Ski Club of Manchester, Summer Stroll 2026

Leaders: Vanessa and Dave Miller

The walk will be in the area to the North of Hawkshaw, near Bury. The route is a moderate walk of about 11Km (7 miles) with around 290m (950ft) of climbing and should take around 5 or 6 hours depending how long we spend sight seeing, eating, and of course walking. Don't forget to bring suitable clothing to cater for the vagaries of English summer weather.

The walk will start at the Red Lion pub in Hawkshaw BL8 4JS. As some of us intend to stop at the pub post walk for food and drink it will be OK to park there for the day.

Meeting time is 10:00 to start walking at 10:15

The circular walk will take in woodland, moorland paths and and quiet lanes. The moorland paths are rough going in places and could be soggy following wet weather so stout walking shoes or boots are advised and if you tend to use walking poles don't forget them for this one. The route will be generally as described below but may be subject to modification on the day if circumstances dictate.

The route will start directly across the road from the pub heading north along a pleasant path through woodland. This then opens out to give views of our destination, Holcombe Moor ahead. This open path passes a series of abandoned quarries now well overgrown with heather and bilberry and follows a clear gentle brook north towards the moor. Emerging onto the higher end of Hawkshaw Lane at Boardman's Farm we will continue north up the lane for a short way before turning right to find a steep path up onto the moor where we will eventually meet a stone flagged route (courtesy of the National Trust) that heads north east to Bull Hill, a good vantage point for a lunch stop. Heading generally east and south from here will bring us to the site of an ancient Pilgrims Cross which stood on the route to Whalley Abbey, now commemorated by a stone edifice.

This stone was carved by John Pilkington who build the Victorian Terraced house in Ramsbottom that Vanessa and Dave used to live in.

Heading south from here to pick up Moor Bottom Road, not a road but a pleasant bridleway, as far as the ruined Taylor's farm we will then turn west to pass south of the Holcombe Firing Ranges and across fields back to the vicinity of the quarries and the path back to the Red Lion.

Vanessa and Dave are planning to have a meal at the pub around 5 PM. All are welcome to join us, but for the purposes of table booking we need to know if you wish to join by not later than Friday 31st July.

We will have a couple of breaks during the walk so if you wish to bring along some drinks and snacks please do. If you don't plan to eat at the pub post walk you may wish to bring something more substantial.

If you intend to join the walk please advise Vanessa Miller by Friday 31st July by email.

If you would like to join in the meal please advise Vanessa Miller by Friday 31st July by email.