Leader
Dave H
Walk description (please provide as much detail as possible)
This is a circular walk from the medieval manor of Smithills Hall up to the top of Winter Hill, the highest hill in the West Pennine Moors, and was last featured in our 2015 programme. It is circular walk of approx 8 miles, with the option to shorten it to 4 miles depending on weather conditions on the day. There is a moderate but steady climb of 1000 feet up to the television mast on Winter Hill from where there can be views over the Peak District and Pennines: and on clear days, as far as North Wales and even the Isle of Man!
We’ll see the memorial of Bolton’s mass trespass of 1896 which sought to keep public rights of way to the hills and surrounding moorland. The trespass was seen as a forerunner to the Kinder Scout mass trespass.
The return route takes in the classic and delightful mill village of Barrow Bridge.
The shorter 4 mile walk provides easy walking through woodland and offers some views over Bolton but the full 8 mile walk takes us over high, rough, open moorland. There are a mix of paths – some good and some rocky and wet in places – and stiles. Boots and warm and waterproof clothing highly recommended. Walking poles too if you have them.
Starting point and time (please include post code; and OS ref, if possible)
As the early dark nights have arrived, we’ll meet at 11.00am to allow sufficient time to complete the full walk. Meet at the Smithills Hall car park – postcode is BL1 7NP.
Drive into the Hall grounds, signposted from the main road (Smithills Dean Rd) and you’ll see the car park straight ahead on the left – watch out for the speed bumps. Parking is free. If the car park is full, you can park on the main road outside the Hall and walk into the car park which is where we begin the walk.
Directions to start
The Hall is located north of Bolton on Smithills Dean Road (A6099) just off the A58 (Moss Bank Way).
From the M60 take junction 15 onto the A666 (St Peters Way) to Bolton and the A6099 (Halliwell Road). From the end of St Peters Way its about 10 mins drive to the Hall.
From the M61, take junction 6 for Middlebrook/Bolton Wanderers football stadium and then follow A673 towards Bolton and A58 (Moss Bank Way) and eventually turn left onto Smithills Dean Road for the Hall. From the M-way it should take no more than 15 mins drive.
Notes
Bring a packed lunch and/or hot soup, water etc as there are no shops on the route. And also something waterproof to sit on as there are no benches or walls we can use at the lunch stop.
On the longer walk, we can have plenty of stops to admire the view and catch our breath.
Contact
Call Dave on 07929 829284
Changes and cancellation
In the event that there are any changes to the regulations (for example a further lockdown) before the walk, which means that it will not be able to proceed, an email will be sent to everyone booked on the walk.
Very occasionally, due to severe weather or another serious event, a walk may be cancelled. In these instances, a note will be added to the website at least TWO hours before Start Time. So, do check the website before you set out, and if in doubt use the walk leader’s mobile contact number.
In view of COVID-19 official advice this walk is only available to Greater Manchester residents click here – for more information
If you are a Greater Manchester resident and wish to take part in the walk you must book in advance. Click here to take you to the booking system
Don’t forget your face covering and hand sanitiser – just in case!