Moses Gate, Clifton, and Nob End Day Walk

Join Andy and the OutdoorLads for Friday frolics around Moses Gate and Clifton Country Parks, via Nob End.

Starting at the Moses Gate Country Park, we will travel through the parks around the lakes, and onto the canal tow paths. After venturing through Nob End and admiring the local statues and bridges, we will move onto Clifton for lunch. This area offers so much wildlife and became a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) in 1988.

We will make our return journey back after venturing around Clifton Country Park, lake, and the River Irwell Sculpture Trail.

This is an easy walk - approximately 8 miles.

This is a dog friendly walk so please bring your pooches along. The more the merrier !!

There will be opportunity for a lovely pub lunch for those who wish to do so. 2 courses for £8.95. Very good value. Highly recommended. MENU here...

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 Andy

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.

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. 

Your First OutdoorLads Walk Event?

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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.

Anyone with COVID-19 symptoms, even if they are extremely mild, or who has recently tested positive for Covid-19, is asked not to attend.