Part 2 of this blog covers a route along The Lines – a long concrete path ideal for wheels of any kind or walking/jogging. It also details a circular route through Redisher Woods.
The Lines, Greenmount to Brandlesholme/Bury – The ‘straightforward path’
The Lines begin at one end in Greenmount (again next to a children’s play area that gets busy at peak times) and there is also The Hub tearoom here which is currently open for takeaway drinks and snacks from 10am-3pm Monday- Saturday and 11am-3pm Sunday. The Lines is essentially a long, concrete path that runs all the way to Brandlesholme road where you can then cross the road and continue through a small housing estate on to Burrs Country Park and into Bury if you wish to. The path is perfect for bikes, scooters, prams and wheelchairs as it’s so flat and accessible. Vehicles don’t routinely come down this path although there are some ‘crossroads’ where vehicles may occasionally pass down to access properties so always be aware.
Starting from Greenmount, head straight along the path, over the first crossroads and continue until you meet a bridge. Just before the bridge, you can take the left or right path to walk around the large expanse of water you will see to your left or you can continue over the bridge to stay on the main path. The path around the water is more narrow and therefore not ideal for wheels of any kind but this area is less busy if you wish for a more peaceful walk.
Continue over the bridge, past Tottington Cricket club to the left and an entrance to an estate, again be cautious here if you have dogs off lead as cars may be on the estate next to the path. We continued on this path, under a bridge and as far as Tottington High School. Just before this there is a park to the right with a large grassy area for dogs to exercise in and also a children’s play area.
To this point, to turn round and return to Greenmount the walk is around 3km and 45 minutes in total however you can continue much further to meet Brandlesholme road and on to Burrs Country Park or into Bury. As you pass down, there are many wooded areas, parks and playing fields just off the route that are easily accessible if you wish to explore.
Redisher Woods, Holcombe Brook – The ‘woodland adventure’
This route starts from the same place as the Holcombe Hill walk featured in Part 1 of this blog (see below). This is behind the Hare and Hounds pub in Holcombe Brook. You can park on the small road behind the pub where the walk begins, however if this is full there is parking on Lumb Carr road which is the main road running uphill behind the pub. This woodland loop is approximately 3.5km long and takes around 50 minutes – 1 hour. It gets very muddy at times and there are also areas to paddle in shallow water if you choose to and so appropriate footwear is a must!
Walk along the narrow road behind the Hare and Hounds going away from the main road. At the end of the road there is a cobbled path to the right which you take for the Holcombe Hill climb, but to enter the woods head straight on past the entrance to a housing development site to the left, and follow the narrow path gently uphill alongside this site. At the top of the gentle incline and at the end of the development site, follow the path to the left as it gentle descends into a wooded area with trees to either side.
You should be able to hear streams running around you and to the left you will pass a waterfall. Well behaved dogs may be let of their leads on this walk although those liable to chase waterfalls (like mine) are best kept on leads. Continue alongside the stream until you reach a wooden bridge to the left. Cross over this bridge and then turn right, heading deeper into the woods as the path begins to climb again.
You will pass steps and smaller paths to the right which lead up onto Holcombe Moor, but for this route stay on the main path with the stream below you to the left. You will pass another cobbled path to the right, but again stay on the main path as it goes briefly downhill here. Eventually you will see another waterfall and pass through a wooden gate to Simon’s Lodge. This is a VERY DEEP area of water and care must be taken, especially with young children and dogs as you pass through this area. As you reach this still expanse of water, the sound of running water fades and the surroundings become noticeably quieter and more peaceful.
As you come to the end of the water, continue along the path until you meet a small wooden bridge over a shallow stream. For any dogs, children or even adults keen to splash in the water this is the perfect area to do so.
Shortly after this you will pass through a wooden gate and along a wooden walkway leading to another path. Here you can turn right to head deeper into the woods and onto moorland, but for the circular route turn left and climb up the short hill on the concrete path. You will see a farmhouse to the left at the top of the path and pass through the large wooden gate here or over the stile.
The walk now follows a concrete path for a long while and is much firmer and flatter underfoot. Although this is a quiet area, please bear in mind that this path is also a minor road and therefore vehicles may pass along it for access to properties. Continue along this road, passing between farmhouses and past fields of sheep. You may even spot some small ponies and a pig or two in the fields next to the path. After being in the depths of woodland, the open space here provides a beautiful variety of views in this walk.
Eventually, you will see a farmhouse directly in front of you and the path splits left and right. Turn left and pass through the gate to descend back into the woods.
At the bottom of this short hill you will see a wooden bridge to your right which you crossed over at the beginning of the walk. Cross the bridge and turn right to rejoin the original path and head back out of the woods where you started.
Check out Part 1 of this blog for more routes around Ramsbottom, Holcombe and Greenmount.
Bev Meakin – Personal Trainer/ Exercise Referral Officer and Complementary Therapist. Instagram @bevs_life