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.

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.

Contribution to the Brick Library.

Thursday 18th September.

During our recent trip to North Wales we did a walk named Lady Bagot's Drive and it was during that walk we came across a named brick, or I should say a brick with initials on it.

I took a photo so that I could find out where it originated and what was it's date.

I searched the internet and found nothing so I emailed a couple of people who had "Brick Libraries" and I had very nice replies from both people.

It turns out that it came from a brickworks only a mile away from where we were staying.

Here is the information:-  The Vale of Clwyd Brick and Pottery Company (Ltd). The works, Pant Glas and Craig Wen, in the parish of Llanynys, near Ruthin.

The company was established in August 1879 to purchase the lease, plant and other privileges connected with the works on the estate of Lord Bagot.

The works was probably started in 1876 or 1877.

There is detailed description of the works in the Wrexham Advertiser, June 2nd 1883 on page 6.

In August 1887 the business was in liquidation and the works was offered for sale as a going concern.

It seems that the business was taken over by the Vale of Clwyd Brick and Tile company (Ltd) which was struck off the register of companies in 1930. The works may well have closed many years earlier.

Here is my brick now added to the library which contains over 9600 bricks.

It's really great to find something that is new to such a comprehensive library and makes it so worthwhile searching whilst hiking for historical bricks.

Moel Famau.....Take Two.

Thursday 11th September 2025.

Yesterday I rested my knee by just driving to Ruthin, having a walk around the lovely town, having a coffee and then a walk around Ruthin castle which is now a hotel. Then back to our cottage to read my book for a couple of hours. Then a really nice meal in The Drovers Arms at Rhewl. Very nice it was too.

As it happened the day was a showery one and in the mid afternoon the mist was down to ground level for a couple of hours. So it was a good idea to give the hill walking a miss.

Today, Thursday the forecast is good. We drove up to a car park on the south side of Moel Famau. There were quite a few cars parked roadside and only a couple of cars in the pay and display car parks (2). I thought the charges were going to be extortionate but to be fair £2.50 for 4 hours is acceptable especially as it states that "All" monies goes into the upkeep of the park. 

We set off in a cool wind but a bright day. Certainly not tee shirt weather today. There was one or two people about but not crowded. A number of routes ascend the hill from the car park. I picked the Offa's Dyke way as it contoured rather than going straight up.

It's a wide track and would easily take a quad bike or Land Rover. Jubilee Tower is atop Moel Famau and so is highly frequented by locals as well as us tourist hikers. The views were stunning made all the more special by the cloudscapes.

Jubilee Tower just visible on the horizon.

Looking back from where we had come with Foel Fenwii in the background.

Getting nearer.

I'm not saying it's steep but I can't recall ever seeing a defibrillator in the hills.

At the top we met a couple of lads doing the Dyke backpack but only a section this time. They were certainly loaded up. I didn't take a photo. One had completed the West Highland Way 2 weeks ago with his 10yr old son. Well done to him. We left them making scrambled eggs for breakfast.

The wind was bitterly cold and biting and I was so glad to have some insulation provided by my North Face Zephyrus Primaloft jacket which weighs only 260grams but is very warm as well as my OR Ferriso windproof with hood. The NF jacket is no longer on sale but I wouldn't be without it. I don't think they have made a similar one but if anyone knows then please leave a comment.

Sheila wore her Rab Generator which is a hard jacket to beat. Again, they don't make them any more. When companies design a cracking piece of kit, that works. Why do they delete it without replacing it with a better one. I don't get it.

Anyway back to the walk. We had a look all around the tower which is now only half a tower, the spire is no more. It is a really well constructed monument and took a lot of effort to build. Why has the spire never been re-built?

The views from the top are fantastic and really the iPhone doesn't do long distances very well so I apologise for that. I should have brought my Olympus. The wind was strong on top, a struggle to stand in some gusts.

What's left of Jubilee Tower. Quite a structure.

The Jubilee Tower was started to be built in 1810 to celebrate the Jubilee of King George 111. It collapsed in a storm of 1862. It was never fully completed. It must have been some storm. In 1970 the base was tidied up and made safe for visitors.

The trig point, OS bracket number 2961, is quite special as it has wildlife painted on all sides. This was done by local artist David Setter. The work was completed in July 2025, so we have only just missed him. It celebrates 40yrs of the Clwdian Range and Dee Valley Area of outstanding natural beauty. It shows a Curlew, Skylark and Black Grouse.

Who decides what is an area of outstanding natural beauty? 

A very special trig point.

We left the top to others and headed back down the same way, more or less. The Gorse and Heather was in full colour. At a junction in the path we went left instead of following the Offa's Dyke path down to the right. It goes over the last un-named top before dropping down to the Car Park at Bwylch-pen-barras.

The hill used to be used as a firing range for the Flintshire Malitia. They practiced shooting up to 600yds. The Malitia was founded in 1759 under the command of Sir Roger Mostyn. They came about with the threat of a French Invasion during the seven years war. They disbanded in 1889 when they joined forces and became the Kings Royal Rifle Corps.

Back at the car we couldn't believe our luck again as it started raining. It didn't last long and then the sun was out again. 

Our Route today.