Ward's Stone

Ward’s Stone stands at the heart of the Forest of Bowland in North West England as the highest hill in the area. Its flat summit hides two trig points nearly a kilometre apart, with the western one perched on large rocks. One of these rocks, also called Ward’s Stone, draws climbers and boulderers to its broad surface. The eastern trig point looks out over the empty eastern Forest of Bowland, where Wolfhole Crag, White Hill and the distant Ingleborough rise above the horizon. Two main paths lead to the top, one starting from Grit Fell and the other from Tarnbrook, where limited parking is found. The walk from Grit Fell crosses Cabin Flat, a stretch marked by hidden pools of stagnant water. A form of red grass reveals the presence of these pools, while white markers attempt to guide walkers but often send them off course. The eastern trig point offers views across the wide landscape, while the southern slope of Ward’s Stone features rocky outcrops like Thorn Crag, Hell Crag and Long Crag. Thorn Crag contains a shallow cave system that connects to Hell Crag, a route first explored by Lancaster University Mountaineering Club. From the top, the horizon stretches across the Pennines and into the Lake District. On clear days, walkers can see Grayrigg Forest, Cross Fell, Whernside and Ingleborough among many others. The rocky southern slopes attract climbers eager to test their skills on Thorn Crag and its neighbours. The flat summit and distant peaks make Ward’s Stone a rewarding destination for those who enjoy remote upland scenery.