Belmont – 27/05/26 – Leader Steve D

After the very hot temperatures of the past few days, it was with much relief that the weather was a little cooler and fresher today. In fact, when we got out of the cars at the car park it was really blustery and cool and so it was to be for much of the walk, but ideal for walking in. 12 walkers gathered at the car park just north of Belmont village. Leaving the car park, we walked through trees to the road corner and turned right onto Darwen Moor heading south on a rough path passing Lower Pasture Barn Farm with views down to Belmont Reservoir on our right. The path continued onto ‘Catherine Edge’ and along the Witton Weavers Way eventually turning right and passing through two farms to the edge of Belmont Reservoir.

Walking along the road and heading south-east we took a path, turning right, opposite Higher Whittaker to Lower Whittaker then crossed fields to a rough path through woodland that took us down to the Egerton Road and near to the site of the former Belmont Bleaching and Dyeing Company which closed in 2004.

Walking up to the main road through Belmont village we crossed it to pass The Black Dog pub (I could have murdered a pint!) Walking along Rivington Road we entered the grounds of St Peter’s Church, where we found some benches for our banana break. After a bit of an uphill plod we branched off to walk round Ward’s Reservoir (known locally as the Blue Lagoon) 

At the far end of the reservoir, we were back on the road that runs between Belmont and Rivington. There is no pavement here so we needed to be wary of traffic approaching. After about 3/4 mile we turned right heading north on a path across unspoilt open moorland to the summit of Great Hill. This was an uphill section of the walk around 3 miles on mostly flagged paths, which can become quite boggy and flooded in places after heavy rain but we were to have none of that today thankfully! We had lunch at the summit at its distinctive wall shelter.

We made our way down from the summit and turned right on a sketchy moorland path to Belmont Road. Turning right and walking a short distance, we cut through welcoming shady trees to the ruin of Hollingshead Hall. There is not much left to see here apart from a few low collapsed walls but it must have been quite a substantial building. Only one small building still stands – The Well House, tucked away in a corner. An interesting, if rather spooky looking
structure – some of us went in, as the door was open.

We continued on through trees to reach the main road that goes to Tockholes, and crossed it,
climbing slightly to walk through Conyries Plantation and back down again to the road further on.
We walked back through the trees to the cars.

9 miles – 1,250ft total ascent

Excellent photos by Paul and ultra magnificent back marking by David C.

Report and Walk Leader: – Steve D     

‘If you wish to see a static view of the pics all in one go then click here.’

Continuously running slideshow below – you can see it full screen by clicking in top left of picture