May 2026 - Barnoldswick

Saturday 9th May 2026

Barnoldswick, affectionately known as "Barlick," is primarily famous for it's rich industrial heritage, specifically as a center for Rolls Royce Aerospace Engineering (developing jet engines), The home of Silentnight beds and the historic manufacturer of Esse stoves.    Situated in Lancashire near the Leeds and Liverpool Canal, it is known for its independent high street and the working Bancroft Mill Engine Trust.

A walk Lead by John Gobin

13.6 Miles, 1300ft Ascent

We leave the center of Barnoldswick through the streets and into the suburbs heading  South West along Folly Lane and climb up Weets Hill. This is the highest point at 1300 ft. After admiring the lovely views we drop down along the pennine bridleway and onto Coal Pit lane towards Bomber Hill where we could stop for lunch. From there we go through the hamlet of Wedacre and on through another hamlet called Bracewell.

At this point we will be just north of Barnoldswick and head east until we meet Stock beck (A tributary of the Ribble) and walk along side that back into Barnoldswick avoiding the busy streets.

B Walk Lead by Vivian Powell

Weets Hill Loop

Distance: 8 miles (12.9 km)

Elevation: 940 ft (287m)

Description:

The walk starts with a short trek along the main street to a toilet stop, if needed.  We head West through the town centre, pass through Clough Park, up the “forty steps”, past the Bancroft Mill Engine Museum and some residential streets, before eventually getting out onto countryside footpaths and the start of the long climb to the top of Weets Hill.  The recce was completed after a week of fine weather, but there were still some boggy sections, so waterproof footwear and possibly gaiters are recommended, especially if the weather has been wet in the days beforehand.  Most of the climb is steady, but it becomes steeper for the final 0.7 miles nearing the top.  Some fantastic views from the trig point and a welcome break for lunch.  A steady descent follows, passing the Head Sculptures on our way until we eventually cross the B6251, where care is needed as traffic is fairly heavy.  Continuing through fields, we eventually reach the canal, where we follow the towpath via the marina back to town.

Notes:

Toilets are on the route, 350yds from the car park and are free.

The route includes one busy road crossing the B6251, where traffic is likely.

There are not too many stiles on the route, but two of them over walls are tricky, one has no handholds requiring a scramble over the top, and the other is quite high with very small footholds; care and agility are needed for both.

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C Walk lead by Mike & Helen

4 Miles

The C walk is a circular walk of approximately 4 miles long and takes us to the lower slopes of Weets Hill, giving panoramic views over Barnoldswick. We start the walk in Barnoldswick centre and walk along the road before entering into the local countryside. Unfortunately,, we couldn't find any flat walks so we do have to go gradually uphill but we are rewarded with fabulous views at different points. We can take our time and make our way up slowly as we will have plenty of time. There is some walking through fields and there are muddy patches so walking boots and poles if you have them are advised. There are few stone and wooden stiles but nothing too challenging and the terrain varies throughout. It really is a walk that is about the tremendous views. Whilst it is a little shorter than usual it is a good, fairly easy walk and very enjoyable. We deviate slightly from the map towards the end of the route to avoid doubling back.