Start: Batridge car park, Entwistle Reservoir. From junction 4 M65 follow signs for Darwen centre on the A666 and then Bolton. In a little under two miles from Darwen turn left onto B6391 Green Arms Road. After 1.5 miles turn left onto lane leading down to car park.

Summary: Distance: 14k 8 ½ miles
                  Time: 3 ½ - 4 ½ hours
                  Terrain: Undulating.
                  Map: OS Explorer 287  West Pennine Moors

Map by kind permission of the Blackpool Gazette

Directions: Car park to Edgworth: For most of the way the trail is helpfully waymarked. Also there is a helpful leaflet published by Blackburn and Darwen Council. From the left of the car park (with your back is to the reservoir) take a track leading back up to Green Arms Road.

 

 

Once across the road turn left onto a rough track which adopts a parallel course to Wayoh Reservoir down on your left.

 

In the distance you will have a clear view of Peel Tower. After 2k (30mins) the track meets a lane.

 

Here bear left as it takes you over the railway by means of castellated bridge. This decorative feature was insisted by the landowner when the Blackburn to Bolton line was constructed in 1848.

 

The lane beyond drops down to Chapledown Road (B6391) passing Turton Tower on your left.

 

This was originally built in the 15th century as a pele tower. Over the years changes and additions have created the fine country house you see today.  At the road turn left and then after 200m turn right onto a footpath close to a World War II pillbox.

 

The path soon drops through woodland to arrive at Jumbles Reservoir.

 

Cross the causeway at its northern end and turn left to follow a stream through woods.

As it comes close to the settlement of Turton Bottoms it crosses the stream by a cobbled bridge and then a short distance ahead recrosses it over a packhorse bridge. For a short while on tarmac the trail skirts a modern and luxurious housing development to climb to a rise just below an isolated mill chimney, a remnant of the Old Russia Lodge Mill.

 

 The path crosses pasture above a pair of mill lodges on the left before dropping down to a footbridge.

 

Cross this and turn right following a stream up to an elaborate weir.

 

After entering a patch of woodland bear left as the trail ascends to the village of Edgworth close to the village institute.

 

Edgworth to the car park. On reaching the road turn left. At the Black Bull turn right onto a footpath. This leads down to the end of Wayoh Reservoir. With the water on your left follow an undulating path as it makes its way up the eastern edge of the reservoir.

 After 25mins the trail crosses Hob Lane and then continues besides water to enter woodland.

 

The path bears round to the left to cross two footbridges and then, branching off right from the main path, climbs a steep rise.

 

At the edge of the trees it passes through a kissing gate to cross a pasture to reach Edge Lane. Here turn right. The lane soon bends round to the left crossing the railway to enter the small settlement of Entwistle. As you come alongside the Strawbury Duck public house (soon to re-open) turn right still on Edge Lane.

 

 Keep ahead on this, passing through the scattered hamlet of Edge Fold until you reach a metal gate.

 

Follow the track beyond as it gives out onto high rough pasture. After 1000m beyond a stand of trees turn left onto a grassy track.

 

As you descend along this, after passing a pair of gateposts, bear right heading down to the edge of conifer woodland.

 

After a stile turn left to reach a footbridge.

 

Cross this turn left and follow the stream down to Entwistle Reservoir.

 

 

 Follow the water edge path to its end and then turn right for the car park.

Printer friendly version