Let's Go To Moses Gate and Drink Water!

Join Andy and OutdoorLads for a stunning Saturday stroll around Moses Gate and Drinkwater Country Parks, via Nob End and Clifton.

Starting at Moses Gate Country Park, we will travel along the Manchester, Bolton & Bury Canal. After venturing through Nob End and admiring the views, we will move onto Clifton via the Irwell Sculpture Trail and onto Drinkwater Country Park, where we will stop for lunch. We will then make our way back.

This walk is mainly flat - approximately 10 miles.

This event is ideal for dogs so please bring your pooches along. The more the merrier !!

We will meet at the top car park at the entrance to Moses Gate Country Park.

Free Parking.

There is more parking available in the lower car park which is accessed by going through the top car park, and down the pathway.

All photos taken by the event leader

Bolton’s largest nature reserve

At 750 acres this is Bolton’s largest nature reserve. Home to mill lodges, woodland and plenty of heritage, wildlife meets industry in a peaceful site where there is always something to see.

What can you see at Moses Gate Country Park?

During the 19th century Moses Gate was home to Farnworth Paper Mills, and under Thomas Bonsor Crompton, it became one of the biggest paper producers in the whole country. At this time the river was so dirty from heavy industry that the water couldn’t be used for paper making and, as a result, ‘Crompton’s Lodges’ were built. Nowadays these lodges support a wide range of waterfowl including mute swan, tufted duck, great-crested grebe and even water rail, while common terns perform acrobatics above the water during summer.

Time your visit right and you might witness herons catching brown trout as they leap from the weir, and don't forget to keep your eyes peeled for the jewel-like kingfisher - the perfect representative of the revival of the valley from industrial dereliction to wildlife haven.

The history of Moses Gate Country Park

The influence of the industrial revolution can still be seen in the huge 'blue wall' that holds up the canal on the east side of the river, as well as in the woodland. Just 40 - 50 years old, the trees are a reminder that it isn't long since Moses Gate Country Park was an unpleasant mish-mash of coal mines, sewage works, bleach works, paper mills and even a landfill.

But the history of this reserve doesn't stop at the industrial revolution. Red sandstone rock outcrops are interesting remnants of the last ice age.

Your First OutdoorLads Walk Event?

We know that new members in particular like to know in advance more about what an OutdoorLads event will be like. 

If this is your first OutdoorLads event, you should check out the information designed specifically for you on the My First Event page on the OutdoorLads website.

IMPORTANT! - Participation Statement

You MUST complete a Participation Statement, in addition to booking your event space before attending an OutdoorLads event. You only need to complete this Participation Statement once, not for each event you attend. 

COVID-19 – IMPORTANT, Please read the following before you sign up to this event:

• Anyone with COVID-19 symptoms, even if they are extremely mild, or who lives or is in a support bubble with someone showing symptoms, is asked not to attend. This is in line with the government’s coronavirus advice.
• You must also immediately self-isolate and not attend the event if you or someone in your household or support bubble shows coronavirus symptoms or tests positive. Read the NHS self-isolation guidance.
• OutdoorLads strongly encourages all attendees to take a rapid lateral flow test immediately prior to attending an event. This will help to keep everyone safe. Order free Rapid Lateral Flow Tests.