The West Pennine Moors have been officially designated as a Site of Special Scientific Interest. We take a look at some of the best places to visit amongst the 76 square kilometres.
Darwen Moor
Darwen Moor lies to the north of the West Pennine Moors, just west of the town of Darwen. The Jubilee Tower sits on the top of Darwen Hill which gives you fantastic views of the surrounding area such as the Roddlesworth Woods and Tockholes.
Calf Hey and Ogden Reservoirs
Calf Hey and Ogden Reservoirs lie in the north east of the West Pennine Moors. This was once a thriving valley with pubs, church, shops and around 1,300 inhabitants. Three reservoirs were created when the valley was flooded (the other being Holden Wood Reservoir).
Entwistle and Turton Reservoir
The Entwistle and Turton Reservoir is just west of the village of Edgworth and was created in the Victorian era to provide drinking water to Bolton. The area is popular with walkers due to the relatively flat terrain especially along the Entwistle Dam.
Wayoh Reservoir
The Wayoh Reservoir is joined to the Turton and Entwistle Reservoir but is much larger. The Armsgrove Viaduct, which predates the reservoir, was built by the Blackburn, Darwen and Bolton Railway Company.
Rivington
Rivington is a popular destination for walkers throughout the year with many landmarks that will be familiar to many. The tower that sits atop of Rivington Pike was can be seen from far and wide but the Rivington Terraced Gardens built by Lord Leverhulme reward you with fantastic views of the edge of the West Pennine Moors.
Anglezarke
Although the reservoirs sit just outside what is considered the West Pennine Moors, the area to the east of them is known as Anglezarke Moor. The great irony is that even though the busy M61 is located nearby, this is a relatively peaceful and uninhabited place.
Winter Hill
With its proliferation of radio masts Winter Hill is recognisable from all directions including from the M61 from where it is clearly visible. The hill is 1,496 ft high and On a clear day the summit offers a view of four national parks - The Lake District, Yorkshire Dales, Peak District and Snowdonia.
White Coppice
One of the prettiest locations in Lancashire and home to a quaint cricket ground, the hamlet of White Coppice sits on the western edge of the West Pennine Moors.
Turton Tower
This original stone Pelle tower dates back to medieval times but it was later transformed into a fine Tudor house of such opulence that the owners had to sell it to pay the builders. In 1835 it was bought by a mill owner, who restored it and added follies. Apart from the fascinating interior with some William Morris items, there are nine acres of woodland gardens and picnic facilities.
Holcombe Hill
Holcombe Hill is on the eastern edge of the West Pennine Moors and overlooks the town of Ramsbottom. The Peel Monument stands 1100 feet above sea level and the view from this hill top awards you with a wide panorama of the moors.
It has taken around 25 years of campaigning to get special protected status for the West Pennine Moors. Here are some of our favourite reader photos in and around the area that have been uploaded to our website across the years.
