Winter Hill

The route takes us through some woodland, along country lanes and tracks, and onto higher moorland. There are signs commemorating a plane crash, a 19th century murder, and a mass trespass.  So the route is quite varied.   It covers about 8 miles and I would describe it as easy to moderate.  There is an option of a lower route if the weather is poor.

We start at Smithills Country Park BL1 7NP at 10.00.

Take the A666 past Bolton town centre towards Blackburn

Fork left on to the A6099, Halliwell Road - following the brown sign to Smithills

Cross the  A58  onto Smithills Dean Road. Go past the sorts centre and school on the right

Then turn right where the brown sign indicates the Country Park

Use the car park ahead, and left at the fork after a couple of hundred yards.

There is no charge.

There is a café at the starting and finishing point, which is open from 10 a.m. till 4.30.