Wednesday, 18th September 2013

 

Walk: Smithills Hall, Harricroft Farm, Tippett House, Pendlebury Farm, Smithills Dean, Smithills Moor, Two Lads Cairns, Adam Hill, Burnt Edge, Walker Fold
Start Point: Barrow Bridge car park Grid Ref: SD 687 117
Distance: 9.5 miles Ascent: 1,200 feet
Weather: A couple of heavy showers then
mainly dry
Time: 4.25 hours
Comments: An exploration around Smithills Hall gave me the opportunity to explore my new camera - though the weather wasn't the best. Continuing through the woodland and past the Open Farm more woodland sheltered me from a couple of heavy showers which were very shot-lived. Good tracks and quiet roads took me to Smithills Moor where a stoned path traversed moorland to Winter Hill. From here I quickly headed down the road to have lunch at the Two Lads Cairns. After crossing Adam Hill I proceeded along Burnt Edge with views of my earlier explorations. After reaching Walker Fold Farm a pleasant track took me into the woods and down the Miners' Steps followed by a short road section to reach the car.
Next time: walk into Barrow Bridge first to explore Fred Dibnah's chimney (one that he didn't demolish!)

Scroll down to see photos of the walk

There are lots of different views . . .

 

as I make my way . . .

 

around Smithills Hall . . .

 

across some very slippery flags . . .

 

to what may have been the main entrance . . .

 

At the open farm a small herd of fallow deer . . .

 

along with a stag . . .

 

sporting some fine antlers

 

At the entrance to Smithills Moor

 

Rivington Pike from the Two Lads cairns . . .

 

and Winter Hill from the same spot

 

Looks a long way down . . .

 

but the 63 steps were walked every day by the miners on their way to work

 

Weir on Dean Brook

 

Time for a rest

 

No parking by the front doors here

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