As the Industrial Revolution progressed, so the local population increased, and in the 19th century the landscape was transformed by the construction of large water bodies to supply the surrounding conurbations. The reservoirs represent major feats of engineering and construction, and are of considerable historical significance. Victorian detailing of the built features of the reservoirs – Gothic-style valve towers and crenellated stone walls with decorative reliefs, for example – are important architectural heritage.
The Witton Weavers Way
In Victorian times, Lancashire was the centre of the cotton industry, and mill towns like Blackburn and Darwen, very much at the heart of the West Pennine Moors, were known across the world. Before the Industrial Revolution, however, handloom weavers worked from home, from the lovely stone-built cottages that still serve as the nucleus of many of the Lancashire villages and hamlets.
The Witton Weavers Way is a 51km (32-mile) trail around the industrial uplands of Lancashire – a commemoration, if you like, of those past times. It is a journey that leads past many of those ancient cottages, Tudor halls, Victorian estates, business-like villages and even Roman roads.
The full Witton Weavers Way can be completed in two days, but within its journey there are also four shorter circular walks that can each be covered in a day. Named after jobs within the cotton industry, these are the Beamers (10km/6 miles), Reelers (12km/7½ miles), Tacklers (15km/9½ miles) and Warpers (13.5km/8½ miles) Trails. Many of the walks in this book encounter or use stretches of these individual walks, and all are waymarked.
On the Witton Weavers’ Way, Turton Heights (Walk 22)
The official starting point is Witton Country Park, on the outskirts of Blackburn, but the Way can be joined at many alternative points. Full details of the individual walks, along with route descriptions, are available from www.blackburn.gov.uk.
Introducing the Valleys
Rivington
This wide, shallow valley is largely water-filled and contains three reservoirs: Anglezarke, Upper and Lower Rivington, and Yarrow. Built by Liverpool Corporation in the mid-19th century, these reservoirs cover the courses of three separate streams. Much of the character of the lower part of the valley owes its influence to Lord Leverhulme, who had his home at Rivington Hall. His keen interest in architecture and landscape design permeates the valley in the form of long, tree-lined avenues, a network of footpaths, the Rivington Terraced Gardens, and a replica of the ruins of Liverpool Castle on the banks of Lower Rivington Reservoir. The landscape of Lever Park now forms part of Rivington County Park.
Turton-Jumbles
This valley to the north of Bolton contains a line of three smaller reservoirs surrounded by woodland, mainly in the form of conifer plantations. Originally the valleys fed Bradshaw Brook, a focal point of industrial activity based on textiles. Entwistle was the first to be built, in the 1830s, one of the first reservoirs in the country of such size, followed by Wayoh in the 1860s, and Jumbles in 1971. The reservoirs are now a focus for recreation and nature conservation, with walking, fishing and other leisure pursuits located at Entwistle and Wayoh, and the county park centred around Jumbles.
Haslingden Grane
The Grane valley, to the west of the town of Haslingden, is remote. It is occupied by three reservoirs: Calf Hey, Ogden and Holden Wood, while the valley sides contain a mix of coniferous and broadleaved plantations and open pastures. This was once a well-populated valley, with farmers, quarry workers and a number of mills. The entire valley was depopulated when the reservoirs were constructed. Today, the scattered abandoned farmsteads, ruined cottages, pastures and packhorse tracks are remnants of the pre-reservoir landscape. The Grane valley, flanked by rather steeper sides than the other valleys, is especially appealing, and increasingly used for informal recreation.
Belmont
The Belmont, Delph, Springs, Dingle and Wards reservoirs are sited in an incised valley high above Bolton. The village of Belmont, on the route of the A675, forms a focus for this area, and despite the presence of settlement, this is a quiet valley. There are numerous public footpaths, many linked to form the Witton Weavers Way, a walking trail of discovery around the moors (see Human Influence).
Higher Hempshaw’s Farm (Walk 6)
Belmont from Sharples Higher End (Walk 16)
This valley is more rural than the others; ancient woodland still clings to the steep cloughs that have not been dammed. These also contain important wetland habitats. Belmont is one of the earliest recorded settlements in this area, dating from the early part of the 13th century (recorded in 1212), and later found itself situated along the turnpike road linking Bolton and Preston.
Roddlesworth
The Roddlesworth and Rake Brook reservoirs sit in an extensively wooded valley of mixed plantations above the towns of Blackburn and Darwen. A number of footpaths pass through the valley, and roads pass either side of it. It is a quiet and remote landscape dominated by reservoirs.
One of the beauties of the West Pennine Moors is that they are accessible. There are towns, villages and roads everywhere, making access to the moors as easy as could be. Many parts of the area are managed specifically for walkers, especially those parts around the reservoirs.
There are few, if any, other places in Britain that provide such a wealth of walking potential for so many, so easily. Make the most of it.
Earnsdale Reservoir and Darwen Tower (Walk 13)
Walking Safely
The walking on the West Pennine Moors ranges from short, simple outings not far from civilisation, to tough moorland routes. The many valley walks are within the ability of anyone accustomed to recreational walking. The longer walks on the moors, however, demand a good level of fitness, and knowledge of the techniques and requirements necessary to travel safely in wild countryside in very changeable weather conditions, including the ability to use map and compass properly.
Safety
The fundamentals of safety in upland and moorland areas should be known by everyone intent on walking on the West Pennine Moors, but no apology is made for reiterating some basic dos and don’ts.
Always take the basic minimum kit: sturdy boots, warm, windproof clothing, waterproofs (including overtrousers), hat or balaclava, gloves or mittens, spare clothing, maps, compass, whistle, survival bag, emergency rations, first aid kit, food and drink for the day, all carried in a suitable rucksack.
Let someone know where you are going.
Learn to use a map and compass effectively.
Make sure you know how to get a local weather forecast (see www.bbc.co.uk/weather).
Know basic first aid – your knowledge could save a life.
Plan your route according to your ability, and be honest about your ability and expertise.
Never be afraid to turn back.
Be aware of your surroundings – keep an eye on the weather, your companions, and other people.
Take extra care during descents, even gentle