Burrs Country Park – 08/03/2026 – Leader Steve S

On a grey but dry Sunday morning, with just a small chance of rain, that held off.. Ten brave souls turned up for my inaugural walk. . 

Setting off from Burrs Country park, Jubilee car park. A brief history of the area was imparted. This having been an Iron Age Settlement, with a hillfort called Castlesteads. It’s industrial past dating back to the 1790’s when two cotton mills, Burrs Mill and Higher Woodhill Mill occupied the area. The former being established by Sir Robert Peel, (father of the future Prime Minister). Burrs Mill was also used as an Italian prisoner of war camp during WW11.

We turned left along a short path that brought us to Stock Street. Last year this location was used in the crime drama ‘After The Flood’. 

Heading past one of the former industrial lodges, we made our way across a small field that brought us parallel to the river Irwell. Making our way past the Lamp Post cafe, we made our way around the ‘Showground’ to the GM Ringway trail.

Turning off the GM RIngway trail, we headed up a very muddy field, exiting at Chest Wheel farm, on to Rowlands Rd and past Falshaws farm. No takers from the group for ice cream so early on. 

A short walk up Walmersley Rd brought us to Bass Lane, with no footpath, much care required to make it along the 100 metre stretch, before exiting onto the path that would eventually lead us down into Summerseat. 

Arriving at Summerseat Island, an area most of the group where unfamiliar with. We walked around the island which is currently under going work to improve the footpaths and provide picnic/rest areas.

A short walk later brought us to our lunch stop. Some bright red painted benches along the platform at Summerseat train station fulfilled our requirement. Alas no train.

After lunch, I managed to loose 20% of the group, oops!. Malcolm and Roger peeled off to head back to the cars.

We then made our way out of Summerseat and across two roads, past Tower Farm onto the Kirklees Trail, making our way past the ‘Totty Snake’ without anyone being harmed. Following the Kirklees Trail across Brandlesholme Rd, brought us onto Woodhill Rd. A short walk brought us to Jersey Girls ice cream. A second opportunity for ice cream was not going to be passed by. Cravings satisfied it was a short stroll back to the cars.

 

Distance 9 miles.    Elevation 557feet       Pictures Judy

Write up –  Snipper Steve

 

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