Turton Tower

Finding Jumbles

The third footpath on your right will lead into the woodland. You'll largely skirt the edge of Bradshaw Wood, but with the thickness of the woods on either side, you wouldn't guess. Enjoy the shelter of the surrounding trees, and the woodland life you'll definitely hear, but rarely see.

Head over the river, which is fed from Jumbles reservoir. You'll see an info plaque on the path detailing the Kingfisher way. A route for future walks should you want a challenge.

Jumbles

Jumbles reservoir will expand to the left. I find this reservoir is a great example of natural design. The area is all man made, with an easy path, and water defences around it. But walking down, it feels like the path is there only because nature allows it. The trees cover sections of the path. Roots criss-cross the path occasionally. The wind will occasionally whip over the water, giving it a texture that matches the view of the moors looming over.

The Pillbox

Heading over a bridge, you'll climb up into the hills. As you crest the top, you'll find an old pillbox from WW2.

Built in 1940, this concrete bunker pill box was used by the Lancashire Home Guard to delay a German invasion. I enjoyed this area of the walk. I first explored this route with my Dad. We spent time discussing what it must have been like, manning these pillboxes, thinking you were about to fight off German paratroopers. A thought that juxtaposes with it's abandoned state at the time.

Turton Tower

Over the road and along a lane. You'll see signs to Turton Tower. It's a huge Tudor mansion, run by volunteers, with a lovely café. It's a great stop for coffee and homemade cakes. I can't really do it justice in my short blog, so if you're interested, you can view it at this link: Turton Tower

Heading into the Moors

From Turton Tower, you'll walk through the gardens. It's a well maintained garden that is worth a visit by itself. From the end, you'll cross the railway and head up a reasonably steep hill. It gives magnificent views, so be sure to turn around occasionally. I found there was a patch of woodland that felt ancient. It's not huge, but the trees have a feel about them. If you've ever looked into reading the environment, it's a good spot to test your skills.

Winter Hill Views

At the top of the hill, you'll be on the moors with views down over Bolton, and back to Jumbles. Ahead of you is Winter Hill. A landmark for any Northerner to navigate by. Here, you'll see the old villages dotted up the valley.

The Golf Club

Head down the hill towards a road and turn left. You'll turn left again. Don't worry, you're not going back up. The route through the golf course undulates, but isn't steep at any point. It's well-marked. For any golfers amongst you, you'll find a brutal course, that's impressive to see people play. For the non-golfers, the footpath follows the lusher areas of the valley and passes the old golf club. A remarkable example of old stone houses built to last.

You'll pass the golf course into Hazlehurst Wood. Follow the river down to the reservoir. You're on the final stretch back now.

The Posh Bit

The section back leaves the side of Jumbles for a stretch. You'll walk along a series of large mansions. It's always worth seeing how the other half lives. Speculating on who does what to earn such money will pass time in company. An old training stables on your right will see horses grazing. They are generally friendly, and wander up to anyone who pauses in the hopes of an apple, or more likely sugar.

And with that, you're back into Bromley Cross. Enjoy the local pub, or get the train back. The choice is yours.