Strenuous Leader: Julie Distance : 9-10 miles
We leave the town and head north, across fields, heading for Crawshawbooth, past an ancient chapel to join the Rossendale Way. We will cross the moors to the north east and then making our way south we will come to Lumb. To complete the walk we will head south west across fields back into town.
If the weather is like that of our Ilkley trip, we may use the plan B I have via the Irwell Valley. No real steep bits but be warned the fields will be muddy after the amount of rain we have had.
Moderate Leader: Laura Distance : 7 miles
We head off to Whitaker Park, then through to a steep ascent adjacent to the Dry Ski slope. We pick up a byway to the Halo Sculpture, overlooking Haslingden and Rawtenstall.
We continue in a North Easterly direction via Cribden End to Crawshawbooth. We return to Rawtenstall along the opposite side of the valley.
It is hilly area and there are wide farm tracks with vehicular access for the farms. It is muddy in some parts and there are large puddles covering some tracks, too. Everyday trainers and leisure footwear would not be suitable, sturdy footwear is needed. Gaiters and walking poles would be useful, if you have them.
No livestock were encountered, but be vigilant for speeding mountain bikers, who appear suddenly.
This walk has a total ascent of 1000ft.
Easy Leader: Evelyn Distance : 3½-4 miles
From the coach we follow the East Lancashire railway line and head through the retail park to the pedestrian crossing on the busy A682 dual carriageway. We then take a track up to Haslingden Road to reach the entrance of Whitaker Park. Various paths to take through the park but aiming for the top car park. We then cross Haslingden Old Road to reach Rossendale ski slope.
Climb takes us up along the side of the ski slope, it’s steep but the path here was good and there is a handrail all the way to the top. We can take it as easy as you like with as many stops as necessary. We were lucky to watch a few skiers enjoying the slopes when we did the recce.
Turning right along a fairly flat path. From then we’re on the downward path towards St James School. Unfortunately, the path alongside the school, although short, was very muddy but navigable. Back to town via Haslingden Old Road and refreshments.
Over trousers, gaiters and poles recommended.
It’s a short walk, it is very steep, on the other hand there’s no animals, no stiles, no gates just lovely views over Rawtenstall.
NOTES ON THE AREA
Rawtenstall is one of the three main towns of the Borough of Rossendale, the others being Haslingden and Bacup. The area is dominated by the Pennine Hills and is rich in industrial archaeology. Rawtenstall grew as an important textile centre – first for wool, then for cotton, and latterly for the manufacture of footwear, particularly slippers. Gaghills Mill, Waterfoot, built in 1900 is still in operation as Lamberts Mill Shop. The same building houses the Rossendale Footwear Heritage Museum.
Power looms were introduced into Rossendale from 1822. This development had a mixed reception and many hand weavers, feeling their livelihoods threatened, took to sabotage. The Power Loom Riots led to the destruction of more than 300 power looms, and six rioters died in clashes with troops. However, by the middle of the last century Rossendale had so many textile mills that the Irwell became known as the hardest worked river in the world.
St Mary’s is one of the many modern churches in Rawtenstall. St John’s at Cloughfold has lovely windows of the Apostles and a striking Crucifixion in Bronze. The finest church in the neighbourhood is St John’s at Crawshawbooth, standing on a wooded slope with a stream rushing by its churchyard. Crawshawbooth also has a beautifully kept Quaker Chapel of 1716, reminding us that Rossendale was one of the main northern centres of Nonconformity. Nearby is a Baptist Chapel of 1760.
Of the fine buildings in Rawtenstall, none is more unusual than the Weavers’ Cottage, situated not far from the Tourist Information Centre. The three-storey building, dating from 1780, was constructed specifically for handloom weaving. The close-set mullioned windows, face south, thus providing as much light as possible for the weavers as they worked on the upper floors. It is now open as a Heritage Centre.
The East Lancashire Light Railway is a preserved line which, until recently, ran between Bury and Ramsbottom. Now however, steam trains continue along the line as far as Rawtenstall and is a great attraction for both visitors and local people.
The Groundwork Trust Countryside Centre is based in a 19th century farm building on the banks of the Irwell, and tackles practical projects with the aim of improving the environment of the Rossendale valley. The Groundwork Trust co-ordinates voluntary activities, encourages the learning of countryside crafts and skills, and offers an information centre for visitors.