Rossendale Visitor Guide 2009-10
Transcription
Rossendale Visitor Guide 2009-10
Call 01706 252411 Visitors Guide 2009-10 www.visitrossendale.com Walking, cycling and horse riding routes Town maps Travel information Visitor attractions and much more… Indulgence Adventure Family Fun Quality food & drink in Rossendale Your guide to walking, cycling & horse riding For family days out not to be missed 2 www.visitrossendale.com Visitor Information Hotline Contents The Countryside Adventure Exploring Towns & Villages 4 6 Whitworth Valley 16 Bacup 18 Water, Lumb, Waterfoot and Cowpe 20 Rawtenstall and Crawshawbooth 22 Haslingden 24 Helmshore 26 Edenfield, Stubbins and Irwell Vale 28 Family Fun Theatre & Arts Events & Festivals Rossendale Map Indulgence Tradition Shopping Adrenaline Sports Business Directory 30 34 38 42 48 58 60 64 70 Produced for Rossendale Borough Council by Urban Soul Design Ltd T: 01706 877899 www.urbansouldesign.co.uk Rossendale Visitor Information Rossendale County Information Centre Rawtenstall Library Queen’s Square Haslingden Road Rawtenstall Rossendale Tel: 01706 234694 Opening Hours: Monday & Thursday 09:30–19:30 Tuesday & Friday 09:30–17:00 Wednesday 09:30–13:00 Saturday 09:30–16:00 Important: Whilst every care has been taken to ensure the accuracy of the information in this guide, Rossendale Borough Council cannot accept responsibility for any errors or omissions. The information was compiled in August 2009. Call 01706 252411 Rossendale Visitors Guide 3 Welcome One of Britain’s most acclaimed actresses spent her childhood enjoying the best of what Rossendale has to offer. Jane Horrocks is deliciously different, fabulously funny and here, this little girl with the big voice recounts some of her fond childhood memories. rocks Ja ne Hor “I have always been proud of growing up in the beautiful Rossendale Valley. Picnics in Whitaker Park; playing hideand-seek and climbing up the scary high slide. In the park’s museum I loved looking at the baby elephant, (my grandma once sat me on it, much to the annoyance of the caretaker!) The python wrapped round the tiger was another wonder, both of which are still there to behold. My eighth birthday party was held at Marl Pits Swimming Pool, we had a great time. When I was nine we moved house, from here there was easy access to the hills of Rossendale. We took our dog for long walks, favourites being: Waugh’s Well, Clowbridge reservoir, where we could watch the sailing club in action, and a walk from Cowpe to Healey Dell on the Roman Road. Spectacular views and scenery were never far away. Oh, and I forgot to mention the unique Ski Slope, where, amid many tumbles and ripped jeans, I learnt to ski. You must try Rossendale for yourself, you will love it! Here you will never be short of a friendly face.” Many thanks to all our contributing photographers: Ian Tilton, Colin Hubbard, Mike Burgess, Wendy Davison, Joanne Earnshaw, Peter Williams, Mid Pennine Arts, Liam Spencer, Real Lancashire Black Pudding Co., VisitBritain, Lancashire County Developments, Lancashire County Council, Fisherman’s Reatreat, West Pennine Moors, Ski Rossendale, Musbury Fabrics, Bolthole, Peers Clough Packhorses, Animal Quackers. 4 www.visitrossendale.com Visitor Information Hotline THE COUNTRYSIDE Rossendale is a precious place, it’s a real place. Those who know it best love it and what a great landscape it has. The ‘Valley’, as it’s known by the locals, is in fact a series of valleys with rugged, moorland hills defining the skyline. Did you know? The UK is the fifth windiest country in the world! And the 26 Scout Moor wind turbines generate enough energy to provide one and a half times the power needs of all 28,000 homes in Rossendale. West Pennine Moors Call 01706 252411 Rossendale Visitors Guide 5 Scout Moor The best thing about Rossendale is… How accessible it is, you don’t need to travel far to find some really exciting countryside on your doorstep. Tony Lund, Countryside Officer for Lancashire County Council Spanning the West Pennine Moors and the South Pennines, Rossendale benefits from the unique natural heritage of both areas. Three rivers, the Irwell, the Spodden and the Ogden snake through the valleys influencing the ever-changing landscape of Rossendale and adding to its natural charm. There are endless, fastflowing brooks and streams which have created picturesque, hidden valleys all ripe for exploring. Rossendale’s many reservoirs, although manmade, provide places for people to enjoy as well as creating superb habitats for birds and wildlife. Visitors to Rossendale will see that the hills have been worked. The industrial past has shaped the area with quarrying and tramways on the treeless, moor-tops and the remains of water-mills, powered by fast flowing streams, in the valley bottoms where traditional Lancashire towns and villages nestle. Wild scenery dominates the area with farmsteads peppering the hillsides and hilltops and grey, dry-stone walls and gnarled hawthorn trees in abundance. The highest point in Rossendale is Top of Leach, standing 478 metres above sealevel and over-looking Scout Moor - home to the largest on-shore wind farm in England and just the place to blow away the cobwebs. The much photographed Musbury Tor, Rossendale’s own table-top mountain, stands majestic and proud above Haslingden and Helmshore, it’s smooth, flat top punctuating the sky-line. Incredible views are to be found at every twist and turn - they’re all waiting there for you to discover. The River Spodden at Hea ley Dell 6 www.visitrossendale.com Visitor Information Hotline ADVENTURE Walking in the Rossendale Valley There’s a wealth of walking in Rossendale; in fact, Rossendale has more public footpaths within it’s boundary than any other borough in the country. The hills and valleys create an ever-changing landscape. The moor tops are atmospheric and the valley bottoms are full of surprises. You can go out and discover what Rossendale has to offer on any one of our extensive programme of guided walks or follow some of