GM Ringway Trail Stage 15. Blackrod to Wigan.

Monday. 27th October 2025.

Today saw Sheila and I making our way to Blackrod, north west of Bolton to join up with others coming a different route to hike the GM Ringway trail from Blackrod to Wigan.

Due to it being half term in the North West the transport system was enjoying a quiet period. The bus to the railway station was 3 minutes early, the train from Rochdale to Bolton was actually on time and although the connecting train from Bolton to Blackrod was 3 minutes late I don't expect the CEO to commit Hari Kari! we also had a seat the whole way, a miracle of the modern transport age.

We met the remaining crew at Blackrod station platform. 

Todays crew. Rufus the Bedlington Terrier, Paul, Alan,Sue, Jeanette,Rick, Martin and Sheila taking the photo.

We were soon off along the trail, crossing a couple of fields, before crossing the busy A6 road and making our way along an old cobbled pathway which is a legacy of the mining and railway industries. It ran down from the village to the colliery, Blackrod Mill and the railway station. 

 Castlecroft avenue. As its name suggests, was the site of an ancient castle. There are no remains on the ground now and probably dated from the early to mid 15th century as coins were found during excavations from the year 1467. More than likely built on the remains of a Roman post.

Walking through Blackrod on New St. we pass a row of Weavers cottages with quite a history. The main house on the end which bears a plaque Bobbin Hall Restored 1905 belonged to the boss who was a master spinner and owned the row. The cottages date from 18th century and all had inter-connecting doors so that the boss could walk through. The name Bobbin Hall has no relevance to the row of weavers cottages and the name is likely to come from the fact that the cellar used to make bobbins for the muslin factory in Rivington.

Weavers Cottages, Blackrod, New Street.

We left the village just before Mackinson's Farm and made our way across numerous fields guarded by electric fences to keep the horses at bay. A tractor caught my eye, it was a John Deere 3103. Quite unusual, this machine was built in Mannheim Germany in 1973. This factory used to be owned by the Lanz company who made the "Bulldog" tractor. It was heavily bombed during WW2. Deere acquired it in 1956 and built some machines with the name Deere-Lanz. I have never come across one of these machines, although I was sent a photo of a Bulldog tractor by JJ.

John Deere 3130

Goose and Gander Restaurant bar, Little Scotland.

Joining a road at the strangely named Little Scotland we passed and turn right at a pub called the Goose and Gander which was called the New Inn in a former life. It's now more restaurant than pub.

At the end of Blundell Lane a large pair of metal gates is the only tell tale sign that once the mineral railway line ran through here. It was from Brinks colliery which only had a short life, being worked from 1898 to 1901. In a field to the north of the gates is an old brick square which I guessed may be part of the engine house of the pit but a quick check tells me the shaft was nearer Aberdeen farm. The brick building looks more modern in hindsight. The mineral line served the many coal pits in the area and must have been quite a sight all those years ago.

The route of the Mineral railway Line ran through where these gates are today.

This is what I thought could be the Brinks pit head but now know that it isn't. 

I think it may have had something to do with the railway.

In the background is Winter Hill from Stage 14 walk.

We walked adjacent to the modern Aberdeen farm before joining the footpath of the now discontinued Lancashire Union Railway. I tried to find any memorabilia on the ground but alas none. A couple of bridges are still there. Formed in 1863 to transport coal from St Helens to Blackburn. It also transported goods from Blackburn to Glasson Dock. Apart from a short section still operational in St Helens the line closed in 1966.

A muddy route along the Lancashire Union disused railway line.

We came off the old line at the approach to Abbey Farm and crossed the Leeds Liverpool canal at what used to be Arley Hall and is now the 19th Hole of Wigan Golf club. For some reason at this point our route instructions and signposts says that no dogs or bicycles can use the footpaths surrounding Worthington Lakes. We had a dog with us and so we made alternative plans to meet up with Paul and Rufus a little further on whilst the main party stayed on route.

We did notice that during the walk round the lakes that the locals don't seem to take any notice of the signage. It's your choice.

Arley Hall is a magnificent building. It's moated and dates originally from the 12th Century. King Henry 1st confiscated it and then handed over to King John. Numerous wealthy families have owned it but for the last hundred years has been part of the golf club. 

