We parked up at the newly refurbished Scout Road car park and were immediately able to allow the dog off lead, free to sniff his way round the many network of paths that criss cross the rugged hillside. To call it a wood is slightly misleading. Whilst there are trees in abundance, much of the area is rough grassland with occasional ponds and boggy patches. The paths are good though and a freshly surfaced bridleway is a good option to keep the mud at bay. Avoid it though if your dog is partial to eating rubber as the entire track is made of what appears to be small bits of recycled tyres!
The views over Bolton towards Manchester were good. Eventually the sun came out and we could make out both Jodrell Bank and the Chill Factor next to the Trafford Centre, which looked quite stunning as the sun reflected off the sloping roof.
We didn't really have a route in mind but wandered happily for a few miles towards Bolton before working our way back to the car. It would be hard to get lost here!
Perhaps not a place we'd make a special trip to visit, but a good wet weather alternative to the trip up Winter Hill.
Click here for Google Map
Click here for the Forestry Commission site
Doggy rating 6/10
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