Holcombe offers two distinct perspectives on a stay: the upland landscape of Holcombe Moor and a village shaped by the pre-industrial era that has remained almost untouched by more recent development. High on the moor stands the historic Pilgrims Cross. The landscape and village also hold traces of pilgrimage routes, historic buildings and the history of the Holcombe Hunt.

Moorland, views and paths

The five-mile Pilgrims Cross and Peel Tower Circular Walk crosses Holcombe Moor. Holcombe Moor was designated a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) in November 2016 and forms part of the West Pennine Moors. Buckden Wood offers a different aspect of nature: this deciduous woodland provides a habitat for distinctive plants, birds and insects.

On a clear day, views from Holcombe Hill stretch across the Pennines, the Manchester Basin and Cheshire to the Clwydian Hills and the Wirral. Holcombe Conservation Area is a heritage designation on the east-facing slope of Holcombe Hill, overlooking the valley of the River Irwell. A footpath follows the ridge from Holcombe Hill to Bull Hill; some sections of the path can be boggy. Rawson’s Rake is the steepest section of the old route from Holcombe to the Irwell Valley.

There is also a local restriction to bear in mind when choosing a route: when flags are flying at the MOD firing range on the western slope, access to some areas of Holcombe Hill is prohibited. Check the latest route information and access restrictions before setting out for a walk. This helps you understand the different routes and landscapes without assuming that a route’s name reflects its current conditions.

History in the village and on the moor

The ancient Pilgrims Cross was already there in AD 1176; the present stone was erected no later than 1902. The cross is a historic monument high on Holcombe Moor. Robin Hoods Well was said to be a resting and drinking place for pilgrims on their way to Whalley Abbey or Sawley Abbey. The Peel Tower also commemorates a figure in British history: it was built in 1852 in honour of Sir Robert Peel, who was Prime Minister from 1841 to 1846 and is regarded as the founder of modern police forces.

In the village, Emmanuel Church is a prominent historic landmark. The Grade II listed Gothic Revival church was built in 1853 by Thomas Holt of Bury. A traditional choral evensong service is held at Emmanuel Holcombe on the third Sunday of each month; check the parish calendar, as service times may change. The Old Rectory was built on the site of the old courthouse after it was demolished in 1864.

Further architectural and historical traces mark different periods: Hey House bears the date stone 1616 and was originally a Jacobean hunting lodge. The Shoulder of Mutton bears a date stone from 1751. Norcot’s coach house on Moorbottom Road was a stop on the packhorse route. Holcombe was also the historic home of the Holcombe Hunt; its foxhound pack was housed there for more than 200 years.

Getting there and practical planning

The Peel Tower Circular Walk starts at the Lumb Carr car park on Lumb Carr Road in Holcombe. Bus routes 472 and 474 run from Bury to Holcombe Brook; from there, it’s about 400 metres along Lumb Carr Road to the start of the walk. Bus services may change, so check your journey before travelling. There are no bus services to Holcombe Village itself; the nearest buses stop at the Hare and Hounds in Holcombe Brook and in the centre of Ramsbottom.

If you plan to visit the Peel Tower, call ahead to check whether it is open before setting out. When choosing a holiday rental, consider which part of Holcombe interests you most: the moorland and traces of walking routes, or the pre-industrial village landscape and its architectural history. For practical planning, also take account of current path conditions, the possible closure of the firing range area and current bus services.

As another activity, children’s birthday parties at Margaret Haes Riding Centre can include a ride to Peel Tower or, in bad weather, riding in the indoor arena. This is a separate option from the walking routes and historic sites; check the offer details as part of your planning.

Discover more destinations: Rawtenstall, Sabden, Slaidburn, Ormskirk, Wrea Green, Rufford, Carnforth, Thornton-Cleveleys.

For the broader travel guide: Lancashire.