The hills and valleys which give the Bowland fells their distinctive character are largely the result of glacial action which scored out the landscape around 8000 BC. The highest point on the estate is at Ward’s Stone, which at 561m is also the highest point in Lancashire.

The soil on the upper slopes is raw peat, a medium which is highly acidic favouring tough  moorland plants such as heather, bilberry and cloudberry. In the valleys the clay soil is farmed with traditional breeds of sheep and cattle. A large area is designated as upland hay meadow,  Site of  Special  Scientific  Iinterest.

Today there is a great deal of Open Access Land at Abbeystead meaning it is available for everyone who enjoys walking in the fells. For more information choose 'Access' from the list on the left.