Evergreen

126 EVERGREEN Autumn
On the site of a medieval
manor house, which for
400 years was home to the
keepers of the royal
Forest of Bowland,
The Inn at Whitewell,
near Clitheroe in
Lancashire, has been
a place of rest and refreshment for
travellers since the 18th century.
In those early days, because of the
remoteness of the inn’s location on
the banks of the River Hoddon,
surrounded by hills, moors and
dense forest, those arriving at
its doors in stagecoaches and on
horseback would have welcomed it
as a safe and secure refuge from the
perils that might have befallen them
on the road. To most guests, breaking
The Inn
at Whitewell
their journeys en route to the city
of Lancaster or beyond, the wild
countryside around would probably
have been perceived as
more of a threat rather
than something to be
admired and explored.
Today, of course,
everything has changed, and with 23
luxurious bedrooms — each with its
own character, many with their own
open fires and antique baths — as
well as delicious food and drink, the
inn draws people from far and wide
eager to enjoy the warm hospitality
and to take advantage of all that the
Forest of Bowland has to offer.
Most immediately, in season and
with the payment of a small fee,
residents have exclusive access to