the route maps we have provided in this guide. The best thing about Rossendale is… The ever changing landscape. Lynda Hannam Number 678 Guest House Calf Hey Reservoir Call 01706 252411 For those walkers that enjoy a real challenge there are three organised long-distance walks: The Rossendale Way in a Day (42 miles),The Half Way in a Day (25 miles) and The Round the Hills Walk (18.5 miles). Organised as a fund raiser by Rossendale and Pendle Mountain Rescue Team, The Rossendale Way in a Day is a 68km (42 mile), 18.5 hour, circular route over the varied terrain around the Rossendale boundary; following tracks, paths and some pathless open moorland. A brief description of the route is issued to walkers with 9 or 10 check points along the way. Basic map reading skills are essential. For those wanting a less strenuous day out, there’s The Halfway in a Day! Again taking place on the first Saturday in July, this 40km (25 mile), 8.5 hour linear route follows the Rossendale Way over varied terrain. A brief route description is issued at the start and transport is provided between the start and finish locations. The Round the Hills Walk is another epic circular route around the spectacular hills of Rossendale, this 30km (18.5 mile) circular route departs from Fearns Community Sports College, Fearns Moss, Stacksteads, OL13 0TG, on the first Sunday in September. Just turn up at the school between 9.00 and 10.00am. Whitworth Footpath Group organise guided walks every 2nd Sunday in the month. Two great books written by Ian Goldthorpe: Rossendale Rambles and Further Rossendale Rambles, provide the best maps and descriptions of routes around the Rossendale Valley. Some of the accommodation providers in Rossendale have copies for loan and the copies are also available from the local libraries. Rossendale Visitors Guide Fast Facts About Walking In Rossendale First Saturday in July Rossendale Way in a Day or Half Way in a Day ww w.rpmrt.org.uk First Sunday in September Round the Hills Walk. http://bacuprotary.org.uk /rth Second Sunday of the month. Whitworth Footpath Group T: 01706 344711 First weekend in October The Rural Rossendale Walking Festival ww w.ruralrossendale.co.uk April - November Valley of Stone guided walks ww w.valleyofstone.org.uk Waughs Well Whisky Trail, see page 11 on the Windturbine and OS Maps OL21 and 287 cover the area of Rossendale 7 8 www.visitrossendale.com Visitor Information Hotline Valley Of Stone Guided Walks The Valley of Stone Heritage Lottery Fund project has been set up to celebrate the quarrying and stone working heritage of Rossendale. The Guided Walks are just one part of this interesting project. Our local guides bring the Rossendale hills to life with their wealth of knowledge about the area. Walks do not need to be pre-booked just meet at the designated start points. W: www.valleyofstone.org.uk. Sunday, 6th September 2009 LEE QUARRY AND TRAMWAY 30 A circuit incorporating Lee Quarry incline and moor edge views from a historic mineral tramway linking Lee to Britannia 6km (4 miles). Meet Guide Arthur Baldwin behind the Kingfisher Business Park, off Newchurch Rd at Stacksteads (A681), at 1:30pm. Sunday, 13th September 2009 CALL MY BLUFF - HEALEY STONES 18 Can you spot a pack of lies from the truth in 3 tall tales?? Visit to a fascinating landscape and the time- Start points for Valley Of Stone Guided Walks warp hamlet of Healey Stones. 8km (5 miles). Meet three tale-telling bluffers at the junction of Hall St / Market St, Whitworth, at 1:30pm. Sunday, 20th September 2009 - BORDER LANDS 22 Following old routeways on the Rossendale border and over into Calderdale and including the excellent scenery of Gorpley Clough.14km (9 miles). Meet Guide David Humphries at the junction of Flower Scar Road (near to summit), Sharneyford. at 12:30pm. Sunday, 4th October 2009 WHITWORTH CYCLEWAY 16 Introducing a new section of cycleway that follows the reclaimed Britannia to Shawforth railway line. Return past ‘Gawmless End’. 5km (3 miles). Meet Guide Marrian Tattersall outside Shawforth Chapel, off Market St. Shawforth, at 1:30pm. Sunday, 11th October 2009 SCOUT MOOR SKYLINE 19 Scout Moor has changed dramatically. We will explore several miles of moorland tracks created for the huge wind farm, (accompanied by trampers) (up to10km/ 6 miles). Meet Guide Marrian Tattersall at the junction of Rochdale Road A680 and Bleakholt Rd, Turn Village, (verge side parking Bleakholt Rd), at 1:30pm. Call 01706 252411 Rossendale Visitors Guide Sunday, 18th October 2009 MUSBURY MAGIC 3 Contouring the atmospheric Musbury Valley, one of Rossendale’s secluded scenic gems. Evidence of early farming and a deer park. 13km (8 miles). Meet Guide David Humphries at Higher Museum car park, Helmshore (park at far side of car park) at 12:30pm. Sunday, 1st November 2009 STEPS OF CRIBDEN 5 A visit to former quarry sites above Haslingden, on prominent landscape ‘steps’ on the side of Cribden - includes the ‘Halo’ site. 6km ( 4 miles). Meet Guide David Humphries at the car park behind Haslingden Library, Deardengate, Haslingden at 1:30pm. 9 Sunday, 8th November 2009 IF STONES COULD SPEAK? 17 What would they tell us about the Cowm Valley? - The best landscape in Rossendale for variety of dry stone walling and flag fencing. 