The Forest of Bowland, also known as the Bowland Fells and formerly the Chase of Bowland, is an area of gritstone fells, deep valleys, and peat moorland, mostly in north-east Lancashire, England, with a small part in North Yorkshire. It is a western outlier of the Pennines.

Initially we will follow good paths as we travel through forest land and gradually gain some height. When we reach the top, which is rich peatland, we will travel in a circuit around Middle Knoll before we back track through the forest, weaving our way to the Tearoom.

Terrain type = rolling hills with a mix of steep ascents and descents to start, and potentially boggy as its peatland.

Why should we do Outdoor Activities?

The role of sport and recreation in improving mental health is now becoming increasingly clear. The effects of outdoor activities can include stress reduction, improved mood, improved self-esteem and improved health and general well-being. The real challenge lies in promoting the idea of “green exercise” to those that will benefit from it, providing opportunities for those people to take up outdoor activities, and to support and encourage them as they set out on their individual adventures. We have established Blackdog Outdoors to provide this service.

COVID 19

We have been keeping an eye on the latest developments and while we still consider it safe to run our events can we ask that in order to keep our team and other attendees safe you follow the advice below

• Please complete a lateral flow test no more than 24 hours prior to attending the event

• Please do not attend the event If you or any of your party develop or have any symptoms of Covid-19 prior to the event or receive a track and trace alert.

Please visit https://www.gov.uk/coronavirus to review the latest government information regarding Covid-19

CANCELLATION POLICY

Cancellation by you

If you can no longer attend then please let us know as soon as possible so we can try and give your place to someone else. Please provide notification by email to the event leader.

Cancellation by us

If we need to cancel the event we will give as much notice as possible. We do not accept any responsibility for any losses incurred should we need to cancel the event.

GUIDELINES & DISCLAIMER

• Participants under the age of 18 can only attend with prior agreement and for special reasons only - please contact admin@blackdogoutdoors.co.uk to discuss.
• Participants under the age of 18 must be supervised by a parent or guardian.
• All participants take part entirely at their own risk. The organiser shall not be liable, or accept liability, for any accidents, injury, loss or damage sustained as a consequence of participation in the event.
• Participants are advised to wear suitable clothing and footwear for the event and be prepared for all weather conditions.
• Participants should notify the organisers of any medical conditions that they should be aware of.
• You should also carry any medication that may be required for example asthma inhalers. Or any other medication you require.
• Any participant who has any doubts about their fitness or ability to take part should consult their GP or a suitably qualified health professional before participating.
• An emergency contact number will be supplied to all participants prior to the event and participants should ensure they have both this number and a phone with them during the event.
• Although all reasonable steps have been taken to ensure the safety of people participating in our activities, individuals do so at their own risk.
• The supporting leaders are trained and assessed to guide you safely. However, customers need to accept that there are risks involved in any outdoor activity.
• All participants must abide by instructions issued by leaders, including health and safety instructions. Anyone failing to abide by these instructions may be asked to leave the activity if, in the opinion of the leaders, their actions could jeopardise anyone in the group.
• If anyone leaves an event before the finish, either by agreement or having been asked to, the leader or leaders’ duty of care will cease at that point.
• We reserve the right to alter or cancel an activity if it is not safe to proceed. This is most likely in the event of extreme weather conditions.
• We reserve the right to exclude participants if they are deemed by leaders not to be adequately prepared and equipped. Please check our recommended kit list which will state if specific equipment is advised or essential, particularly in relation to footwear and clothing. Please ensure you have enough food and drink for the type and duration of the activity.
• We reserve the right to refuse participation if it is considered a person’s conduct puts either themselves or others in danger. We accept no responsibility for personal property that may be lost or damaged during the event.
• We will not share contact details collected during registration with any third parties other than our event leaders and we will not use the details to contact you directly about further events. You may still receive emails about future events via Eventbrite and you will need to unsubscribe from these to stop receiving them. Our GDPR policy is available on request.

In the event of adverse weather conditions:

Most activities, particularly guided events, have alternative routes in the event of adverse weather. Leaders will make a decision on the day as to whether the event will proceed, or an alternative will be offered. Their decision is final.