Woodland Trust helps walkers discover hidden side of Smithills Estate

Organised by Woodland Trust volunteers, the guided route introduced walkers to woodland, moorland and panoramic views, while highlighting the physical and mental health benefits of spending time in nature.

The walk took participants from Walker Fold Car Park along riverside paths.

The group is learning more about the Smithills Estate (Image: NQ)

They crossed the “tramway” route, which isn’t actually a tramway, up one of the estate’s steep climbs before looping back around Burnt Edge.

Many of those taking part said they wanted to enjoy nature, exercise and discover more of the countryside on their doorstep.

Volunteer Pete Hargreaves said: “Everybody should know about it, it’s good for their exercise and mental welfare.

Pete Hargreaves (Image: NQ)

“It’s a fabulous place. I do it because I love it. I just love the place, always have done.

“We’ve got a good gang working together.”

The route gave walkers the chance to experience woodland, open moorland and panoramic views while learning more about the estate from the volunteers who help care for it.

Several people taking part said they had either never visited before or had previously passed through without realising the area’s history or network of footpaths.

(Image: NQ)

Terry Gilligan, who joined the walk with his wife, Tonya, said: “We wanted to get out, have a walk round and experience a walk.

“I think it’s really important because you hear a lot about the town centre area and you forget about all the nature on our doorstep.

“I think it’s really important we get out and enjoy nature as much as we can and get out there.”

Andy Welch (Image: NQ)

Andy Welch, also walking, said: “I came because one of my friends came on it a couple of months ago.

“I’ve been round before with my wife, but you pass lots of history that’s really nice.”

It was a fun day had by all.

Volunteer Lawrence Marsh, who previously volunteered with Bolton Council‘s ranger service before helping establish the current volunteer group with the Woodland Trust, said many people were unaware they could explore the estate.

He said: “Bringing people out who haven’t been out before, and it’s on the doorstep.

“They don’t know it’s on the doorstep.

“I’ve asked people, ‘Where have you come from?’ They say, ‘I live in Edgworth, I live in Harwood, I live in Deane,’ and they’ve never been here.

“As soon as they walk up that hill, they can see down that valley, they think, ‘I didn’t know this was here,’ or ‘I didn’t know we could go here, we’ll come here again.’”

Lawrence Marsh (Image: NQ)

Mr Marsh said the estate had become increasingly popular with families since improved access and footpaths encouraged more people to visit.

He added: “You get a lot of families coming up here in the evenings, bringing picnics on these benches.

“A lot of little kids as well, which is good to see, instead of being on the screens. They’re out here.

“You know, parents come out and say, ‘What’s that bird?’ and you can see the kids are really interested.”

Glenys Jones (Image: NQ)

Glenys Jones said: “The walks are fantastic, it gets people out in the countryside, it enhances wellbeing especially mental health.

“I like trees, the wildlife, and just getting out and walking.

“I do it all the time, but I would definitely encourage members of the public to get out.”