GM Ringway Stage 14. Bromley Cross to Blackrod.

 Tuesday 14th October 2025.

To get to the start of the walk for 9.15 meant we had to get a bus to Castleton (Manchester), then the train coming from Rochdale to Bromley Cross. First the bus went passed "Not in Service" then two turned up so late that we thought we would miss the train. The train turned up 6 minutes late, which is not unusual for Northern, and all four carriages were full with only the odd seat available and many standing up. Do I miss commuting? Not a chance.

We had to stand all the way to Salford Crescent station until the majority of people got off to go to Uni. Then we were able to move down the train to meet Martin, Sue, Rick and John who had got on the train at Manchester Victoria.

Bromley Cross was quiet and we made our way through the suburbs, passed a new housing development at Toppings and onto the trail besides Eagley Brook. Eagley Brook area used to be a hive of industrial activity with Tape and Thread making at Eagley Bridge Mill and the Bleach Works. On Hough Lane Eagley Mills is now residential making use of a beautiful old building. Today the vale is a green dog walking space and very pleasant too.

The signal Box at Bromley Cross.

Today's team L-R, Me, Rick, Sheila, John, Sue and Martin.

Weir on Eagley Brook

Eagley Mills.

The route led us down an old cobbled street off Hough Lane and passed a fine old school. A little further at a sports centre an unusual sign had us wondering.

Old school building.

A few old bricks were found in the hedgerow with one of them named, "Phillipson Bolton. The brickworks was actually in Bromley Cross just north of the railway station. Now a car parking area for a round at Jumbles Reservoir. It isn't a really old brickworks, it dates from just after the First World War. Operations started in the quarry at Ousel's Nest where sandstone was used for buildings and ballast. That was between 1880 - 1914. The Phillipsons then joined the army.

They transferred to making bricks when the war ended and it is said that some prisoners of war were put to making bricks. The brickworks was operated until 1965.

Phillipson brick. Look very similar to Accrington. Quality.

Site of the brickworks. Upper centre.

We reached the Old Bleach works at Dunscar which has now been transformed as a timber merchants.  The building looked in decent condition and a wrought iron fencing had the initials HH worked into it. I thought it might have something to do with the Hardcastle family who owned the works.

At the A666 we turned left for a short distance leaving the road at a splendid pair of victorian gate posts into what may have been private at one time. On the way to Horrocks Fold we passed a reservoir which is now a fishing lake. Nobody fishing today.

Un-named reservoir near Horrock's Fold.

After a short road walk and passing a field of playful donkey's, horses and sheep we came into Smithill's Open farm. They do lots of activities for children here and we took advantage of the coffee shop. At the cafe a little further on a Ferguson TE20 with a Continental Engine in it from the Standard Motor Company. It was the same engine as used in the Standard Vanguard Car.  It was in a sorry state. It dates from around 1948 but the serial number plate had been removed for some reason.

Ferguson TEA 20 in dubious livery and condition.

At the cafe we found where they keep people who dislike the food.

Complaining customers? Maybe. 

A John Deere in the background.

We took our time walking through the very pleasant grounds of the country park leading to Smithill's Hall. The Hall dates back to the 15th century and has been owned by numerous local wealthy families. Today it is owned by Bolton Council. It is open to the public and is worth a visit but we didn't have enough time to spare ourselves.

Front of the Hall. (Image courtesy of wikipedia)

Smithill's country park.

Crossing over Smithill's Dean Rd we walked past some stunning houses into Smithill's village. The footpath leads through woodland past some old mill ponds named Victoria Lake and Dean Brook which used to be feeders to the ponds at Halliwell Bleach works, now long gone. At a road junction at Barrow Bridge a huge chimney and grounds was passed. It is all up for sale for a fee of £300,000.

The chimney was built in 1863 by Peter Ainsworth who owned Halliwell Bleach works. The works used Chlorine Gas as part of the bleaching process. One of the earliest to do so. The chimney was shut down with the closure of the works in the 1960's. Now a local landmark and listed building.

The photograph below was from Historic England by Mr DH Swain. We tried to get a photograph ourselves but the trees closed off the view for us.

Chimney at Barrow Bridge.