8km (5 miles). Meet Guide Alan Rhodes, Master Craftsman from the Dry Stone Walling Association outside Whitworth Museum, North St car park, off Market St, Whitworth at 1:30pm. Sunday, 15th November 2009 - OVER TO DING 12 A true moorland escape over southern hills above Cowpe to Ding Quarry. Return via Scout Moor Windfarm and Waugh’s Well. 13km (8 miles). Meet guide Mike Lee at the car park opposite the Royal Hotel, Waterfoot at 12:30pm. Tramper Trails Tramper Trails The less mobile can now take advantage of Rossendale’s accessible wilderness by trekking out on a Tramper. These all-terrain, electric buggies are designed specifically to cover rough ground, mud and grass. A Tramper is in permanent residence at Cronkshaw Fold Farm, Helmshore for use by people with limited mobility. To use a Tramper at Cronkshaw Fold Farm please book ahead by contacting the farm directly on T: 01706 218614. At Cronkshaw Fold Farm Trampers can access the pond, all of the small sunset garden, some of the early years area, all of the buildings and there are two different routes up Tramper friendly bridleways to Robin Hood’s Well and on to Holcombe Moor. Visitors using the Tramper must be accompanied by an able-bodied person. There is no charge for using a Tramper but there is a charge for visiting the farm. Adults £2.50 and children £3.50, remember to book ahead. There are many accompanied Tramper excursions taking place in Rossendale throughout the year at: Scout Moor, Lee Quarry, Cowm & Cow Clough, the Clowbridge circuit and Landgate & Moss Quarries. Contact the Countryside Rangers directly for an up to date countryside events programme which details Tramper excursions or visit www.lancashire.gov.uk and search on ‘countryside events’, T: 01772 534709 or 01995 640557. Trampers are also available on some of the Valley of Stone walks programme. Book your Tramper through Lancashire County Council Countryside Rangers on T: 01772 534709 or 01995 640557. 10 www.visitrossendale.com Visitor Information Hotline Shoe Trail A Mid Pennine Arts project Twenty-eight giant clay shoes, designed by local school children, have been used to waymark the Shoe Trail which runs from the East Lancashire Railway at Rawtenstall to the Panopticon Halo at Haslingden. The trail celebrates Rossendale’s famous shoe industry and clay has been used because the site of the Halo at Top O’ Slate was once a clay pit supplying many nearby brick factories. The route is approximately 3km (2 miles) long with quite a steep incline at one point. Allow one hour to walk the route. Spectacular views across the Rossendale Valley and down to Manchester can be enjoyed along the way. Shoe Trail The Rural Rossendale Walking Festival Sand Beds Lane, bottom of Cowpe Lowe Takes place on the first weekend in October. There are 6 foodie walks over 3 days, which take in the best of Rossendale’s local food producers and the unique working environment of the Rossendale countryside. All walks must be booked in advance you can book your place T: 07746 556337 or E: wendy.davison@ btopenworld.com. Why not make the most of the weekend walks by booking in to any one of the places to stay on www. ruralrossendale.co.uk. High standards and stunning views abound and a warm welcome awaits you whatever the weather. Approx. Departure Cost Distance Time Date Description Saturday 03.10.09. SARSAPARILLA STROLL Sunday 04.10.09. THE FUDGE TRUDGE Sunday 04.10.09. THE CHEESE BREESE Sunday 04.10.09. THE SOUP LOOP 12 miles/ 10:00 A circular route departing from Bacup Leisure Hall taking in part of the 19km Irwell Sculpture Trail, The Rossendale Way and the Pennine Bridleway. Stopping off en route for a delicious bowl of home-made soup. £3.00 Monday 05.10.09. BLACK PUDDING PLOD A circular route around Haslingden Grane Valley departing from Waterside Industrial Estate the home of the award winning Real Lancashire Black Pudding Company. Black pudding recipe leaflet for all participating walkers. £3.00 A circular route departing from The East Lancashire Railway Station at Rawtenstall, skirting the fringes of Oakenhead Wood to the Panopticon Halo and back to Rawtenstall via Cribden stopping off for a glass of Sarsaparilla at Fitzpatrick’s - Bitain’s Last Temperance bar. A circular route around Whitworth departing from Market Street through Healey Dell, across Brown Wardle Hill and back around Cowm Reservoir with a short stop at Fudge Village to refuel. A family friendly walk around Cronkshaw Fold Farm, viewing the animals and learning all about farming in the Alden Valley. Lancashire Cheese samples for all walkers. 4 miles/ 6km 10.00 £3.00 10 miles/ 10.00 16 km £3.00 2 miles/ 3km Adults £3.00 Children Free 7 miles/ 11km 10:00 10.00 Call 01706 252411 11 Rossendale Visitors Guide Wind Turbines & Whisky Trail © Crown Copyright Rossendale Borough Council License Number 100018418 Footpath highlighted in blue Date Description Saturday 03.10.09. WIND TURBINES & WHISKY TRAIL A circular route departing from The Fishermans Retreat, walking over Scout Moor and viewing the largest on shore wind farm in England, to Cowpe via Sand Beds Lane and back to The Fishermans Retreat (where they stock over 500 different Single Malt Whiskies). Two further walking festivals feature walks in Rossendale: West Pennine Moors Walking Festival. For this and other countryside events visit www.westpenninemoors. com and South Pennine Walk and Ride Festival from 12th to 27th September 2009 visit www.pennineprospects.co.uk for more information. Scout Moor Approx. Distance Departure Time Cost 7 miles/ 11 km 10.00 £3.00 12 www.visitrossendale.com Visitor Information Hotline Cycling in the West Pennine Moors Cycling in Rossendale Biking in Rossendale can be as extreme as you want it to be with the Mary Towneley Loop and the Adrenaline Gateway at Lee Quarry providing miles and miles of challenging, off-road biking. Less demanding cycling can be found on a relatively new network of cycle paths developed on old railway routes. These often take in other interesting attractions along the way. At Lee Quarry, Bacup (part of the Pennine Lancashire Adrenaline Gateway) you’ll find one of the north’s most demanding mountain biking areas. With a network of black and red routes to test your skills and stamina, Lee Quarry is also home to some of the best purpose-built mountain bike trials areas in the UK. These are free to ride all year round. The quarry can be approached from Futures Park at Bacup, just off the A681. W: www.adrenaline-gateway.co.uk Exciting mountain biking can also be found on The Mary Towneley Loop, part of the Pennine Bridleway National Trail. The Loop provides 76 km (47 miles) of Call 01706 252411 13 Rossendale Visitors Guide Why not try cycling… The Helmshore Loop demanding off-road mountain biking with lots of challenging ascents and