Bolton. The Samuel Crompton Trail. 6.75 miles Walkers Anthony Mike Danny Jim and Vic

Todays walk started from Astley Bridge. We came on the Belmont Rd, at the end of which we crossed over the A666 and parked in a short cul-de-sac. Once kitted up, we made our way through the housing estate ahead and came out on the A58.

We turned left on the A58 and after about 100 yds turned left again along a cobbled lane that led down into the valley.

At the bottom of the hill we crossed a bridge over Eagley Brook and turned right along a footpath alongside the river. At the end of the short path seen here, we turned left following the main path, which climbed up out of the valley. 

The path is in a neglected condition today, but there were signs of  it having been a proper road / footpath in earlier times.

As we climbed higher, the old path was in better repair.

At the end of the path, at the top of the hill, of a sudden, as if appearing from nowhere, (or was I not paying attention) came this magnificent Elizabethan Mansion. (Hall i;th Wood). The house where Samuel Crompton invented his Spinning Mule in 1779. An invention that revolutionised the cotton industry.

The house is now a museum.

Heading down the road away from the house, we turn right in front of the modern properties ahead.

An interesting display in one of the gardens.

At the bottom of the hill is a park, but the slide is to wet for us to play on.

With plenty of things for us to perch on, we settle down for our morning brew.

Much refreshed, we set off again, out of the park onto the main road. Crossing over we pass in front of the fire station and behind a private hospital, onto another old cobbled path.

After passing under this railway bridge, we carry on to the end of the road. We cross over the road and continue straight ahead.

The road gives way to a footpath, which leads down into the valley and turned right along the banks of Bradshaw Brook but not before passing through the lovely hamlet of Firwood Fold where Samuel Crompton was born.

Where we tarry a while.

This is the old school house, now private residences.

One of a few very informative signposts that we came across. We passed through an industrial area and then followed the brook for a short while before making our way into town for some dinner.

We dined at the very aptly named (for us ) The Spinning Mule.
Here we are leaving, we have quite a walk along main roads, before arriving back at the car for our journey home.
Thanks Anthony for a very interesting walk.