Towers and 'Voirs

Strawbury Duck

The Strawbury Duck, is both a great name for a pub, and the first conversation topic if you have a group of friends like mine. Heading round the side, you pass a bank of terraced houses that are both beautiful and envy inspiring. You start down the country lane in peace and quiet, with views of rolling hills.

Entwistle Reservoir

At the end of the lane, the forest starts to slowly part and reveal the reservoir lying hidden in a valley. The area is popular with local residents, and you'll have a fair few cheery "Hello's" and "Mornings". The selection of dogs often on display is surprisingly Crufts-like at times. Heading along the dam that forms the reservoir, you'll spot a commemorative stone with the date the reservoir was officially completed, 1833.

Entwistle Memorial Forest

Part way along the reservoir, you will turn left just after a wooden boardwalk. Here, you'll find a beautiful and reserved spot where locals memorialise their loved ones with newly planted trees. The small decorations left by loved ones and small, unobtrusive plaques lend themselves to thought and contemplation.

I recommend you take your time on the climb away from the reservoir, and take in the surroundings. Birds of various types, including robins and Kestrals can be seen here.

Ascending the Moors

At the top of the forest, you continue climbing. The moor on which you will stand, Turton Heights, offers magnificent views in all directions. The Wind Turbines to the eastare 10km away, further than Ramsbottom which is the next valley over. Manchester loiters 20km away south, barely a thumbnail in size. And Winter Hill lies 10km west.

This hill gives you a great sense of scale, and it's worth taking the time ponder just how big or small we are in the grand scheme of things. Or, alternatively, it looks pretty, just look at it all!

Cheetham Close Stone Circle

Atop of Turton Heights, you can enjoy the expansive views as far as Liverpool and Snowdonia from Cheetham Close Stone Circle. Why it is called Stone Circle defies me, as it is just a regular old trig point. However, along this hillside you will find old cast iron pillars, that demarks the boundary between Bolton Corporation and Blackburn Council. The effort that must have gone into installing these as long ago as they were must have been impressive.

Descending to Civility

From the more remote moor, we return down the hills. Heading roughly towards Turton Bottoms, you pass through an area of old forest, and farmland becomes the predominant feature, with not a few cows and sheep. We pass small cottages, and big expansive houses, which produces quite the contrast.

Crossing the trainline, head right into Rhododendron Walk. This section is the opposite of the exposed moors, with vast trees and more nature pressing in all around. It provides a nice change to the walking so far.

Turton Tower

Before you, out of nowhere, is a huge Tudor mansion. Run by volunteers, with a lovely café, it's a great stop for coffee and homemade cakes. The history and presence of the grand building is magnificent. 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

Jumbles Reservoir

The last stretch now. Following on from Turton Tower, you will walk a short way down the road and pass an old WW2 pillbox. Built in 1940, this concrete bunker pill box was used by the Lancashire Home Guard to delay a German invasion.

It now guards a small footpath, taking you down onto the edge of Jumbles reservoir. Pass over the bridge and turn right. This route offers stellar views of the water, especially on a sunny day, and at weekends, the local sailing club can often be seen using the sight.

Entering Bromley Cross

At the bottom of Jumbles, you see the stream that becomes Bradshaw Brook, and eventually joins the River Tonge. This last section takes you through forest and woodland, maintained by the RSPB. A great spot for nature and seemingly one last, dense pocket of escape before you walk up onto a road, and, if you're like me, slowly down towards the station.