As we made our way through the course, signs remind walkers to "Look right" for potential aerial bombardment of golf balls. I don't get why they shout four, we didn't see one!

Arley Bridge.

The 19th hole.

Once through the slippery slopes and stream crossings in Arley Wood we came out to see the lovely Worthington Lakes (reservoir). Built in the mid 1800's to supply water too Wigan. Today it is a 50 acre nature reserve. It's a pleasant walk with wildlife and at this time of year lots of fungi.

The River Douglas in Arley Wood. 

Worthington Lake. (Reservoir).

Heron silhouette 

Soon we were on a main road walking past the water treatment plant to Red Rock Brow and new housing development alongside the lake. A row of pleasant old Lakeside cottages, which were probably built when the bleach and dye works was operational here, led us onto a path up hill through water works farm, across the disused railway again and onto the Leeds Liverpool Canal. We were getting peckish now and started to look for a suitable spot to stop for lunch. We kept thinking that some benches will appear around the next corner but they didn't. We just sat down on the towpath for 20 minutes enjoying the brief sunshine.

Lakeside cottages.

Back on the towpath of the Leeds and Liverpool Canal at Red Rock Bridge.

Swan and signets also looking for lunch.

We left the canal a little further down at Sennicar lane and followed the busy minor road into Haigh Country Park. With it being school half term holiday we found out where all the kids and parents were. It was so busy and noisy. We made use of the toilet facilities before heading off through the throng of people, push chairs, dogs, ice cream vendors, fair ground rides, climbing frames etc etc to pick up the route into Haigh Upper plantation with it's narrow gauge railway that looked like it hadn't been used for years. I didn't take photos here because of all the kids. Sad times we live in.

Haigh country park climbing adventures.

The best bit of Haigh narrow gauge railway.

For some reason that I don't understand the trail doesn't go past Haigh Hall which for me should be an absolute must rather than go through the amusements areas. It wouldn't be much of a diversion and considering the route is only a little over 16km would only add a few hundred metres more to it. But we stuck to the proper trail. The Hall was built between 1827 and 1840. Is now owned by Wigan Council.

Permanently closed Haigh Hall. (Courtesy of Wigan Council.)

 It was opened as a 5 star luxury hotel with 30 luxury bedrooms, a fitness suite and spa but today it is permanently closed. An absolute crime in my opinion.

We crossed the Leeds and Liverpool Canal once again and made progress through Haigh Lower Plantation and noticed quite rare pivot bolt benchmark on the bridge parapet.

At a point in the plantations we came to a crossroads in the trail where we were at odds as to what was the correct route. Rick and I had downloaded the GPX file from the GM Ringway website and this showed the route to go straight ahead. Martin on the other hand had the trail printout with point to point instructions which showed we go right on a smaller path through woodland before exiting back onto the main path. You can go either way I suspect.

Just before crossing the very ornate metal bridge over the disused railway,  I spotted some fungi in the undergrowth and there also found a brick from the Orrell Brick and Tile co Ltd, near Wigan. This company closed in 1964 and was wound up in August 1978. The brickworks was taken over by Ravenhead and there is nothing left of the site today.

Walking the disused railway line.

Orrell Brick

From here the sounds of the busy main road through Wigan could be heard. It was getting towards rush hour. We approached the River Douglas valley which was now flowing very fast in comparison to the last stage when the river was just a small stream in Rivington.

The good path leads underneath the A49 road and curves round into Wigan central area. It goes through an old walled alleyway which I wouldn't fancy doing in the dark and then onto the main shopping street with Wigan Wallgate station just a hundred metres beyond. 

Trail through River Douglas valley.

Entering Wigan 

The back alley's

Wigan centre

Wigan Wallgate train station. The end of this stage and the start of the next one.

We all got the same train back into Manchester, we alighted at Salford Crescent and waited for the train to Rochdale. The others got off at Deansgate for the tram home.

Once again our luck with the weather had held out. It had been a perfect hiking day. Thanks to everyone for the company and completion of another stage of the trail.

Todays route. 16.20km. Click to enlarge.

Martin's blog post of todays walk can be found by clicking. Here.

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.