descents, in and out of the steep sided South Pennine valleys. For mountain bikers, good places to join the Loop in the Rossendale Valley are at Waterfoot, Cowpe, Lumb and Whitworth. W: www.nationaltrail.co.uk/ penninebridleway Rossendale’s Cycleways Route 92 cycleway: Rochdale – Whitworth – Britannia A largely off-road cycleway from Rochdale to Britannia, Route 92 follows an old railway line with connecting sections of quiet roads. From Rochdale the cycleway takes you through Healey Dell nature reserve. The main highlight of Route 92 is the 32m, (105 ft) high viaduct over the River Spodden. Beyond Whitworth there are some lovely views to the surrounding hills, climbing up to 295m (967 ft) above sea level at Shawforth. This area has a rich history of stone quarrying, with tramways linking the quarries to the railways adding to the scenery along the way. Route 6 cycleway: Ramsbottom (Stubbins) – Helmshore – Haslingden (Lumb Greenway) Sections of the Route 6 cycleway which are currently open for use are at Stubbins and Helmshore. Again built on an old railway route this cycleway follows a leafy, river valley through lovely countryside. During your ride why not visit Helmshore Mills Textile Museum and find out about the area’s textile past or do a detour to Irwell Vale, a picturesque Lancashire mill Cycling in the West Pennine Moo village set on the River Ogden. rs © Crown Copyright Rossendale Borough Council License Number 100018418 Trail highlighted in blue 14 www.visitrossendale.com Visitor Information Hotline Peers Clough Packhorses Horse Riding and Bridleways in the Rossendale Valley Rossendale has a developing network of Bridleway routes, which, through the hard work of local campaigners, are gradually being extended. The Mary Towneley Loop is the most significant bridleway and some 24km (15 miles) out of the total 76km (47 mile) pass through the hills and valleys of Rossendale. This circular route can be accessed from various points in the Rossendale Valley. From Broadley and Healey Dell the loop takes you across Rooley Moor to the Top of Leach at 1,555 feet, it’s the highest point in Rossendale. Rooley Moor Road, also known as the cotton famine road, was constructed by local mill workers when they were unable to work in the mills due to the shortage of cotton supplies created by the American Civil War. The road is thought to be the highest in England and is a fine example of Victorian stone setts, untouched by concrete or tarmac. From the Top of Leach the route descends into Cowpe, an old mill village, into the main Rossendale Valley below following the Whitewell Brook Valley to Deerplay Moor above Burnley; here, there is also a bridleway link to Clowbridge Reservoir. For maps and more information on this spectacular route see: www.nationaltrail.co.uk/ penninebridleway. An exceptionally well written pocket guide to the Mary Towneley Loop is available from the Forest of Rossendale Bridleways Association details on obtaining a copy of the guide can be found at: http://forba2007.org. Call 01706 252411 Fast Facts oviders in Accommodation pr ilities for Rossendale with fac See directory horses and rider s. r guide for at back of this visito contact details. Farm Horncliffe Mount les Old Clough Stab (camping only) rm Peers Clough Fa @ The Old Stables Tippett Farm A spot of lunch while out Pony Trekking Rossendale Visitors Guide 15 Other interesting bridleway routes include: Cloughfold Railway Bridleway - following the route of the old railway line, near Rawtenstall. The best place to access this route is Fall Barn Rd., Rawtenstall. Marl Pits Bridleway, Rawtenstall. This short route is best accessed from Waingate Lane Rawtenstall and takes riders onto the hills above Marl Pits sports complex. Hurst Lane Bridleway. There are links from the Marl Pitts Bridleway to Hurst Lane Bridleway, Rawtenstall which lead to Lumb ending at the Hargreaves Arms, Burnley Road East. Stacksteads Greenway – another short route taking you from Stacksteads to Bacup. This route is best accessed from Bankside Lane Bacup. Route maps for bridleways in Rossendale and indeed for the whole of Lancashire can be found at http://mario.lancashire.gov.uk For riders without horses Peers Clough Packhorses offer a variety of horse riding adventures ranging from all inclusive horse riding holidays through to mini breaks, picnic rides and one or two hour rides over farmland and moorland (minimum age 13 years). These sturdy, locally bred fell ponies provide riders with a comfortable and safe ride over the local terrain; providing a taste of bygone days when packhorses were used to transport cotton, lime, coal and wool between upland communities. T: 01706 210552 W: www.peerscloughpackhorses.co.uk 16 www.visitrossendale.com Visitor Information Hotline EXPLORING Whitworth Water Ski Centre Did you know? Such was the quality of the stone from Whitworth it was shipped to London for use on Trafalgar Square. Whitworth Valley Whitworth, Facit and Shawforth. One main road links Whitworth, Facit and Shawforth together. These small, narrow towns are wedged in the valley bottom, flanked by steep valley sides with quarries dotting the skyline. If you are visiting this area you might like to start your day with a stroll around 1. Cowm Reservoir or if you are feeling adventurous is home to 2. Whitworth Water Ski Centre where you can water ski or wake board. They cater for both able bodied and disabled water skiers of all abilities and don’t worry if you’ve never water skied before, a training boom can be attached to the side of the boat so you can’t fail! T: 01706 852534 W: www.whitworthwaterski.co.uk Afterwards move on to 3. Fudge Village at Facit. It’s not just a place to buy fudge but you can see fudge and chocolate being made on their organised theatre tours and afterwards choose from any one of the 23 different flavours of fudge. 