Clougha Pike Chambers

While we were staying in Brookhouse in Lancashire over the Easter weekend, we were spoilt with one day of glorious sunshine, so we planned to do a walk in the nearby Forest of Bowland. There are plenty of things to see in the area, but we opted to do a bit of a hike from the Jubilee Tower car park to the Clougha Pike Chambers.

As far as I can see, this is one of two car parks closest to the artwork (the other being Rigg Lane), and the walk we did was just about 7km with an ascent of 240m. There is a road that passes close by to the chambers, but I am not sure if this is a private road and there didn't appear to be anywhere to stop so I can't recommend stopping there.

It was a beautiful hike to get to the chambers anyway and you can see for miles around if like us you get a clear day. We also spotted several species of birds including Skylark, Red Grouse, Wheatear, Curlew and Ring Ouzel which was exciting (for us).

It is quite a steep climb when you get going and there were a couple of boggy bits but nothing too serious and after the initial climb the walk gets much easier. From the top of the hill where you'll spot a large wooden style, the Clougha Pike Chambers start to become visible. They are made from slate and blend in well into the landscape, however you'll spot their distinct square shapes on the horizon.

The artwork was created by artist and photographer Andy Goldsworthy and the chambers were installed between 1999 and 2001. They were paid for by the Duke of Westminster and make use of the materials left from an abandoned quarry on the site. The chambers are just big enough for a person to step inside, so we obliged and enjoyed views over the hills whilst being sheltered from the wind.

Andy Goldsworthy is an artist well known for his site-specific installations using materials such as leaves, branches and stone. He is inspired by the fact that life is transient and things do not last, making his artwork temporary. The Clougha Pike Chambers are still going strong 25 years later though, so maybe he'll come and knock them down soon.

There is a structure close to the three chambers which resembles a sheep fold and looks deliberately built, maybe as another shelter from the winds but whether this was also created by Andy Goldsworthy, I'm not sure.

I loved these sculptures, they make quite an impact when you first see them and there were a few people around getting some photos who also appreciated their bold appearance. It also feels like a bit of an achievement when you reach them and it's a great spot to enjoy a snack and a drink to replenish your energy.