Walk leader
Dave H
Description of walk
This is a circular walk from Chapeltown in Bolton, around the two Victorian reservoirs of Entwistle and Wayoh – which provide 50% of Bolton’s drinking water. The walk takes in some lovely views of moorland and woodland areas. The pretty reservoir waterside paths are lined with dense woodland and the water is home to plenty of wildlife. You will get a great view of the Armsgrove Viaduct built in 1847!
Chapeltown consists mainly of 18th and 19th century terraced stone cottages. The tight clustering of properties along High Street is typical of villages with medieval origins. The Old School House (1714) is particularly fine. There is a small public garden containing the old village stocks and market cross.
The walk is approx 8 miles, has several climbs and descents throughout with flights of steps, gates, kissing gates and stiles. Paths are quite uneven and rocky in places and likely to be muddy if we’ve had a lot of rain. The area is popular with families, walkers and joggers and dogs are welcome on this walk. This is probably one of the longer walks which OoS offer so please bear this in mind when deciding whether to join the walk. I will build in extra rest stops.
We will pass the Strawberry Duck pub on the route but it will be busy and its unlikely we’ll have time to stop here. Otherwise there are no other shops/cafes etc on the route so please bring your own food/drinks. Please bring a mat or blanket to sit on – there are benches but it could be busy so we might have to sit on the grass/walls. There is a pub in at the end of the walk in Chapeltown village – the Chetham Arms – which has outdoor seating where we can stop if members are able to stay on for refreshments and a well earned rest.
Sturdy footwear is recommended. Also warm and waterproof clothing just incase of inclement weather – its likely to be cooler as we’re on the moors above Bolton. I’ve adjusted the walk to avoid some narrow path sections but there are some which are unavoidable and so we will have to be vigilant to ensure social distancing with other walkers.
Start point and time
Meet at 12.00pm. Depending on pace of the walk and rest breaks, we should be finished by 4.00pm – 4.30pm.
Location – St Anne’s Church, High St, Chapeltown, Bolton BL7 0ER. There should be plenty of on street free parking – best not to go past the church as the road narrows and on-street parking is more difficult.
Directions to start
Chapeltown is north of Bolton and about 35 mins drive from central Manchester. There are a couple of routes you can take:
You can get there via the M60/M61/A666 (St Peters Way) and onto the A676 (Tonge Moor Road). Then follow signs for Turton and Chapeltown (B6391). You will pass Bromley Cross train station. It approx. 10 mins drive from the end of St Peters Way to the start point.
Alternatively, from the M61 exit at Junc 6 heading towards Middlebrook and Bolton Wanderers football ground (Univ of Bolton Stadium) and follow signs for A673 towards Bolton (turning right onto A673/Chorley New Road at the Bee Hive roundabout). Then follow signs for A58/Victoria Rd following this for a while and then left onto A676/TongMoor Road and then follow signs for Turton and Chapeltown, passing Bromley Cross train station. Its approx. 25 mins drive from the M61 to the start point.
Contact
Dave 07929 829 284
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.
Click here to take you to the walk booking system.