3. Bistro Fudge @ Fudge Village serves lunch and high teas. The house speciality is not surprisingly chocolate fudge cake and cappuccinos to die for. W: www.fudgevillage.co.uk If you fancy a pub meal 4. The Red Lion, set in the heart of 4. Whitworth Square and dating back to 1674, has all the charm and character you would expect from such a historic building. For Real Ale fans, Tetleys’ Cask, plus other guest beers are on tap along with a great bar snack menu. Whit worth Call 01706 252411 If you want to stay and explore Rossendale for longer, the The Red Lion offers B&B and they have a good range of en-suite rooms. Whilst you are in this Conservation Area check out 4. St Bartholemews Church, a grade 2 listed building with lots of interesting gargoyles and 4. Whitworth House, previously occupied by the famous Whitworth Doctors who were bone-setters and treated many famous people in their day. You can walk off your lunch with a visit to 5. Healey Dell Nature Reserve, the only designated nature reserve in Rossendale. There’s an excellent network of footpaths and cycleways with some access for wheelchairs. You can pick up the footpath off Market St, Whitworth look out for the brown signs. The River Spodden snakes it’s way under an impressive 105ft viaduct and the rangers office at Healey Hall Mills has trail guides and fact sheets to help you make the most of your visit to the dell. There’s a recently extended, 6km cycleway running from Rochdale through Healey Dell and on up to Britannia; look out for the signs for Route 92. W: www.healeydell.org.uk. For those seeking an adrenaline rush 6. Cowm Leisure have the ideal site for an army of off-road activities: Trials Bikes, Road Legal 4 x 4’s, Pit Bikes, Remote Controlled Cars and Cyclo Trials Bikes can tackle the challenge of the natural terrain in a 150 acre, disused quarry. W: www.cowmleisure.com 7. Lobden Golf Club is located high on the moor-tops above Whitworth. This 9 hole course provides incredible views of the surrounding countryside and although it may not be long by today’s standards, at 5250 metres, it is without doubt a challenge for all golfers. When the wind blows, and it often does, you will do well to play to your handicap! W: www.lobdengolfclub.co.uk. Some of the wildest scenery in Rossendale can be found at near-by 8. Brown Wardle Hill, which is popular with hang-gliders and para-gliders. If you fancy giving this a go, Airborne UK can get you off the ground with this thrilling sport; they use Brown Wardle Hill as their training site. W: www.airborne.uk.com For something more sedate, on Tuesdays and Saturdays 9. Whitworth Heritage Museum opens its doors, where you can find out all about the lives of ordinary Lancashire folk through a collection of objects, tools and clothes of their everyday existence. Opening times are on Tuesdays from 19.30 - 21.30 and Saturday 14.00 – 16.00. Other opening times are by arrangement T: 01706 853510. Conservation Area: Whitworth Town Square. Rossendale Visitors Guide Explore Whitworth © Crown Copyright Rossendale Borough Council License Number 100018418 6 3 1 2 8 9 4 7 5 Whitworth Heritage Museum 17 18 www.visitrossendale.com Visitor Information Hotline Bacup Bacup has a quirky mix of things for visitors to dip into. One of its claims to fame is that it is the source of the River Irwell. Britannia Coconutters Visitors come from all over the world to see the colourful Britannia Coconutters folk dance their way through the streets of Bacup. With their blackened faces, Saturday with a selection of stalls selling household turban-like decorated hats, red and white kilts, white goods, clothes and food; including award winning cooked stockings and shining black Lancashire clogs, they are meats. A flea market is held on Friday. Market stalls are a sight to behold. They always gather at the Travellers open for business from 09.00hrs to 16.00hrs. Rest Public House on Easter Saturday at around 9.00am. Animal lovers and families will definitely enjoy Accompanied by the Stacksteads Silver Band they a visit to 6. Animal Quackers, a real working farm. dance from pub to pub around the boundaries of the Watch the animal antics, assist at feeding time and town. There’s a great atmosphere and it’s well worth get close-up; there’s no better way to learn all about experiencing the festival atmosphere at this unique local animals. The farm centre is ideal for families with event. children: donkey rides, a soft play area and bouncy castle The River Irwell is thought to originate from Irwell are available every day. T: 01706 875492 W: www. Springs, high up on Deerplay Moor, once the site of animalquackersfarm.co.uk an old colliery. If you fancy a walk to freshen up your If you are in the town centre of Bacup see if you day there’s a footpath up onto the moor just by the can find 7. Elgin St., (OL13 8HE) one of Great Britain’s 1. Deerplay Inn, it takes you up to Thieveley Pike shortest streets. At 17’ 2” it’s no longer in the Guinness (449m/1268 ft above sea level). Book of Records but it is still a very short street. Continuing with the outdoors theme extreme At first sight 8. Bacup’s Royal Court Theatre looks mountain biking awaits any adrenaline junkies at 2. Lee small and unimposing but once inside it’s like Dr Who’s Quarry, part of the Pennine Lancashire Adrenaline tardis. Where else would you find a theatre with stairs Gateway, more information on this unique destination going down to the circle not up! Built as an iron foundry can be found on p64. and converted to a theatre in 1892, the original fixtures 3. Bacup Golf Club openly welcomes visitors. and fittings really add to the performances staged by Offering spectacular scenery and challenging golf, this 9 Bacup Amateur Operatic and Dramatic Society, W: hole course is located on the moors above Bacup. There www.bacuproyalcourttheatre.co.uk T: 01706 874080. is no need to book in advance although weekends can In 2009 visitors can look forward to performances of: be busy; Tuesday is ladies day. T: 01706 873170 Annie from 16th to 19th September and The Full Monty W: www.bacupgolfclub.com from 19th to 22nd November. Not every area can boast its own telescope, but If you are interested in the