Barrow Bridge had us walking a distance on the road but it is a delightful place and has won numerous best village awards. Dean Brook flows through the village and many houses have wooden drawbridge style pathways across. Many of the cottages are remnants from the days of the cotton spinning and doubling mills which were synonymous with the growth of the village since the 1820's.

The mills were demolished around 1900 but closed much earlier.

Barrow Bridge cottages, courtesy of Bolton.org.

Dean Brook at Barrow Bridge.

At the end of the village the path splits at a huge staircase with 63 steps. My knee felt everyone of them. 

63 steps at Barrow Bridge.

At the top of the steps the route ascends High Shores Clough between Dean Brook and Dakin's brook. It was good to have open views of the moorland and eventually to see the highest point we would walk up to today, Winter Hill TV mast at 450 metres. The route is pleasant and somebody had planted clumps of winter Crocus's. We crossed Colliers Row Road at Walker's Fold. A small hamlet of cottages and the home of John Ormrod of Eagle Street College, Bolton. He met Walt Whitman here, an American Poet. So the plaque on the wall states.

The path starts as a good one which we followed upwards along Burnt Edge but soon becomes rocky and harsh underfoot. We took an alternative path down the escarpment through Walkers Fold Wood to handrail Dean Brook. It was a good decision as the route is far better than the rocky route higher up and we also had a visit from the sun which had been missing up to now. Some tree felling notices were around but no work was being undertaken. 

We eventually rejoined the original path and stopped for a few minutes to read the information boards and to admire the sculptures and read the poetry written by a year 6 student. All excellent words. 

The route continues to  Holden's Farm and along the road to the well manicured Gilligants farm where after 100 metres the path turns back on itself at a wide gate and onto moorland. We picked a grassy bank here and stopped for lunch to the sound of buzzards and robin's.

Winter Hill Mast visible as a thin line on the far hillside. Click to enlarge.

Crossing Dean Brook on the alternative route.

Walkers Fold Wood

The lovely surroundings of Dean Brook.

Gilligants Farm

Our well deserved rest spot.

The next objective was to get up to Winter Hill Mast. We found the track to have been laid of York stone (or similar) across all the boggy moorland. Thanks to whoever did it because even though we have had much dry weather it was still boggy.

As we gained height the surrounding hills and towns were slowly disappearing into the misty conditions but it wasn't a problem for us locally. The top of the mast was in the gloom but we could see across to Rivington Pike.

Winter Hill Mast

On the horizon to our left the mounds or cairns known as Two Lads became part of the walk, even though it isn't on the set route it is a shame not to go there as the extra distance is negligible 

Apparently the Two Lads name has been changed over the years, once being known as Wilder Lads and also Winter Lads. The oldest recorded account of them date from the 1770's but the mounds probably go back to Druid days. Click HERE for more on the cairns. I also completely missed the chance to visit the old site of the Rivington Brick and Tile works which was located just a few hundred metres from Two Lads.

Lad 1.

Lad 2.

View west from the Lads.

The steep way down from Two Lads brought us to a minor road with quite a unique coffee shop. A bit out of the way but it must do well. It's called The Pike Snack Shack@Dudley's. The cafe building used to be a Pub, originally called The Sportsman and more recently The Rivington Pike Dog Hotel kennels.

It was a shame that we couldn't stop on this occasion but we will go back soon.

A short hike from the cafe and we were back into woodland. Wilders Wood which seems quite ancient and leads through Ormsters farm which could be just as old. Then a stoney path into Shaw wood that is so picturesque with the Young River Douglas beside us. Across a footbridge was a huge staircase, the tread heights being quite high and caused my knee to complain for the first time today.

Into Wilders Wood

Ormsters farm barn

Stairway to heaven.

The Young River Douglas.

Our timing couldn't have been worse! Just as we reached the main road and Rivington and Blackrod High school, the hundreds of teenagers were being shepherded into buses and cars. It was so noisy and I don't think I've seen such a mass of people since I came out of a Man Utd match. I wouldn't be a teacher for any money.

