Parlick Fell: A Complete Guide to Walking, Parking and Visiting

Rising above the countryside near Chipping, Parlick Fell is one of the most rewarding and accessible fell walks on the southern edge of the Forest of Bowland. Its distinctive rounded profile is visible for miles, and although the climb to the top is relatively short, the summit feels wonderfully wild and exposed.

At 432 metres (1,417 feet), Parlick – sometimes called Parlick Pike – isn’t one of Lancashire’s highest hills, but its position on the edge of the Bowland Fells gives it exceptional views.

On a clear day you can look across the Lancashire plain towards the coast, with Pendle Hill visible to the east and the higher Bowland moors stretching away to the north.

It’s an excellent choice for walkers looking for a proper hill walk without committing to an all-day expedition, while the option of continuing to Fair Snape Fell makes it easy to turn your visit into a longer adventure.

Where is Parlick Fell?

Parlick lies close to Chipping in Lancashire, at the southern end of the main Bowland Fells.

The usual approach is from Fell Foot and Startifants Lane, reached via the country lanes north-west of Chipping.

The postcode PR3 2NZ is useful for getting close to the common starting point, although you should use a proper map or navigation app for the final approach rather than relying entirely on your sat-nav.

Parlick sits within the Forest of Bowland National Landscape, an area particularly important for its upland habitats and birds.

For walkers carrying an Ordnance Survey map, OS Explorer OL41 – Forest of Bowland & Ribblesdale covers the area and is recommended by the Forest of Bowland National Landscape.

Where to park for Parlick Fell

There are two main options, depending on the walk you have planned.

Fell Foot / Startifants Lane

For the shortest and most direct climb, most walkers start around Fell Foot at the eastern end of Startifants Lane.

There is very limited roadside and lay-by parking here rather than a large dedicated visitor car park. One commonly used gravel parking area only accommodates a handful of vehicles.

This area can become particularly busy on sunny weekends and bank holidays.

If you park here, please be considerate. These are working country lanes used by residents, farmers and agricultural vehicles. Never block a gateway, passing place, farm entrance or access road, and don’t park on verges where doing so could cause damage or an obstruction.

Arriving early is sensible at busy times.

Chipping Village Car Park

For a longer walk – or if you’d prefer proper parking and facilities – Chipping village car park is an excellent alternative.

The Ribble Valley Borough Council long-stay car park has 44 pay-and-display spaces, four disabled spaces and EV charging points. At the time of writing, parking charges apply between 9am and 5pm daily, so check the latest information before travelling.

Starting in Chipping adds several miles to your walk but has some significant advantages: you’re less reliant on finding a roadside space, public toilets are nearby and there are places to find food and drink before or after your walk.

Walking up Parlick Fell

One reason for Parlick’s popularity is its simplicity: the hill gets straight down to business.

From Fell Foot, the path heads towards the open fell and then climbs steeply up Parlick’s southern slopes. There are various worn lines on the hillside, including more direct and more gradual approaches.

The initial ascent is only around half a mile, but it is steep enough to get the heart working.

As you gain height, the countryside rapidly opens beneath you. Eventually the gradient eases and you reach Parlick’s broad summit area.

Don’t expect a dramatic rocky mountain top. Parlick’s summit is relatively understated, with stones marking the top, but the panorama more than compensates.

A short Parlick walk

If you’re short of time, simply climbing from Fell Foot to Parlick summit and returning the same way makes an enjoyable outing.

Allow plenty of time despite the modest distance. The ascent is steep, and you’ll probably want to stop frequently to admire the increasingly impressive views.

Descending steep grass also deserves care, particularly after rain.

For anyone unfamiliar with fell walking, remember that a short distance doesn’t necessarily mean an easy walk. You gain height very quickly on Parlick.

Parlick and Fair Snape Fell circular walk

For many walkers, Parlick is only the beginning.

From the summit you can continue north along the broad ridge towards Fair Snape Fell, turning the outing into one of the classic walks in this part of Bowland.

A popular circular version is approximately 5.8 miles (9.3km), takes around 3 to 3½ hours and involves roughly 395 metres of ascent, although distances and timings vary according to the exact route chosen.

The character of the walk changes once you’ve climbed Parlick. The steep grassy ascent gives way to much broader upland terrain, where paths cross peat and open moorland.

