2006. The pretty, historic town is home to a weekly street market and a great base from which to explore the network of footpaths and winding country roads.
If you are feeling energetic why not follow the River Wyre on its course from high in the hills and hike the Wyre Way, a 42-mile walk, which follows the river from source to sea. You could join the Wyre Rangers on a countryside activity or take to the lanes on horseback. If you enjoy the thrill of the catch, then Wyre has a great choice of fishing lakes and rivers on which to cast your line.
Not feeling quite so active? Then don’t worry, you have no end of places to visit to help you to unwind; take afternoon tea in one of the cafes in Scorton, picnic on Harris End Fell and enjoy some of the most spectacular views in the country, amble around the charming Over Wyre Villages or buy fresh local produce at the regular Farmers’ Markets in Great Eccleston and Poulton-le-Fylde.
Whatever season you choose to visit; high summer, with bees and butterflies, lilac scented gardens and lakes scintillating in the sunshine. In autumn you will love the colours of the trees and the childish thrill of kicking through the fallen leaves. Winter offers white-clad landscapes and crisp, fresh mornings and of course spring is perfect for seeing the lambs and the swathes of spring flowers as the landscape bursts into life once again.