Spread over 1,400 acres of land, and with open public access, this site offers something for everyone. Whether you enjoy walking, running, bird watching, cycling or horse riding, here you’ll have access to spectacular views, woodland, riverside rambling and heritage.
Situated on the western side of Rossendale and the Irwell Valley, Holcombe Moor forms part of the West Pennine Moors, and is a popular destination for outdoor and nature enthusiasts of all ages to enjoy.
The most recognised monument on Holcombe Moor, Peel Tower was built in 1852 and commemorates Sir Robert Peel, Prime Minister of Britain (1841–1846) and founder of the modern police force.
Owned by Bury Metropolitan Borough Council, it’s the perfect place to stop and admire magnificent views in every direction. T he building is opened occasionally throughout the year for you to climb the stairs and enjoy a spectacular view from the top.
To check opening days, call Bury tourist information centre team on 0161 253 5111.
Stubbins Estate, which consists of 436 acres of land, was given to the National Trust by Lieutenant Colonel Austin Townsend Porritt as a memorial to his son Richard Whittaker Porritt who was killed in action at Seclin, France on the 26 May 1940 during the withdrawal from Dunkirk.
With acres of wooded hillside, farmland and Pennine moorland, there’s plenty to explore.
A listed building that was built in 1866, Tentering Tower stands on the hillside above Stubbins Vale Mill. Tentering is the process of stretching newly made cloth and letting it dry out, preventing the cloth from shrinking and reducing creasing. The Tower was a protected space, where the cloth could dry without being at the mercy of the weather.
If you look closely at the tower, you’ll notice ornamental battlements topping the three sides that can be seen from the village below however no battlements feature on the west side. It is presumed this was because only workers entered from this side, so the expense was not thought necessary.
Today you can enter the ground floor to see a fascinating part of Ramsbottom’s industrial past up close as you pass it on your walk.
Part of the Stubbins Estate, the superb deciduous woodland of Buckden Woods provides spectacular views. Mature oak, birch, alder and aspen grow here and to the west a beech and sycamore plantation provides beautiful seasonal colour. Hawthorne, holly and willow growing here are favourited by local wildlife while bracken, heather, bilberry and bluebells provide beautiful floral ground-cover at different times of the year.
Everyone needs nature and outdoor space, now more than ever, and as a charity we rely heavily on your support and generosity. Your support plays a vital role in allowing us to protect Holcombe Moor and Stubbins Estate’s natural landscape and rich wildlife for everyone to enjoy.
Explore a number of interesting historic sites dotted about the moors, that offer up tales of bravery, determination and even murder.
The perfect place to explore vast moorland and hillside woods with your dog. Find further information and guidance on walking with your dog.
Escape the crowds with a walk on Holcombe Moor and Stubbins Estate.
Find out how the Countryside Team of rangers and volunteers work hard to restore and conserve Holcombe Moor. Learn more about the vital work carried out to increase biodiversity, improve habitats for wildlife, help capture carbon, reduce peat erosion and minimise the risk of flooding.
Expanding over a variety of different habitats, Holcombe Moor provides homes to a range of species many of which are only found in these upland areas, and some of which are increasingly rare in the UK.
Discover the work we've been doing to restore, conserve and manage Holcombe Moor’s precious landscape.