Attractions and Places To See around Heath Charnock - Top 20

Heath Charnock is a fantastic base for outdoor activities. You can explore the scenic Rivington Reservoirs area, which offers well-maintained tracks for walking, running, and cycling. The Leeds and Liverpool Canal also provides pleasant towpath routes. For more structured activities, there are numerous hiking trails, gravel biking routes, and road cycling routes available, catering to various difficulty levels.

Yes, Heath Charnock and its surroundings are rich in history. You can visit significant landmarks like Rivington Pike Tower, a Grade 2 listed former hunting lodge, and Darwen Tower (Jubilee Tower), built to commemorate Queen Victoria's Diamond Jubilee. Other notable sites include Winter Hill Summit and TV Mast, which features a memorial to a 1958 plane crash, and the charming Pigeon Tower (Dovecote Tower), built by Lord Leverhulme.

The Rivington area, close to Heath Charnock, offers several family-friendly options. The well-maintained paths around the Rivington Reservoirs are suitable for walks with children. The Pigeon Tower (Dovecote Tower) is also considered family-friendly. For more adventurous families, Go Ape Rivington, located nearby in Bolton, provides high ropes activities.

The region boasts several excellent viewpoints. Rivington Pike Tower offers superb panoramic views. From Darwen Tower (Jubilee Tower), you can enjoy extensive views that on a clear day can stretch to the Lake District, Morecambe Bay, and even the Isle of Man. Winter Hill Summit also provides open views across the West Pennine Moors.

Yes, the area offers several easy walking options. The paths around the Lower Rivington Reservoir are wide and well-maintained, making them suitable for various abilities. The Leeds and Liverpool Canal towpaths also provide flat and accessible routes. The Heath Charnock Circular Walk is a 5+ mile route that mainly follows flat country paths and towpaths, with only short ascents.

Many of the outdoor areas around Heath Charnock are dog-friendly. The Rivington Reservoirs and the Leeds and Liverpool Canal towpaths are popular choices for walks with dogs. Always ensure your dog is under control, especially around livestock, and check for any specific local restrictions.

The spring and summer months (April to September) generally offer the most pleasant weather for outdoor activities, with longer daylight hours and milder temperatures. However, the West Pennine Moors can be enjoyed year-round. For winter walks, be prepared for potentially windy and wet conditions, especially at higher elevations like Winter Hill, and wear appropriate gear.

Yes, there are several circular walking routes. The Heath Charnock Circular Walk is a popular option, covering over 5 miles and incorporating sections of the Chorley Circular Walk. You can also find various hiking routes on komoot, many of which are circular, such as the 'Anglezarke Reservoir loop' or 'The Japanese Garden – Rivington Pike Tower loop'.

Within Heath Charnock parish, you can find several historically significant buildings. Hall o' th' Hill, an early to mid-17th-century country house, now serves as the Chorley Golf Club clubhouse. The historic house known as The Street, dating back to at least the 13th century, was rebuilt in 1850 and features distinctive architecture. The parish also contains 18 listed buildings, predominantly houses and farm buildings, showcasing its rich architectural heritage.

Heath Charnock is excellent for cycling. The Rivington Reservoirs area offers well-maintained tracks suitable for leisure cycling. For more dedicated cyclists, there are numerous road cycling routes and gravel biking routes in the vicinity. The Sheephouse Lane Climb, for instance, is a challenging section used in the Chorley Grand Prix road race.

Beyond the well-known landmarks, Heath Charnock holds some interesting 'hidden gems'. The moated site at Bretters Farm is a medieval archaeological site currently under investigation. Opposite The Street, you can find a unique pets' grave dedicated to cats and dogs from the early 1900s. The historic Leeds and Liverpool Canal, with its listed structures like Giles' Bridge and an aqueduct over the River Yarrow, also offers a glimpse into the area's industrial past.

When hiking in the Rivington area, especially at higher elevations like Winter Hill, it's advisable to wear sturdy walking boots and carry a windproof jacket, as the area can be exposed to windy and wet weather. Layering is recommended to adapt to changing conditions, and waterproofs are always a good idea, regardless of the season.

Yes, there are several options for refreshments. The Rivington area has Saxon Barns, such as the Higher Barn, which offer meals and drinks. Heath Charnock itself is home to several local pubs, including the Bay Horse, Black Horse Inn, White Horse, and the historic Yew Tree Inn, which are great spots to relax after a walk.