Local Life - Wigan - April 2019

76
Tockholes
by Chris Pearce
This 5½ mile walk leaves Abbey Village along the
Roddesworth reservoirs, snakes over the top into
Tockholes and returns to base via over farmland and
pretty woodland paths. At the highest point, 840 feet
up, the views across Lancashire’s countryside are
glorious, and with a couple of good eating places enroute,
this will be a nice afternoon out.
Park up near the Hare and Hounds (PR6 8DP), a lovely
village pub serving British/German food, which is
on the A675 Bolton Road in Abbey Village, a few
minutes SE of the M65 junction 3.
Turn left at the end of the pub car park and then
immediate right towards Rake Brook reservoir, the
body of water in the distance. Follow the tarmacked
track round Rake Brook and turn left just before
Rake Cottage down the footpath. Cross the bridge
and go through the wooden area until you pick up
the track again. Once you get to the bend, Lower
Roddlesworth opens up before you.
Follow the track left around the bend and head
along the straight track towards the wooded area
on the far side. Bear right and follow the path into
the woodlands. After ten minutes or so, you’ll arrive
at a fork; bear left here and the path will eventually
meander down to the banks of Higher Roddlesworth.
Just as Higher Roddlesworth tapers off, you’ll come
to a crossroads; turn 90 degrees left, and follow this
path uphill. Alter a good five minutes climb, you’ll
bear left at a fork, as you climb the last few feet to
the top, rising like a mirage will be the Royal Arms
on Tockholes Road, and on the car park next door is
the Roddlesworth Information Centre and a café. It’s
a good a place as any for a stop off.
To continue, head down a footpath at the side of the
Royal Arms to and through Ryal Farm and follow the
track up to the steel bar gate. Once you’re through
turn right and follow the path downhill on the right
hand perimeter of the field to the base and then go