Starting and ending at Barrow Bridge, a local beauty spot with its 18th Century cottages along the river and unique access bridges to well-kept gardens, this walk explores the varied characteristics of a West Pennine valley. Deciduous woodland (part of Smithills Country Park) initially lines the river, but as altitude is quickly gained via the famous 63 steps, this soon gives way to pasture and smallholdings.

The hamlet of Walker Fold with a number of old cottages sympathetically renovated, is the initial destination. Beyond it the higher parts of the river are lined by coniferous woodland, well-established and varied enough to make the walk interesting as it undulates and criss-crosses the stream. On emerging from the woodland, upland sheep grazing surrounding Holden's Farm eventually becomes open moorland as the highest point is reached.

The cairns at the top of Crooked Edge Hill / Wilders Moor are of relatively recent construction but have become a local landmark; and this spot provides dramatic views (on a clear day) of the Lancashire and Cheshire Plains - Blackpool Tower, Southport and Liverpool are easily visble, plus Snowdonia and Lakeland Fells on the best days.

The return route involves crossing and re-crossing the ascent, forming a series of 'figures-of-eight' and avoiding any retracing of steps. A sluice and dyke are encountered at the beginning of the descent, which then proceeds beneath Burnt Edge back to Walker Fold - views of Bolton, Ramsbottom and the Pennines are encountered and Barrow Bridge chimney is a constant aid to the required
direction. A final descent into deciduous woodland via newly-constructed steps down to the river, form an interesting contrast to the ancient '63 steps' and Barrow Bridge bridge can be admired from a different aspect.

England - Manchester - Countryside

View a road map to the starting point of this walk.