The peat bogs on the summit of the Bowland fells, close to where the body was discovered
The body of a man found on a fell may have lain there for up to three weeks.
Police believe the remains found by a walker in a peat bog at the weekend are those of a 75-year-old man from Liverpool.
The passer-by had to walk for a number of hours to raise the alarm as there was no mobile phone signal at the remote site in the Forest of Bowland.
Police warned walkers to take care if heading on to the remote fells, notorious for their energy-sapping peat bogs and featureless terrain.
Lancashire Constabulary said they were contacted about 5.20pm on Saturday after a walker made the grim discovery on Saddle Fell, above the village of Chipping.
They said they believed the man had fallen into the peat bog and become trapped.
A spokesperson said: “Due to the remote location, a search and rescue operation was launched the following morning involving the police helicopter and Bowland Pennine Mountain Rescue Team.”
Detective Sergeant Nigel Watson said: “We believe the man travelled on the train from Ormskirk to Preston on 10 September and never made a return journey.
“A member of the public found the body but there was no phone reception. It took him a number of hours to walk off the fell to raise the alarm.
“The body has not yet been formally identified although we believe he is a 75-year-old man from Liverpool. It appears to have been a tragic accident and we are currently trying to trace next of kin. I appeal to anyone who thinks they know him to come forward.”
Police are urging walkers to tell someone where they are going and to make sure they are fully equipped.
And Phil O’Brien of Bowland and Pennine Mountain Rescue added: “I urge walkers not to take any unnecessary risks and where possible, to use appropriate maps.
“They should tell someone where they are going and when to expect them back. They should make sure they are wearing appropriate clothing and footwear and to check the weather forecast before setting off. Inexperienced walkers should make sure they are with someone with them who knows the area well.”
Anyone with information can contact police on 0845 1 25 35 45.