After wet weather, sections around the higher fells can become very boggy.

This is a more serious walk than simply climbing Parlick. Navigation can become difficult when low cloud covers the moor, so carry a map and compass and/or a reliable offline GPS route.

A longer walk from Chipping

Experienced walkers looking for a fuller day out can begin in Chipping village.

The Forest of Bowland’s published Chipping circular route heads from the village towards Fell Foot, climbs Parlick and continues over Fair Snape Fell, before eventually returning through the countryside to Chipping.

The published route is approximately 15km, making this a much more substantial outing.

Another described Chipping circuit covering Fair Snape Fell and Parlick is around 13km with approximately 450 metres of ascent.

Starting in the village is particularly appealing if you want to finish your walk with coffee, cake or something more substantial.

What can you see from Parlick?

The views are arguably Parlick’s greatest attraction.

Because the hill stands at the southern edge of the Bowland massif, there is very little immediately blocking the outlook across the lower Lancashire countryside.

On a clear day, look out for Pendle Hill to the east, Preston and Winter Hill to the south, and the Lancashire coastal plain towards Blackpool and the Irish Sea to the west.

Turn north and the atmosphere changes completely, with the open uplands of Fair Snape Fell and the Forest of Bowland filling the horizon.

It is this contrast – green farmland in one direction and wild Bowland moorland in the other – that makes the summit particularly memorable.

You may also see paragliders and hang-gliders around Parlick when conditions are suitable; the fell is well known among the flying community.

Toilets near Parlick Fell

An important thing to know before setting off is that there are no public toilets on Parlick Fell itself or at the summit.

The most useful facilities are in Chipping.

Ribble Valley Borough Council lists Chipping public toilets at 32 Kirklands, Chipping, PR3 2GN.

This makes Chipping a sensible stop before driving towards Fell Foot, particularly if you’re travelling with children.

There are no facilities once you’re high on the fell, so plan accordingly.

Cafes and refreshments near Parlick

Again, Chipping is the best place to stock up or stop for refreshments.

One popular option is Cobbled Corner Cafe on Garstang Road in Chipping, serving drinks and food in the centre of the village.

Opening days and hours can change, so check before making a special journey.

If you’re planning a longer day out, Chipping and the surrounding Ribble Valley also have pubs and other places to eat, making the village a good base rather than simply somewhere to drive through.

Carry your own water, snacks and emergency food on the fell. There are no refreshment facilities once you leave the villages and head onto the open moor.

Is Parlick Fell suitable for dogs?

Parlick can be a fantastic walk with an active dog, but owners need to take particular care.

This is working farming country, and sheep are frequently encountered. Dogs should therefore be under close control and placed on a lead anywhere near livestock.

There are additional considerations on Bowland’s open-access moorland because it provides important habitat for ground-nesting birds.

Forest of Bowland guidance states that dogs are normally required to be on a lead of no more than two metres on relevant access land during the bird-nesting season from 1 March to 31 July, while some areas can have additional seasonal or year-round restrictions.

Check current access notices before your walk, particularly if you’re continuing beyond Parlick onto the higher moors.

And, of course, bag dog waste and take it away with you if there isn’t a suitable bin.

Weather on Parlick Fell

Don’t be fooled by Parlick’s relatively modest height.

Conditions on the summit and the ridge towards Fair Snape Fell can be very different from those in Chipping below. A pleasant morning in the valley can turn into strong wind, rain and poor visibility higher up.

Before setting out, check a reliable upland or mountain weather forecast, not simply the forecast for the nearest town.

Even in summer, it is sensible to carry a lightweight waterproof and an extra layer.

During autumn and winter, expect mud, saturated ground, boggy sections, strong winds and occasionally ice or snow.

Low cloud deserves particular respect. Parlick itself is relatively straightforward in clear conditions, but once you continue onto the broader moorland around Fair Snape Fell, paths and landmarks can become much harder to identify.

What footwear do you need?

For most of the year, walking boots or sturdy waterproof walking shoes are the best choice.

After prolonged rain, waterproof boots are particularly useful. The higher route towards Fair Snape Fell crosses peat-heavy terrain that can become exceptionally wet and boggy.

In prolonged dry summer weather, trail shoes may be adequate for experienced walkers, but remember that conditions can change surprisingly quickly.

