Pub walk from Birtle 07-05-2026 – leader Glyn Beck

All I can say is – what a cracker!!  On a mild evening, 9 lucky pub walkers – including Linda for her first walk with us – had the most incredibly scenic pub walk close to the centre of Bury.  There were many oohs and aahs in the early part of the walk, as people realised that Glyn’s promise of lovely views was definitely not overstated.  The two dogs enjoyed the walk as well.

Setting off from a very packed pub car park, Glyn led us uphill, passing the site of the Normandie restaurant – now a smart block of apartments – and on to Birtle Edge, with terrific and far-reaching views over the Cheesden Valley and across to the Scout Moor wind farm.  Here we turned left onto Scotland Lane, a favourite bridleway of the local horsey fraternity, now with views of Holcombe Hill and Peel Tower as the sun was setting – see featured photo.

This path took us to Walmersley Golf Club and past Victoria Wood’s childhood home,  Along this stretch we came across a large dump of half a dozen or so boxes of nitrous oxide (laughing gas) with big canisters strewn around.  The brand names were Magic Whip and Great Whip, both of which are sold for medical and culinary purposes, but are widely used as a drug – sometimes with tragic outcomes. 

Anyway, it was then down towards Castle Hill, passing the old Bircle School, which Glyn showed was mot a spelling error, to reach a large and lovely lodge, which led on to a smaller one by the Pavilion restaurant, and back to the pub.  The views across to the brightly lit Pavilion just finished the evening beautifully – though the hour or so of social in the pub ran it close.

So, thanks to Glyn for showing us some parts of Bury and Rochdale that many had not see before, and to those who came for their chatty company.  

The next pub walk will be on Saturday 23rd May, starting at 10.30am from the Waggon and Horses, Hawkshaw.  Full details will be on this website and our Facebook page a week before the walk.