We dodged our way through the throng and across the busy road finding solitude once more on the minor road to Jepson's Bridge. Once across the A673 we could hear the hum of the M6 motorway. At this point I knew we didn't have too far to go to get to Blackrod Station. A field, a footbridge over the railway and another field and we were sat on the platform waiting for the train to Bolton where we said our goodbye's to the others. They were going to Piccadilly Manchester and we were heading to Rochdale.

Start of route--- Green dot on the right.

End of route---Green dot lower left. 21.50km.

This is quite a tough route and can be difficult in bad weather. Don't underestimate it.

GM Ringway Trail. Stage 12

 Thursday 25th September 2025.

Stage 12 covers the route between the Bridge Inn on Edenfield Rd Norden to Bury Metro station.

Another lovely morning for September had Sheila and I meeting Martin, Sue, Rick and Paul in Norden for another stage of the GM Ringway Trail. It's a fine walk of 21.42 km and 516 metres of ascent.

Today the route is a quiet countryside walk, a variable landscape of moorland, hills, pastures, hamlets, remote farms and reservoirs. Not too long ago it was very different, there were many mills that used the water from the moorland streams to create power for cotton washing, spinning and weaving. Bleach works and paper mills, coal mines and quarrying. The sounds would have echoed across the hillsides and probably smoke and steam would have filled the valleys. 

We started up Greenburn Rd passed Doctors Dam reservoir which used to supply water to a bleach works Tenterhouse Mills.

We then headed up to the grassy bank of Greenbooth reservoir dam. A structure 117ft high and 1000 ft long. The Greenbooth reservoir was built after the three Naden reservoirs which date from 1846 and was built by Heywood Waterworks co. Many objections from the mill owners lower down in the valley who feared a disruption to their water supplies. Then in 1952 the company decided to build the Greenbooth reservoir to supply Rochdale. It started work in 1956 and submerged the village of Greenbooth. It was completed in 1965 and holds  700 million gallons of water.

The mill in Norden was closed in 1911 and the flooded valley encapsulated it along with 46 cottages, a co-op and a school.

Doctors Dam

Greenbooth Reservoir

Today's team. Me, Martin, Rick, Paul and Sue. Sheila taking the photo.

The outflow from the small Rain Shore reservoir which used to supply two mills now long gone.

The trail climbs the slopes of Knowle Hill gradually using old green lanes and paths and it isn't until the final ascent that the gradient increases. We passed the old dwelling of Fordoe and down Fordoe Lane. The cottage is very old and now unoccupied. We could only see the rear of the property.

Fordoe.

Passed Higher Knowle Farm which has acquired the name East Knowle Farm on new maps the views begin to open up of the upper reservoirs and surrounding hills.

Naden Reservoir

Naden and Greenbooth reservoirs

Rain Gauge enclosure.

The old 1860's maps show a rain gauge location where today just an old metal enclosure remains.

At the stile in the last enclosure wall we headed upwards onto Knowle Hill proper, past modern wind turbines . Knowle Hill is a prominent feature on the skyline and is easily observed from many positions around the North Manchester Area.It also has history dating back to prehistoric times with linear ditches.

Knowle Hill.

Rick and Paul reach the summit first. The trig point number is OSBM 1121.

The view south west from the summit and our onward route.

We were on the leeward side of the hill in glorious sunshine so decided to have a brief stop for a coffee/tea etc. Then we made our way down to Edenfield Rd.

Striding out on Edenfield Rd, passing Old Betts pub which was called The Hare and Hounds previously. Built in 1796.

At the next bend in the road and just before The Ashworth View. we dropped down a flight of steps onto land beside Cheesden Brook which was formed during the last Ice Age and has had human visitors for 4000 yrs. There was a mass of works in this valley stretching down to Birtle in the south. One of the first legal grants to carry out work in the valley was given by Elizabeth 1st to John Blackwall to mine coal in 1580.

The first Mill, a Fustian Mill,  was probably at Kershaw Bridge in 1780 owned by Thomas Allanson. (We don't walk past this today).

The Brook was modified will dams and races to take advantage of the water in the area and it powered about 15-20 mills, employing 2000 people. New pathways were installed to bring in the people and one good example of this can be found near Lumb Mill.

We investigated the surroundings of Lumb Mill and it is still a special place.

