Barrow Bridge and Winter Hill (8.5-mile moderate walk)

Starting from the Woodland Trust Barrow Bridge Car Park (should the car park be full, additional road parking can be found lower down on Barrow Bridge Road, below the bus terminus), we walk up through the pretty village of Barrow Bridge and then climb the 63 steps that the miners used to climb daily to work. We then head up to the Walker Fold Car Park for a short break (there is a toilet and a coffee van here!).

Next, we take a range of paths to gradually climb towards Winter Hill, joining the service road towards the transmitting station and TV mast. Weather permitting, we'll visit 'Two Lads Cairns' which are well through their restoration (but in late October 2026 still closed to the public) and enjoy the views west towards the coast.

Rejoining the service road and continuing uphill we continue up towards the Winter Hill mast, but, shortly before reaching the mast, we'll take a path back downhill, eventually reaching several farmhouses before reaching Colliers Row Road. We then head towards Barrow Bridge before turning left, weaving our way down past Smithills Open Farm and then the Grade I listed 14th-century (onwards!) manor house, Smithills Hall.

Next, we cross over Smithills Dean Road. passing between some houses and through a woodland down to Smithills Croft Road. Turning right, after a short distance we reach the prominent 246-feet high (originally 306-feet high) Barrow Bridge chimney, which was part of the old Halliwell Bleach works rather than the village's cotton mills. Here, we turn into Barrow Bridge Road and walk the final half-mile back to the car park.

Well-behaved dogs are welcome, but must be kept on a lead.

Walk Leader: Chris S

Please note that we restrict the number of places available on Meetup as (unlike other Meetup groups) we have a significant number of Ramblers who attend our walks and we ask them not to register as attending via this app. We would, therefore, respectfully request that you do not reserve a place on any walk unless you are sure that you will attend.
Alternatively, why not join us and be a part of the Ramblers Association for a small annual subscription? Membership guarantees a place on all 'Hike on Lancashire' walks and ensures priority access to events organised by the Group. You can also walk with any other Ramblers Group across the UK.
Annual subscriptions go toward maintaining paths and allow the RA to campaign for improved access to the countryside. You will also receive the monthly 'Walk' magazine and a 15% discount at Cotswold Outdoors.
\You can join by following the link below https://www.ramblers.org.uk/membership
Please select Hike on Lancashire as your preferred Group.