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Stocks Reservoir and Gisburn Forest Trail Running Route: 17km Forest of Bowland Loop

A 16.7km circular trail running route from Stocks Reservoir car park / School Lane area a runnable Forest of Bowland loop combining reservoir tracks, Gisburn Forest trails and rolling woodland scenery, with around 354m of climbing and a highest point of 270m.
16.7km

Distance

354m

Elevation Gain

2.7 hours to 3.4 hours running / 4.6 to 6.3 hours walking

Estimated Time

Difficulty

Distance Band

Route Map

No map available for this route.

Get this route

Download GPX
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About this route

This Stocks Reservoir and Gisburn Forest trail running route is a circular loop from Stocks Reservoir car park / School Lane area, built from the supplied GPX file and suitable for runners who are comfortable on mixed trail terrain.

The GPX measures approximately 16.7km with around 354m of elevation gain and reaches a highest point of about 270m. This is a varied Bowland trail route with plenty of runnable forest and reservoir-side sections. It is less mountainous than the Lakes routes but still needs trail shoes in wet weather.

Use the GPX for navigation, carry appropriate kit for the distance and weather, and always check local access, parking and public transport details before travelling.

Route Features

At a Glance

📍 Start:Stocks Reservoir, Gisburn Forest

Getting there

Start Point

Stocks Reservoir, Gisburn Forest
BB7 4TS

Parking

Use the signed Stocks Reservoir/Gisburn Forest parking areas where permitted. Check United Utilities and Forestry England local signage for current access, charges and restrictions.

Public Transport

Public transport is limited around Stocks Reservoir and Gisburn Forest. Plan as a car-based route or check current rural bus options for Slaidburn and Tosside before travelling.

Toilets

Toilet availability can vary around the reservoir and forest. Check current Forestry England or local visitor information before travelling.

Nearest Town

Slaidburn

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What's underfoot

Expect forest tracks, reservoir paths, gravel tracks, woodland trails, moorland tracks, short road sections. The route has approximately 354m of climbing over 16.7km, so pace should be adjusted for terrain, weather and navigation.

Best Seasons

Navigation Difficulty

Stocks Reservoir, Gisburn Forest

Weather Notes

Avoid poor visibility, high winds and heavy rain on exposed or high-level sections. Paths may be slippery, boggy or harder to follow after prolonged wet weather.

Recommended Equipment

Trail shoes are strongly recommended for this route. Here’s what we’d suggest.

Recommended kit for this route

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Before, during & after

Water

Carry your own water. Natural water sources should not be relied upon unless treated/filtered, and facilities may be limited or seasonal.

Shops Nearby

Nearest useful shops and pubs are in Slaidburn or nearby villages. Carry snacks and water from the start.

Post-Run Recommendation

Use Gisburn Forest Hub if open, or head to Slaidburn for post-run food and drink.

How to run it

Route Steps (route_steps repeater)
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Follow the well-signed footpath from the car park.
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Before you go

⚠ Safety Notes

Follow the GPX closely and carry a map/backup navigation. Conditions can change quickly on open fell, moorland or mountain ground. Take extra care on wet rock, boggy sections, steep descents and road crossings. Let someone know your plan for longer or more remote routes.

🌦 Weather Notes

Avoid poor visibility, high winds and heavy rain on exposed or high-level sections. Paths may be slippery, boggy or harder to follow after prolonged wet weather.

Local knowledge

💡 Local Tip

Start early for quieter trails and easier parking. Check weather and daylight before setting off, especially outside summer. The best experience is usually in a settled dry spell when the views are clear and the paths are less boggy.

🧭 Navigation Difficulty

Frequently Asked Questions

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More routes nearby

Trail Art · Monetisation · Nice to have

Trail Art

Route Trail Poster

A hand-illustrated trail map poster of this route — perfect for your home or as a gift for a fellow runner. Printed on 300gsm card.

Buy the poster