Lumb Mill (Lower) was also known locally as Alice O'Shoddy's. A strange name. It dates from 1786. A 3 storey wall still can be seen alongside a good and picturesque waterfall through a stone archway.

Further down the water course ruins of Croston mills can be found with a bit of looking. The Croston Mills closed around 1890. Then passing the old school house which today is being re-furbished to a high standard. Longlands mill on the far side of Closes Mill pond is long gone, but Closes house is enlarged and looking a fine residence. The mill was cotton and opened around 1838. The mill closed in 1893.

The Old School House at Closes. Buckhurst Rd.

Closes Reservoir which fed Longlands Mill.

     

Closes House.

The next point of interest was in Deeply Vale, passing more mill ponds on our right the remains of the paper and print works can still be seen. The original mill was washed away in a storm of 1828. Another print mill was built later but it came at a cost, the owner of the mill, Mr Earnshaw, fell into the gearing of a new machine and was killed.

Deeply Vale Print Mill.

We were getting close to the half way point of the walk and some stomach's were rumbling. We found a nice grassy spot in full sun for lunch. Adjacent was the remains of a bleach works with the chimney still intact poking above the trees. A footbridge over the brook can be taken for those wanting to investigate. We didn't have time on this trip. It's name was Washwheel. Built by James Almond as a cotton spinning mill. It was sold to Joseph Shepherd who changed it's use to bleaching cotton. Now only the chimney remains as the stone from the building was taken and used elsewhere.

Photo taken from our lunch spot. Conversation included imagining all the people who used to work here and the smell of the bleaching and the pollution in the brook. Then that famous saying from King Henry V, "Once more unto the Bleach dear friends, once more".

Post lunch the trail climbs steadily up 250ft and leads to Old Birtle. 

Passing a field with Alpaca we came across a farm that has diversified into a cafe. Unfortunately at this time of year it is only open Sunday's. It's called Valley View Tea Pod. It looked very inviting.

Click HERE for their Facebook page.

A short minor road walk brought us passed some beautiful houses in Birtle where opposite the Pack Horse pub a footpath leads passed an old row of stone cottages. The view opens up of the Pavilion restaurant and two large mill ponds which used to feed another Bleach Works. Again this area was a hive of industry last century. 

A few fine houses can be admired as we progressed past the old school house and along Castle Hill Rd and Birtle Moor. I currently have no explanation of why it is called Castle Hill. I will find out asap.

*** I found this on the 1800 map of the area. Edited 28th Sept.

The road is minor and very quiet. We passed Hercules Farm and then took a left turn which leads through the farm yard of Sillinghurst. As we reached the farm, the trail notes are a little ambiguous and we took the wrong turn but was quickly put back onto the right path by the farmer. We had a pleasant chat about walking routes and about his new JCB telescopic handler.

The path leads down hill and across the M66 motorway. It was very busy but we were soon into Chesham Woods Nature reserve. Our route winds it's way through the grounds of Lowes Park Golf Course before dropping down to Limefields valley with it's own mill ponds which used to feed Fulling Mills, Tenters, Walmersley Bleach works and an old Lowes brick works. Today only tranquility remains, a field of donkey's and a few posh houses.

Chesham Wood Nature reserve.

View across to Holcolme Tower from beyond Lowes Golf course.

The quiet valley with the new developments in work.

What is left of the mill ponds.

Walking west down a green lane we eventually came to the busy Walmesley Rd which we crossed and made our way on a narrow path behind some houses, dropping down to Pigs Lee and Burrs Country Park. A steam train could be heard on the East Lancs Heritage railway but we couldn't see it from our position. We went under the railway bridge and came out at the cafe in the park. It was just closing time but we managed a coffee and a cake whilst the staff cleaned up around us.

I managed to have a chat with a tractor driver who had a Kobota M5112 tractor. He told me his brother had a large John Deere tractor which we spotted as we made our way into Bury.

Kobota M5112 Tractor.

John Deere 6210R tractor.

Cafe, Burrs Country Park.

The route into Bury town centre was marred by Sheila not feeling well at all. We did stop to take a shot of the River Irwell weir which was impressive but she just wanted to get home.

River Irwell weir at Bury.

Thanks to Martin and the crew for another splendid outing.

Todays route. 21.42 km. 516 metres ascent.