Completing a circuit of Entwistle, Jumbles and Wayoh reservoirs in the area of Turton in the West Penine Moors is a classic Lancashire walk. Popular with hikers from far and wide, my variation of the route will also include historic Turton Tower and a section of the Witton Weaver's Way.
This is a very interesting area to visit and there are lots of facts and stories to discuss and sights to see while out on the trail. From spooky Bogarts, submerged farmsteads, civil war battles and an ancient fossilised "Calamites" trunk, participants will be offered a wealth of local knowledge from start to finish.
The overall route is 18 kilometres, or just over 11 miles, and is expected to take between 6 - 7 hours at a relaxed but steady pace. There will be intermittent breaks at multiple sites of interest and it's really not a route march.
Limited to 8 PARTICIPANTS
at £15.00 per person.
The Three Reservoirs walk packs a fair punch with the distance involved and particpants are likely to have tired legs afterwards. The terrain beside the bodies of water is quite flat and some of the connecting paths include moderate undulation or gentle slopes. There are a couple of tougher uphill sections, but any such ascent is short lived. Expect to encounter mud, and plenty of it in some sections, and a little uneven ground in places. Overall, this activity is suitable for anybody with a moderate level of fitness and walking experience.
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The route I have designed will lead us from the Strawbury Duck down to the woodland beside the reservoir known locally as "Little Wayoh". We will cross a series of small streams and pass by the site of "Know Mill", which was closed in 1962 to allow for this extension to the main water catchment to be flooded. Crossing Hob Lane, participants should be wary of michevious activity from the local Boggart who is known to play crafty tricks on unsuspecting walkers.
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Heading southwards, we will pass alongside Wayoh itself and climb to a scenic vantage point that looks out across the water. We will then head through Edgworth village, through Turton Bottoms and beside Bradshaw Brook towards Jumbles. This next stretch leads down the east shore of Jumbles, past the cafe and toilets, through a pleasant meadow around the Kingfisher Trail and, finally, up to Shady Lane. From here, we will continue northwards along the west shore to the disused site of Jumbles Quarry, where there is a fossilised Calamites - an ancient plant from around 350 million years ago.
Finalisiling the first​ half of the outing, we will take a muddy slope through a wooded area towards Chapeltown Road, passing a peculiar Pill Box that dates back to the second world war, and eventually arrive at the old reinforced dwelling of Turton Tower. There will be lots of historical discussion as well as a break for lunch, where it will be possible to make use of the Woodland Café and toilet facilities.​
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Once rested, fed and watered, we will once again hit the trail. The next section takes us across the railway and onto a stretch of the Witton Weaver's Way that utilises a well surfaced bridleway beneath the hill Cheetham Close. The route will lead us past the site of the disused Chapeltown railway station and up into the picturesque village of Chapeltown itself, where there is a plethora of historical facts to share with the group.
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We will drop down Embankment Road to the western shore of Wayoh, and follow the simple path around to the Armsgrove Viaduct and up Armsgrove Clough. This is a beautiful area at all times of year but offers a spectacular display of colour and a really pleasant atmoshpere during the autumn months. This could possibly be the highlight of the walk.
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Emerging at our third and final reservoir, Entwistle, the surroundings will change somewhat. Walkers are
presented with a vista of coniferous trees and a wide, open expanse of water stretching northwards up the valley.
We will basically wall the entire circumference of Entwistle, passing by really pleasant woodland and of course
"The Wader", a really nice metal sculpture of a heron that stands out on a dam close to the edge of the reservoir.
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The final stage will take in the eastern shore of Entwistle before hitting Overshores Road
and climbing up one last hill that leads back to the Strawbury Duck.
Our start point will be the Strawbury Duck in Edgworth (BL7 0LU). The car park is free for customers and so please do pick up a beverage or even something to eat after the walk. It's a very nice country pub. While there are other places to park on the road nearby, please do not block access for local residents and farm vehicles.
It is also possible to attend this walk using the train from Bolton, Blackburn and further afield. Please get in touch if you require advice on travel information.
Please bear in mind that I have calculated the route duration based on average speeds
of clients. 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.
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. Unless there is a potential safety risk posed by the weather, the activity will go ahead as planned.
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 member of the group.
As your guide, I am a qualified and insured Mountain Leader registered with the
British Mountaineering Council. I only operate in areas where I have experience
of the terrain and local knowledge. Before I received the ML award, I was
already active 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 some rewarding
physical challenge, whether it be distance or terrain.
I also hold current DBS and Outdoor First Aid certificates.
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 quicky while out and about in the hills.
All participants must wear sturdy footwear and arrive to the activity with all other items listed under Moors to Mountains Footwear, Clothing and Equipment Requirements (please click link to view).
Once a place has been booked on any activity.
I will personally contact each client by email 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.
Cheers, COLIN.