local history of the area high on the moors above the town of Bacup there’s an there’s a wealth of industrial, religious, household and 4. Astronomy Centre. At the moment the centre opens military artefacts collected and catalogued by local on Saturday evenings from 19.30 onwards. So if it’s a volunteers at 9. Bacup’s Natural History Museum. The clear Saturday evening check it out: you could be in for a museum is open to the public on Thursday evenings surprise. W: www.astronomycentre.org.uk. from 19.30 hrs and Easter Saturday from 10.00 to 15.30 5. Bacup Market is held on Wednesday and hrs. T: 01706 873042. Call 01706 252411 Rossendale Visitors Guide 19 Explore Bacup 1 10 4 9 7 5 3 12 6 8 11 2 © Crown Copyright Rossendale Borough Council License Number 100018418 At 10. Deer View Farm the aim is to provide visitors with the opportunity to see where their food comes from, giving them a true field to plate experience. Enjoy watching the pigs and other livestock content in their free range, eco friendly environment. Afterwards you can relax in the tea-rooms and browse the farm shop, which sells home produced free range meat, bacon and sausages. T: 01706 875407 W: www.deerviewfarmshop.co.uk If you are keen on producing and eating home grown produce you might want to check out 11. Stubbylee Greenhouses, at Stubbylee Park, where green-fingered volunteers cultivate and sell plants and vegetables directly to the public. For opening times please call 01706 872111. Stacksteads is on the road from Bacup to Waterfoot and its the centre for one of the world’s craziest competitions – The World Gravy Wrestling Championships. This family fun day is held at the 12. Rose’ n’ Bowl, Stacksteads where you can watch or participate as contestants slip ‘n’ slide in a pool of warm gravy. If you are up for a bit of fun to support the East Lancashire Hospice and don’t mind getting smothered in gravy teams and individuals can enter by ringing 01706 879555. The dress code is fancy and entertaining but nothing too risqué. Conservation Area: Bacup Town Centre. Did you know? At 17’ 2” Elgin St., is one of England’s shortest streets. Animal Quackers 20 www.visitrossendale.com Visitor Information Hotline Friendly faces at Waterfoot Water, Lumb, Waterfoot and Cowpe With village names like Water and Waterfoot, one would expect this to be a watery valley and it is. Whitwell Brook flows discretely down the valley, concealed in places, by the development of mills and terraced dwellings disappearing and reappearing at whim. It merges with the River Irwell at Waterfoot, finally flowing into the River Mersey at Irlam, near Manchester. Expect a day of fresh air in this valley of water. Pathways are plentiful; quite a chunk of the Mary Towneley Loop weaves it’s way up to the boundary with Burnley. Look out for the route, marked with an acorn, it’s part of the Pennine Bridleway national trail so it can be used by walkers, mountain bikers and horse riders. A good place to join the path is at the bottom of Cowpe Road, Waterfoot. To see the valley from a different perspective you might like to venture out on a 1. Peers Clough Packhorse. These locally bred Fell ponies with wide bodies and sturdy legs are ideally suited to the terrain, providing riders with a sense of comfort and security. Rides vary in length from one hour to five day mini breaks; for riders age 13 years and over. W: www.peerscloughpackhorses.co.uk Further up the Whitewell Valley 2. Clough Bottom Reservoir has some great pathways through sheltered pine forests and across windswept moorland and is sign posted off Burnley Road East. Just below Clough Bottom Reservoir on the opposite side of the road and to the right of a pylon you can pick up the Rossendale Way which Call 01706 252411 Rossendale Visitors Guide 2 © Crown Copyright Rossendale Borou 1 5 9 8 3 4 7 6 Did you know? gh Council License Number 100018418 Explore Water, Lumb, Waterfoot and Cowpe There are lots of cloughs and folds in Rossendale especially in the Whitwell Brook Valley. A clough is a wooded dell with steep banks along a stream. When used in a place name the word fold means enclosure, or, cluster of buildings forming an enclosure. 21 will take you along old packhorse trails to Compston’s Cross. Erected by local historian and ex-mayor of Rossendale, the cross indicates the site where two ancient crosses originally marked the way to Whalley Abbey, where in years gone by people were married, baptised and buried. On a clear day, views of Pendle Hill are visible from the moor tops. Pick up your lunch at 3. Cordeys Craft Bakery in Waterfoot or on the opposite side of the road there’s 4. Tim’s Chip Stop who serve very tasty fish and chips. For a pub lunch stop off at the 5. Hargreaves Arms for a Hargreaves Steak and Ale pie and a pint. You can enjoy more of the outdoors, by trout fishing at 6. Cowpe Reservoir. Located at the top of Cowpe Road, just off Waterfoot centre, this secluded valley provides the ideal spot to fish. Day permits are available with a three fish limit from Mace Express Newsagents. Keen sports people visiting the Valley would do well to visit the Perform Centre in Waterfoot. With state of the art sports fitness facilities including acclimatisation chambers for high altitude work. If you’re peckish and in the area in the evening; the 7. Buck Inn at Cowpe is a friendly, welcoming pub that serves cask ales and tasty bar snacks as does the 8. Duke of Buccleuch in Waterfoot (pronounced baclue). If you are fortunate enough to be in the area when the 9. Horse + Bamboo visual theatre company are staging a performance, make the effort to go and see one of their unique productions. Music and story-telling are central to their thought-provoking shows and they stage a broad range of productions throughout the year. W: www.horseandbamboo.org Cowpe Reser voir 22 www.visitrossendale.com Visitor Information Hotline The best thing about Rossendale is… Atmospheric moorlands, interesting valley villages with lots of history behind them, some great local produce