Whitendale Hanging Stones
Whitendale Hanging Stones are located in the picturesque Forest of Bowland, an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB) in Lancashire, England. The stones are situated near the village of Dunsop Bridge, nestled in the heart of the Ribble Valley. You can reach the stones on a walk from Dunsop Bridge as illustrated on the video below.
This striking geological feature consists of several large, prehistoric standing stones set atop a hill with commanding views over the surrounding countryside. The site is believed to date back to the Neolithic or Bronze Age, adding an air of mystery and historical significance to the location. The walk to the stones takes visitors through scenic upland moors, offering a peaceful and remote experience. From the stones themselves, one can enjoy panoramic views of the surrounding Bowland hills, with their rugged terrain and rolling green pastures. On clear days, the vista stretches as far as the distant Pendle Hill and the Ribble Valley below.
Whitendale Hanging Stones Ordnance Survey Map 
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Whitendale Hanging Stones Open Street Map 
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Whitendale Hanging Stones OS Map 
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Whitendale Hanging Stones Open Street Map 
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Photos
Whitendale Hanging Stones. Flora and fauna around Whitendale Hanging Stones are characteristic of the upland moorland habitat. The area is home to a variety of plant species adapted to the harsh conditions of the moors, including heather, bilberry, and gorse, which create a colourful display throughout the seasons. In spring and summer, the moorland blooms with purple heather, while the bilberry bushes offer small, sweet berries in late summer. The surrounding woodland areas, where present, are rich with species like silver birch, rowan, and Scots pine.
Access gate near Whitendale Hanging Stones. The wildlife in the region is also diverse. Birds of prey such as buzzards and kestrels are common, soaring high above the moors in search of small mammals and birds. Smaller birds, including meadow pipits and skylarks, can be found in the grasslands, while the trees provide shelter for woodland species like woodpeckers and the occasional tawny owl. Mammals such as red foxes, rabbits, and roe deer are often spotted in the area. The location is also a haven for a variety of insects, including butterflies like the small heath and the common blue, which are attracted to the wildflowers of the moors.