Barrow Bridge and Burnt Edge walk at Smithills Estate

Step back in time with volunteer Pete Hargreaves to learn about the industry and people who once occupied this now tranquil landscape. Taking a route from Barrow Bridge learning about the hostory of this iconic village. Then travel through semi-natural ancient woodland of High Shores Clough and through to Burnt Edge heathland and returning through our newly created woodlands. On this adventure on the Smithills Estate you will learn about how the site has changed over the years. There are spectacular views along the way over Bolton and Greater Manchester.

Event information:

Date: Sunday 31st August 2025

Meeting point: Woodland Trust, Car Park, Barrow Bridge Rd, Bolton BL1 7NH

What3words: ///entry.ducks.town

Duration: Approx 4.5 hours

Distance 4-5 miles / ~7 km

To ensure group safety and conservation of the area, numbers are limited.

Photo credits: Tony Greenwood, Katie Thomspon, Richard Cooke, Harry Kay

Further information:

• This walk will be cancelled if there is severe weather. Please check your emails on the day/morning before the walk and ensure you come in weather-appropriate gear.
• Children under 18 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian.
• Dogs on leads are welcome.
• This walk is approx. 4.5 hours, ~7km and is partly on footpaths and partly on uneven ground. It’s moderate with some slightly challenging parts. This walk is not suitable for anyone with mobility issues.
• Please bring a packed lunch and refreshments for the journey.
• Walker Fold can have poor phone signal, please plan your route ahead of time.
• Please make the Woodland Trust team aware of any medical issues before the start of the walk, e.g. asthma, diabetes, etc
• Walker Fold car park has 60 spaces and is free but donations are welcome via our solar-powered car park machine.
• Limited spaces are available for our events, if you can no longer make it, we appreciate you letting us know.
• If you have any questions, or access requirements, or would like to join us but have any hesitations which we may be able to support you with, please get in touch: [email protected]

If you have any questions, access requirements, or would like to join us for the walk but have any hesitations which we may be able to support you with, please get in touch: [email protected]

Host or Publisher Woodland Trust North