Belmont and Longworth Clough

Jim Grindle

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The section through Longworth Clough can be daunting in wet conditions, but summer or frost make it a delight. A friend saw kingfishers, trout and herons here one recent summer, so the reclamation of the old industrial land is paying off.

The little chapel that is passed is a delightful spot and the going is easier now that some sections are being upgraded to a bridleway - I would much rather put up with bikes and horses if it means fewer stiles!

The final section is very open and exposed, so good gear is necessary if you come this way in winter. There is not much by way of facilities, but I have enjoyed the hospitality of the Black Dog a few times.

England - North England - Lancashire - Pennines

Features

Birds, Butterflies, Church, Flowers, Food Shop, Good for Kids, Great Views, Hills or Fells, Industrial Archaeology, Moor, Mostly Flat, Pub, Wildlife, Woodland

12/3/2023 - Richard Howard

I did this walk in the snow at the start of December, It was an excellent walk with perfect instructions. The path around Belmont reservoir was closed, however, if you continue down the farm track there's a path on the right that comes out at the bottom of the cobbled path at the start. This looks like a temporary closure so I don't envisage the closure being in place for long. All in all, an excellent walk with only a couple of stiles. One we will certainly do again :)

8/16/2015 - Vivien Quigley

Although a good walk the area around Longworth Clough was very overgrown and muddy

7/17/2013 - alec jackson

Done the walk again today. The diversion (landslip between WM04 and WM05) involves missing out WM02 and WM03. Instead of crossing the road and walking down the cul-de-sac you need to follow the main road down an up going towards Bolton. Ignore the footpath sign opposite the San Marino restaurant but continue along the road to the next footpath sign pointing to the left. This is the diversionary route. I inadvertently took the wrong path and ended up at the closure. There is a footbridge across a small gully which has collapsed. You can pass the closure with care by crossing the hillside just above the footbridge.

12/11/2012 - alec jackson

Just done the walk today (11/12/2012). There is a diversion in place at WM2 (because of a landslide). It was not very clear which way to go so I continued up the road. This is the wrong way. You would need to backtrack to the A675 although the properties mentioned do not appear on the map.

6/14/2012 - alec jackson

Just completed the walk today (14/6/12). The path from WP4 seems to continue direct to WP6. Excellent walk with a dog (a couple of stiles at the beginning of the walk).

4/22/2010 - Vivien Quigley

We completed this walk 2 weeks ago but found it extremely muddy. The Belmont Embankment was closed due to improvements to the reservoir.