and characterful people with a superb sense of humour. Wendy Davison, Rural Rossendale Trust Rawtenstall and Crawshawbooth Rawtenstall’s historic textile past is very much in evidence at every turn you take in the town. Ilex Mill dominates the area; a fine example of a 19th Century cotton mill now converted to luxury apartments. Row after row of stone, terraced houses, some back to back and some skilfully built on steep inclines with sharp angled roofs, criss-cross the town. Start your day with a pleasant riverside walk along the River Irwell close to Hardman Mill, another great stone workhouse. Kingfishers have been sighted along this stretch of river, so watch out for the flashes of blue. After your walk, if you are into industrial heritage you can steep yourself in history and visit the 1. Weavers Cottage Bacup Road, Rawtenstall. Run by the Rossendale Civic Trust, visitors can dip into a bygone era with one of the finest examples of an 18th century loom shop, complete with Victorian kitchen, a clog shop, working “tippler toilets” and a tea room serving light refreshments. Knowledgeable volunteers are always at hand to enhance your understanding of Rossendale’s rich local heritage. T: 01706 229828. 2. Rossendale Museum, is an intriguing museum housed within an early Victorian country house, set within tranquil 2. Whitaker Park. Discover more about this mill-owners home and the local and social history Fitzpatricks Temperance Bar of the area. Look out for the constantly changing exhibition programme and regular family events/ activities. Closed: Friday and Monday. If you prefer the outdoors 3. Ski Rossendale provides dry ski slope facilities for ski-ing, snowboarding and snow tubing, three great activities for families of all ages. Specialist instructors and all equipment is provided with 3 different slopes to choose from. T: 01706 226457 W: www.ski-rossendale.co.uk If you’ve worked up a thirst, step back in time at 4. Fitzpatricks the last remaining temperance bar in Britain and enjoy a glass of Sarsaparilla or Blood Tonic. If you are ready for some lunch 5. Do-Dahs Café Wine Bar, The Deli @ 89 Bank St and 6. Café Artisan all serve tasty lunch-time snacks. Everyone who visits Rossendale should take a trip down memory lane on the wonderfully restored 7. East Lancashire Railway. With stops at Irwell Vale, Ramsbottom, Summerseat, Bury and Heywood there is plenty of opportunity for travellers to stop off and explore the Lancashire villages and towns en-route. The railway really shines when it comes to staging events, especially the award winning Wartime Weekend; so it’s worth taking some time out to see if there are any family fun days planned. T: 0161 764 7790 W: www.east-lancs-rly.co.uk Just on the main roundabout near the East Lancashire Railway Station, look out for the Bocholt Tree. Decorations on this sculpture sometimes mysteriously appear overnight. Call 01706 252411 If you fancy a spot of shopping you can visit 8. Rawtenstall Market, and work your way down 9. Bank Street, and the neighbouring streets for some great independent retail outlets. Most noteworthy are: Sunday Best - definitely for the fashionista, their range is as good as you’d find in any large city centre – the staff are more friendly and helpful too! Bellusci, Butterworth Jones, Dress With Finesse and, Remy all have distinctive fashion collections, Allpresses have top quality bags, Bolthole for quirky gifts. You can’t go far wrong for evening dining in Rawtenstall, there’s something to suit every palate from fine dining at 10. The Dining Room. There is a great selection of eateries on 11. Bacup Road from pizzas and pasta at Ninos, to tasty tapas at Casa Tapas and spicy curries at The Ashoka Restaurant and The Nila Restaurant. Three kilometres up the Limy Water from Rawtenstall you will arrive at Crawshawbooth. (Look out for Novaks on the way, famous for it’s branded clothing at discount prices). If you are a hardened foodie it’s worth stopping off at Rileys Butchers, which is more than just a butchers, with a superb range of locally reared meats, cheeses and unique deli lines. For more uniqueness visit the 12. See Gallery in Crawshawbooth where unusual art by local artists is exhibited and up for sale. More heritage awaits you in Crawshawbooth at the 13. Friends Meeting House, one of the first Quaker meeting houses to be built in Lancashire, dating back to 1715, the place is steeped in history. Regular meetings take place at 11.00 every Sunday with a Heritage open weekend in September. W: www.tudo.co.uk/ quakers_craw. Close to Crawshawbooth 14. Goodshaw Fold is a designated Conservation Area where you will find an old Baptist Chapel dating back to 1855. Skirting the fringes of the Rossendale boundary you can try your hand at something new at 15. Clowbridge Reservoir. It’s a RYA recognised teaching establishment for Dinghy Sailing and Windsurfing levels 1 and Rossendale Visitors Guide 2. Taster sessions are available if you’re unsure if this is the thing for you. For more advance windsurfers there’s a techniques clinic. At 275m above sea level Clowbridge Reservoir is a windy awakening. Highly rated by windsurf users especially if there’s an easterly wind. W: www.rvsc.co.uk T: 01282 421674 (BB11 5PF). With walks close-by at Dunnockshaw Community Woodland this is a great outdoors destination. Conservation Areas: Rawtenstall Town Centre, Fallbarn, Higher Cloughfold, Loveclough Fold, Goodshaw Fold. Explore Rawtenstall and Crawshawbooth © Crown Copyright Rossendale Borough Council License Number 100018418 15 14 12 13 10 8 3 2 Did you know? A Quakers meeting is based on silence, there’s no hymns, no prayers and no priest 23 7 6 1 4 11 5 9 24 www.visitrossendale.com Visitor Information Hotline Did you know? Halo Panopticon Haslingden Haslingden means ‘valley of the hazels’ but the trees have now given way to an impressive and very contemporary, panopticon sculpture called the Halo. Located at Top O’ Slate, this 18 metre, lattice steel-work sculpture, which glows in the dark, looks