This outing is set from from the lovely village of Belmont in the West Pennine Moors and provides a scenic and informative experience over areas of open moorland expanse and through tranquil, historic woodland.
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As always, I have designed this walk to be interesting and fun, with engaging discussion about various sites of historical importance and natural beauty as we pass them. Some of the places of interest featured in this walk include Spitler's Edge and Redmonds' Edge (with a view across Anglezarke Moor and Round Loaf burial site), Great Hill, Hollinshead Hall and Well House, Tockholes Woods, Darwen Tower and Longworth Moor.
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The overall distance is 23 kilometres, or around 14 miles, and is expected to take seven to seven and a half hours at a moderate pace and allowing time for refreshment stops. Good mobility and a reasonable level of hill fitness is required to take part in this walk. There are rough moorland areas and some steeper sections. If you are for any reason unsure of your ability, please email me via moorstomountains@gmail.com and we can discuss this further before making a booking.
Our day will begin with a gentle start leading out onto the open moor an a brisk climb up onto Spitlers' Edge, where it is possible to take in impressive views across the north west including Anglezarke Moor, Winter Hill and out to the coast beyond the Lancashire Plain.
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Snaking across the crest of the hillside, we will pass by the site of Round Loaf, a Bronze Age burial mound that is evidence of our ancient ancestors who settled in the area. The first summit of the day, Great Hill, is a fine vantage point to look out across Lancashire to the Forest of Bowland, the Lake District and the Yorkshire Dales - weather permitting, of course.
Our route will lead us down to the the ancient, peaceful woodland of Tockholes and the ruin of Hollinshead Hall. There will be spooky tales and discussion about events that occurred in and around the settlement in times gone by.
From here, we will pass through the depths of the woodland to the picturesque hamlet of Ryal Fold where there will be chance to stop at the Ramblers' Country Café for refreshments and to use the facilities.
After a little break, we will climb Darwen Moor to visit Darwen Tower. There will be a scenic and undulating traverse of the hillside providing expansive panoramic views to the east, before dropping down back to Belmont over Longworth Moor.
This outing provides an opportunity to learn a lot about the West Pennine Moors and South Lancashire area. There are a lot of changing views over the course of the day and walking this route is a really good way to get a grasp of the varied landscape the can be enjoyed in West Pennine Moors.
The different sites that are visited are quite special and offer a fascinating insight into the past ,which is something that participants always thoroughly enjoy.
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A moderate level of hill fitness is required to take part in this walk. There are steep climbs in places, and there is uneven terrain throughout.
Our start point will be The Black Dog Inn at the heart of Belmont Village. There is a large car park that is available to patrons of the Inn, and a reliable bus services to and from Bolton town centre.
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Please email me via moorstomountains@gmail.com if you need any advice on public transport or where to stay in the area, or with any other enquiries about this guided walk.
Please bear in mind that advertised the route duration is calculated based on average walking speeds over this type of terrain. The walk may actually be done in a quicker time, but also may take longer than expected based on individual fitness levels within the group. As outlined, It is necessary to have good mobility and a moderate level of fitness to take part in this walk.
It should be mentioned that weather in the West Pennine Moors can be extremely unpredictable at all times of the year and so it isn't possible to guarantee excellent views on every walk. Multiple weather forecast sources are always studied before any Moors to Mountains activity. If there is a potential safety risk posed by the weather, an alternative route will be offered as per my T&C's
What to expect when booking a professionally guided activity with Moors to Mountains.
I have had a number of individual clients book on to a group activity who have been anxious about not knowing the others on the day. Most people who join for the first time are in the same situation, but I assure you that you'll be making new friends and feeling comfortable in your surroundings in no time. Not only am I here to keep you safe and lead the group, I like to engage all participants in interesting conversation and always make a point of providing a friendly and welcoming experience for all my clients.
While I have led groups all different sizes over the years, all Moors to Mountains groups are designed for smaller parties. The number of participants that I allow for will depend on the terrain. But, I find this allows me to give each individual client the maximum attention throughout an activity. Whether this is to answer questions or helping an individual across a section of uneven terrain.
My promise is to deliver a high level of care and individual attentiveness to each participant.
As your guide, I am a qualified and insured Mountain Leader registered with the BMC and MTA.
I only operate in areas where I have experience of the terrain and are within the remit of my award.
Before I received the ML award, I was already actively volunteering in organising groups walks and wild camping expeditions across the UK from 2011. In that time, I have been lucky enough to spend time out on the hills and mountains with many people of different backgrounds and abilities. This experience has enabled me to develop an extensive knowledge of particular outdoor areas, and a penchant for designing routes that are both scenic and interesting.
There are often places of historical or geological interest along the way and I enjoy sharing my knowledge of the landscape, history, industry, wildlife and geology.
All Moors to Mountains outings include rewarding physical challenge, whether it be distance or terrain.
I also hold an up to date Outdoor First Aid certificate.
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Upon booking a space, please don't overlook the Footwear, Clothing and Equipment Requirements.
It is imperative to wear clothing that is suitable for both the activity and the time of year. Weather conditions can change very quickly while out and about in the hills. All participants must wear sturdy footwear and arrive to the activity with all other required items.
Once a place has been booked on any activity.
I will personally contact each client by email in due course with any relevant information to the specific activity. There will also be a link to a Participation Consent Form that should be completed in good time before any activity takes place. This will ask for important medical information, important contact details and also request consent for me to give first aid where necessary, take any photographs (or not) and anything else relevant.
Thank you for reading and hope to see you out and about really soon, COLIN.