A group of keen walkers have taken to the ancient boundaries of the Forest of Bowland for a charity fundraiser.

The walkers completed the first perambulation in 360 years of the royal land, exploring the scenic south-eastern boundary of the forest in a charity fundraiser.

The 16th Lord of Bowland, William Bowland together with his heir, Henry of Bowland, Bowbearer Robert Parker and Chief Steward Michael Pugh despatched the group from Slaidburn on their 10-mile perambulation.

Starting from Slaidburn, the route travelled above the village into to Harrop Fold, then more steeply through the woods and onto the summit of Bradford Fell.

Organised by local charity Champion Bowland and led by walk leader and Champion Bowland trustee Mark Sutcliffe, the perambulation was supported by members of Bowland Pennine Mountain Rescue Team.

Proceeds from the walk, which was conducted one month after the proclamation of King Charles III, will be split between Bowland Pennine Mountain Rescue Team and Champion Bowland, which awards small grants to help fund community schemes in the Forest of Bowland.

This was a nod to perambulations of Bowland from the 15th and 17th centuries where the Lord’s stewards “beat the bounds”, mapping the extent of the Forest and the land of the ten manors within the Liberty of Bowland, including the demesne of Slaidburn with its townships of Newton, West Bradford and Grindleton.

William Bowland said: “The new perambulation route is just a tiny portion of the historic perambulation.

"To complete the job, you would need to traverse Easington, Bowland Forest High, Bowland Forest Low, Bowland-with-Leagram, Newton and Slaidburn to mark the outer edges of the original Forest.

“We’re less interested in marking territory. Of far greater importance is active public engagement to protect and nurture the natural beauty and heritage of special places such as Bowland. This is our mission and it is a vital one.”

The last Perambulation was undertaken by General George Monck, 1st Duke of Albemarle after he was awarded the lordship of Bowland for his role in restoring Charles II to the throne in 1660.