Walking on the West Pennine Moors

Experience the wild, open landscapes of the West Pennine Moors, a rugged and atmospheric region of rolling hills, heather-clad moorland, deep reservoirs, and peaceful valleys nestled between Manchester and the Ribble Valley. This distinctive area offers walkers a blend of remote upland terrain and accessible countryside, with dramatic views and a wealth of natural and industrial heritage to discover.

Walking on the West Pennine Moors is a detailed Cicerone guidebook presenting 30 day walks that explore the diverse landscapes of this beautiful moorland region. Written by experienced outdoor author Terry Marsh, the guide features routes ranging from 5 to 15 km (3 to 9 miles), suitable for a wide range of abilities—from gentle valley strolls to more challenging upland adventures.

• 40 circular walks across the West Pennine Moors are included, covering locations from Bolton to Chorley and Blackburn, offering a mix of moorland summits, wooded valleys, and reservoirs
• Explore notable landscapes, including the rugged moorland tops of Rivington Pike and Winter Hill, the tranquil waters of Belmont and Anglezarke Reservoirs, and historic industrial sites, including the ruins of mills and reservoirs
• Each route is supported by 1:50,000 Ordnance Survey mapping, alongside clear step-by-step directions and downloadable GPX files to ensure confident navigation across moorland trails and country lanes of Lancashire
• Practical information, including distance, ascent, parking, public transport options, and nearby pubs or cafés in towns and villages such as Rivington and Darwen, is provided, making planning easy and accessible
• The guidebook offers insights into the area's natural environment and industrial history, highlighting features such as the remnants of early water supply schemes and the rich wildlife of the West Pennine Moors

From expansive moorland panoramas to quiet wooded valleys, the West Pennine Moors provide a captivating setting for walkers seeking varied terrain within easy reach of urban centres like Preston, Blackburn, and Manchester. With comprehensive route descriptions, detailed mapping, and practical advice, Walking on the West Pennine Moors equips you to explore the wild beauty and heritage of this iconic Lancashire landscape.

Seasons

Ideal for walking in all seasons

Centres

Accessible from all directions - the main urban centres are Chorley, Darwen, Blackburn, Bolton, Haslingden and Manchester.

Difficulty

Not technically difficult, but the terrain can be demanding, especially after rain. Paths shown on map are not always present on the ground, and even those that are require attention to route directions.

Must See

The West Pennine Moors are many and varied, threaded by valley road links, surrounded by towns and villages, and providing a wide range of excellent walking opportunity in a moorland setting. Numerous prehistoric sites are spread across the moors, as well as monuments to wealth and achievement.

INTRODUCTION

Geography and Natural History

Human Influence

Introducing the Valleys

Walking Safely

Using this Guide

RIVINGTON AND ANGLEZARKE

1 Around Anglezarke Reservoir

2 Rivington Moor and Winter Hill

3 Wilderswood and the Edge of Rivington Moor

4 Rivington Pike

5 Rivington Country Park

6 Great Hill and Spitler’s Edge

7 Noon Hill Slack

8 Around Yarrow Reservoir

9 Lead Mines Clough and Jepson’s Gate

10 Healey Nab and Limbrick

11 Withnell Moor

12 Wheelton Moor

RODDLESWORTH AND DARWEN

13 Tockholes and Darwen Tower

14 Darwen Tower via Sunnyhurst Wood

15 Roddlesworth Woodlands and Reservoirs

16 Belmont Reservoir and Spitler’s Edge

17 Sunnyhurst Wood

TURTON AND ENTWISTLE

18 Turton Moor

19 Turton and Entwistle Reservoir

20 Jumbles Reservoir

21 Around Wayoh

22 The Three Reservoirs and Turton Tower

23 Longworth Clough and Turton Heights

24 Cheetham Close

RAMSBOTTOM, HODDLESDEN AND HASLINGDEN GRANE

25 Calf Hey and Ogden Reservoirs

26 Haslingden Grane

27 Jumbles and Two Brooks Valley

28 Holcombe Moor and Peel Hill

29 Around Alden Brook

30 Irwell Valley

APPENDIX 1 Route Summary Table

APPENDIX 2 Further Reading

INDEX