Holcombe: Discover moors, history and trails

Holcombe combines striking moorland with an unusually rich history. Between Holcombe Moor, old trails and historic buildings, you can experience a place where nature, the region’s past and specific places to visit are closely intertwined. Anyone looking for a holiday apartment or holiday cottage can consider Holcombe as a base for walks, landscapes and cultural-historical discoveries.

Moorland and far-reaching views

Holcombe Moor forms part of the West Pennine Moors and was designated a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) in November 2016. The Holcombe nature reserve lies on the east-facing slope of Holcombe Hill and overlooks the valley of the River Irwell. In clear conditions, the views extend from the Pennines across the Manchester Basin and Cheshire to the Clwydian Hills and the Wirral.

Another natural highlight is Buckden Wood. The deciduous woodland provides a habitat for special plants, birds and insects. On Holcombe Hill, a footpath also follows the ridge as far as Bull Hill. When planning your day, it is important to note that access to some areas of the hill is prohibited when flags are flying at the MOD firing range on the western slope.

Historic trails and notable buildings

The five-mile Pilgrims Cross and Peel Tower Circular Walk crosses Holcombe Moor. Peel Tower was built in 1852 in honour of Sir Robert Peel, who was British Prime Minister from 1841 to 1846 and is regarded as the founder of modern police forces. The Peel Tower Circular Walk begins at the Lumb Carr car park on Lumb Carr Road in Holcombe. Before setting off, you should check by telephone whether Peel Tower is open.

Pilgrims Cross is a historic monument high on Holcombe Moor. The ancient cross was already standing in AD 1176; the present stone was erected by 1902. Robin Hoods Well also reflects the history of the trails: it was considered a resting and drinking place for pilgrims travelling to Whalley Abbey or Sawley Abbey. Rawson’s Rake forms the steepest section of the old route from Holcombe to the Irwell Valley.

Village character and culture

Holcombe Village is an example of a pre-industrial settlement that has remained almost untouched by more recent development. Historic details include the Old Rectory, which was built on the site of the old courthouse after its demolition in 1864, as well as Hey House with its date stone from 1616. The building was originally a Jacobean hunting lodge. The Shoulder of Mutton bears a date stone from 1751.

On Moorbottom Road, the Norcot coach house recalls a station on the packhorse route. Holcombe was also the historic home of the Holcombe Hunt; its foxhound pack was based there for more than 200 years. A traditional choral evensong service is held every third Sunday at Emmanuel Holcombe. For a family-oriented activity, children’s birthday parties at the Margaret Haes Riding Centre can include a ride to Peel Tower or, in bad weather, riding in the indoor arena.

Getting there and choosing accommodation

Bus routes 472 and 474 run from Bury to Holcombe Brook. From there, it is approximately 400 metres along Lumb Carr Road to the start of the Peel Tower trail. There are no bus services to Holcombe Village itself; the nearest bus routes stop at the Hare and Hounds in Holcombe Brook and in the centre of Ramsbottom. This information is helpful if you want to plan your accommodation and daily journeys without your own vehicle.

Footpath 53 is also suitable for walks with different historical focuses. The footpath connects Helmshore Road and Ramsbottom and runs from Highfield House or Higher Dickfield to Lower Dickfield. Depending on your preferred day of travel, you can use it to focus on moorland, village history or longer sections of trail.

Other places to search

If you would like to extend your travel planning beyond Holcombe, you can also explore Bolton by Bowland, Burscough, Over Kellet, Haslingden, Longridge, Colne, Morecambe and Bickerstaffe.

For the overarching travel overview: Lancashire.