Key

Picn

ic Si

tesCh

ildre

n’s P

lay A

rea

Natu

re R

eser

veOt

her F

ootp

aths

Snac

ks

Toile

ts

Facil

ities f

or D

isable

d Pe

rson

s

Park

ing

Infor

mati

on

Route

1

2

34

5

6

78

9

10

VisitorCentre

Peanock

Bib Knowl Turnough

Turnough Hill

T.S. PALATINE

HigherBib Knowl

ShawMoss Hollingworth

Fold

Hollingworth Lake

North

RAKEWOOD ROAD

HOLLINGWORTH ROAD

LAKE BANK

Cam

psite

Bird

Hide

3 Beyond the Nature Reserve is the Promontory which is now a relatively quiet spot but which was in the 1800’s the centre of the lake’s attractions. In the woods at the rear of the Promontory outdoor dancing platforms were provided and the site was occupied by the unusually Swiss-styled Lake Hotel. The woods around this area are of interest as they are the results of a hundred years landscaping and include trees from plantations which existed here in 1840.

4 The T S Palatine is a cadet training centre for the Sea Cadets and various Port Authorities. It provides a base for the training of the cadets and youth groups in the basic skills of seamanship.

Mallard

Tufted Duck

Mooorhen

Snipe

Coot

Goldeneye

Great Crested Grebe SuMMer PLuMaGe

Pochard

m

m

m

m

f

ff

f

1 Looking towards Rochdale the area known as Lake Bank can be seen. Since the latter half of the nineteenth century this has developed into the popular entertainment centre for Hollingworth Lake. It has also established itself as an important centre for water sports.

2 In contrast, Hollingworth Lake has also long been a breeding and migration spot for wildfowl. The lake’s marshy area has been designated a Nature Reserve and is prohibited to the public. Wildlife has rapidly increased in this area and some of its more common inhabitants are illustrated. The bird hide gives the opportunity for a closer look.

This route follows waymarked public footpaths, and is a medium difficulty walk. Stout footwear is recommended for this route.

walksIN PENNINE ROCHDALE

Bib KnowlA Hollingworth Lake Walk

3 m

iles

(5 k

m)

An easy walk in close proximity to the Country Park. The nature reserve is of particular interest, as is the contrast between past and present activities.

5 Originally a farm, Peanock, was rebuilt in 1857 as the Queens Hotel to meet the growing demand for holiday accommodation and became one of nine hotels in the area. The name Peanock is derived from the word ‘pinfold’ meaning enclosure for cattle.

6 The word Shaw Moss means small copse near the swamp and it seems likely that the farm of this name is derived from its relationship with Bib Knowl Plantation.

7 It is thought that the plantation derives its name from the words Bible Knoll and that the area was so called because it provided a meeting place for religious ‘dissenters’ in the 16th and 17th centuries.

8 Approaching Turnough Farm there is a very good view across the lake, showing the way in which the southwest dam was constructed to block the valley. Turnough itself is a very old inhabited site, the name is found in early records as Turnagh with a Garfide de Turnagh (Turner) appearing in a deed dated 1274.

9 On returning to Rakewood Road it is well worth considering the magnitude of the Rakewood viaduct in the distance. This structure carries the M62 for a distance of 840 feet at a height above the valley bottom reaching 140 feet. The valley was widened in order to ensure a suitable gradient for the viaduct which is now supported on 20 massive steel reinforced concrete columns.

10 Whilst passing along the side of the lake, notice the stone pitching built along the inside of the embankments to arrest erosion and the semi-circular overflow built to ensure the level of the lake does not get dangerously high.

For further information contact:The Visitor Centre, Hollingworth Lake Country Park Rakewood Road, Littleborough, Lancashire OL15 OAQ Tel: 01706 373421 Web: www.rochdale.gov.uk

The Country CodeLeave no litter•Keep to footpaths

•Protect wildlife, plants and trees

•Fasten all gates

•Use stiles and gates

•to cross walls and fencesSafeguard against all risk of fire

•Keep dogs under control

•Respect the life of the country

•Go carefully on roads

•Safeguard water supplies

•

FOLLOW MARKERS LIKE THIS

HOLLIngWORTH LAKE

This leaflet was produced with kind assistance from: Pennines Township (RMBC), Littleborough Civic Trust and Littleborough Local History Society.

Lake Hotel 1900