Whatever you wear, make sure it provides enough grip for the steep descent from Parlick.

Safety advice

Parlick is accessible, but it is still an exposed Lancashire fell rather than a country park.

Before heading out:

• Check the weather and visibility.
• Carry OS Explorer OL41 or another reliable map.
• Download your route for offline use rather than depending on mobile reception.
• Take waterproof clothing and an extra warm layer.
• Carry enough water and food.
• Wear suitable footwear.
• Tell someone your planned route if walking alone.
• Allow additional daylight for delays, particularly in winter.
• Turn back if conditions deteriorate beyond your experience or equipment.

The Forest of Bowland describes some of its access land as among the roughest and most remote walking in North West England, so anyone extending a Parlick walk deeper into Bowland should prepare accordingly.

Wildlife and responsible walking

The Bowland Fells are internationally important for upland wildlife, particularly birds.

The moors support species including curlew, golden plover, merlin, ring ouzel and hen harrier.

Walkers can help protect this landscape by keeping to established routes where appropriate, observing access restrictions, controlling dogs, taking litter home and avoiding disturbance to wildlife.

Remember that this is also a working landscape. Close gates behind you unless signage indicates otherwise, don’t interfere with livestock and give farm machinery plenty of space.

Is Parlick Fell suitable for children?

For older children who are comfortable with steep hill walking, Parlick can make a brilliant first taste of fell walking.

The direct climb provides plenty of adventure without requiring an enormous distance, while reaching a genuine summit gives youngsters a real sense of achievement.

The steep slopes, exposed summit and rapidly changing weather mean it isn’t a casual pushchair-style family walk, however. Younger children will need close supervision, particularly during the descent.

Families should also consider whether continuing to Fair Snape Fell is appropriate. Turning around at Parlick can still provide a very satisfying outing.

When is the best time to walk Parlick?

Parlick can be walked throughout the year, but every season offers something different.

Spring brings longer days and changing colours across the farmland, although walkers with dogs need to be particularly conscious of lambing livestock and nesting birds.

Summer provides the best chance of long-distance views and generally easier ground, but parking can be difficult on fine weekends.

Autumn can be beautiful as the light and colours change across Bowland, although wetter ground becomes increasingly likely.

Winter can produce wonderfully clear views and a real sense of wilderness, but short daylight hours, mud, ice, snow and strong winds can transform what appears to be a modest hill into a much more serious undertaking.

Accessibility

Parlick is not an accessible surfaced walking route.

The traditional approach involves rough ground and a sustained steep ascent. Gates, stiles, muddy surfaces and uneven terrain may also be encountered depending on the route.

Visitors looking for a gentler countryside experience nearby may find Beacon Fell Country Park a more suitable alternative, depending on individual mobility requirements.

A few practical tips before you go

Arrive early. Parking around Fell Foot is extremely limited.

Use Chipping for facilities. Toilets, parking and refreshments are much easier to find in the village.

Don’t underestimate the climb. Parlick is relatively low, but the direct ascent is steep.

Expect mud. If you’re continuing towards Fair Snape Fell after wet weather, boggy ground is almost guaranteed somewhere along the route.

Bring a proper map. Phone navigation is useful, but shouldn’t be your only means of finding your way in poor visibility.

Keep dogs controlled. Sheep and sensitive ground-nesting birds are important considerations throughout this landscape.

Leave no trace. Take litter and dog waste home and help keep Bowland beautiful.

Why walk Parlick Fell?

Parlick manages to pack an impressive amount into a relatively small hill.

You get a steep and satisfying climb, huge skies, wonderful views across Lancashire and an immediate introduction to the wilder landscape of the Forest of Bowland. You can climb to the summit and return in a relatively short outing, extend the walk to Fair Snape Fell, or make a full day of it by starting and finishing in Chipping.

Best of all, the landscape changes dramatically as you climb. Within a surprisingly short distance you leave the green fields and lanes behind and find yourself standing on an exposed fell with much of Lancashire spread out beneath you.

For visitors to the Ribble Valley who enjoy a proper walk with a view, Parlick Fell deserves a place near the top of the list.

Visitor information, parking charges, access restrictions and business opening hours can change. Check current information and the weather before travelling.