Peregrinating the North West and Beyond

Tag: North West England Walk

  • A country walk with 3 pubs in Greater Manchester

    A walk with pubs in Greater Manchester (Ramsbottom, Holcombe Moors). Includes The Pack Horse Inn Affetside, Waggon and Horses in Hawkshaw and Irwell Works Brewery
    Click on the picture to see the full slideshow and route video

    Stats
    • Difficulty – Easy to Moderate
    • Length: 9.36 mi
    • Total elevation: 1,427 ft
    • Highest point: 1,050ft
    • Walking time: 4h15
    • Terrain: roads through villages, walking paths, muddy and overgrown in some sections.
    • Equipment: Waterproof shoes or boots; can be muddy in parts. From April-July, long trousers as you may go through nettles

    View route (Click on menu to reveal the image)
    A walk with pubs in Greater Manchester (Ramsbottom, Holcombe Moors). Includes The Pack Horse Inn Affetside, Waggon and Horses in Hawkshaw and Irwell Works Brewery
    Send me a message on Instagram or email to request the GPX file, AllTrails or Komoot link

    Getting there
    • Driving: Several car-park near the start
    • Public transport:
    • From Manchester: Bus X41 RedExpress to Market Place in Ramsbottom then 472 to Regent St, Hazlehurst (c. 1h15)
    • From Preston: Train to Bolton then bus 480 to Bolton Rd, Summerseat or Train to Manchester Victoria and bus X41 RedExpress to Market Place in Ramsbottom (c. 1h50, inc 25 mins extra walk from bus stop)

    Watering Holes
    • The Pack Horse Inn – Affetside – after 3.59 miles (c. 1h35)
      A cosy traditional pub with a beer garden for the summer and fireplace in winter.
      Serves real ale. Open 12:00-23:00 (Midnight on Friday and Saturday)
      Home made food everyday between 12:00-21:00

    • Waggon and Horses – Hawkshaw – after 4.75 miles (c. 2h09)
      Cosy village pub with outdoors seating in the summer
      Serves real ale. Open Wed-Sun 12:00-23:00 (22:30 on Sunday)
      Amazing home made food Wed-Sun 12:00-19:30
      My favorite of the 4 for food.

    • Hare & Hounds – Hazlehurst (Ramsbottom) – At start and finish
      Greene King pub – At the end of the walk
      Outdoors seating for the summer
      Extensive menu and sports area with Sky Sports

    • Irwell Works Brewery – Not on the walk, in Ramsbottom Town Centre
      Working brewery with a brewery tap room at the top.
      My favorite of the 4 for a pint and definitely worth the small detour.

    Make a week-end of it

    Ramsbottom, a market town nestled on the egdge of the North Pennines Moors, is an ideal destination for a weekend getaway. The town boasts a diverse array of dining and drinking options, along with numerous independent shops, making it a charming place to explore.

    Where to stay: The Eagle and Child Inn is a pub with rooms. I haven’t stayed there and cannot offer personal comments but the online reviews are excellent. The location is central and a good base to explore the town’s numerous cafes, pubs and restaurant. Or close to many other walks and hikes in the area.