like it’s just landed from outer space! A walk up to the 1. Halo is a great way to commence your visit to the town of Haslingden and on a clear day you can see the city of Manchester and the hills of North Wales. If you are feeling really energetic there’s a network of footpaths and woodland walks in the area. The Shoe Trail can be accessed from the Halo which takes you to the East Lancashire Railway at Rawtenstall (just follow the clay shoes) or the old 2. Kings Highway, a former packhorse trail, will take you to Stonefold Village, Accrington and beyond. Wesley once passed through Stonefold village along the Kings Highway and vowed he would never return because the roads were so rough! After you’ve taken in the view from Top o’ Slate head down into Haslingden town and seek out the seven commemorative blue plaques which are dotted around to mark local historical events. Believe it or not Haslingden was home to the first written IQ test! By this time you will probably be feeling hungry and there’s no better place to go than the legendary 3. Cissy Greens pie shop at 30 Deardengate, Haslingden. Stock up on their delicious, hand raised pies; great for picnics or to take home for you and your foodie friends. Cissy Green’s hand-raised pie Call 01706 252411 Rossendale Visitors Guide Explore Haslingden © Crown Copyright Rossendale Borou gh Council License Number 100018418 6 5 2 1 3 7 4 8 e Commemorativ Look out for the Blue Plaques aslingden in and around H that Alan e, commemor ating 1. Sykeside Hous lived there. er, os mp famous co Raws thorne, the slingden an school (now Ha 2. The old Wesley wr itten IQ st fir the ere wh e) medical centre sit tes t was taken. or ate Michael rar y, to commem 3. Haslingden Lib in the town d live o wh ot tri Davit t, the Irish pa for many years. the war morial Garden, for 4. Haslingden’s Me y. rb De rd Lo d by memorial unveile le Resource w the Mary Hind (no Inn m 5. The New r als of the powe loo Centre) for the tri labour in rd ha to ed nc nte se rioter s, some were Austr alia . , to mark the e, weavers cottage 6. Coal Hey Hous family. s att W the s of checks and gingham Wins ton Sir e us ca ial Hotel, be 7. The Commerc ptember 1900. Se th 27 on re the Churchill stayed 25 Haslingden is also home to the 4. Real Lancashire Black Pudding Company, famous for its award winning black puddings. These ‘black beauties’ are readily available in butchers shops throughout Rossendale and at the farmers’ market. For some truly delicious pub food using local produce why not try the 5. Farmers Glory Pub which serves meals at lunch time and in the evening. Located on the B6236 the Farmers Glory offers fine food in a country setting and serves Daniel Thwaites Beer, which is brewed locally, in Blackburn. After lunch, visit 6. Winfield’s Megastore at Haslingden, it’s mill shopping at its best. Located at Hazel Mill, Blackburn Rd., Haslingden, you’ll find bargain buys on: tents, camping equipment, ski-wear, work-wear, rucksacks, luggage, fashion clothes, shoes, plus designer wellies and a whole host of other items; it’s definitely well worth a visit. 7. Haslingden Market at Blackburn Road, Haslingden, has an interesting mix of stalls selling fresh produce, pet accessories, cooked meats, greeting cards and more. Expect a very warm Lancashire welcome, on Tuesday and Friday 9am4pm, at this neat little outdoor market. W: www.rossendale.gov.uk/markets With its new club house, 8. Rossendale Golf Club is one of the premier golfing locations in East Lancashire. Visitors are invited to try out this 18 hole, golf course with beautiful views of the surrounding Rossendale hills, situated just on the fringes of Haslingden at Ewood Lane Head. T: 01706 831339 W: www.rossendalegolfclub.net For more information to make the most of your visit to Haslingden there’s a really comprehensive blogspot for all things historical visit: http://haslingdens.blogspot.com 26 www.visitrossendale.com Visitor Information Hotline 2 Helmshore Mills Textile Museum Helmshore There’s enough to keep most visitors busy for at least a day in Helmshore. Set on the River Ogden, Helmshore is a pretty village with a rich textile history and lots of things to see and do. You could start your morning with a brisk 30 minute walk on the well-made footpath around 1. Calf-Hey Reservoir, taking in the spectacular views of the Haslingden Grane Valley. You’ve a number of options for morning coffee starting with 2. Clough Head Café, which is just a little further up the A6177 from Calf Hey on the right hand side. Alternatively you could head back down towards Haslingden stopping off at the 3. Conservatory Tea Rooms @ Holden Wood Antiques. If you are into antiques and collectables you’re sure to find something to add to your collection as the antiques centre is home to 35 specialist antique dealers all under the roof of a former church. The award winning, newly revamped, 4. Helmshore Mills Textile Museum is a must see, especially as it has been recently judged Lancashire’s ‘Best Small Visitor Attraction 2009’. Praised for it’s ‘commitment to excellence’ in Call 01706 252411 Rossendale Visitors Guide Explore Helmshore 7 1 6 3 9 5 10 4 11 8 12 © Crown Copyright Rossendale Borough Council License Number 100018418 providing high quality facilities for visitors that enable both adults and children to learn about a bygone era of textile manufacturing. You can lunch at the museums 4. Coffee Mill Café which serves fresh food made on the premises or cross over the road to 5. Tor Café at Musbury @ Home. For those of you who prefer a pub lunch the 6. Holden Arms or the 7 Duke of Wellington provide excellent food at great value for money. If you’ve still got plenty of energy and want to grab a bargain 5. Musbury Fabrics offer a superb range of bed linen, towels, curtains, cushions and fabrics at great prices and don’t forget to stock up on Lancashire dish cloths at the same time! For a gastro pub experience the 8. White Horse offers fine dining for the more discerning diner and the 9. Robin Hood at Helmshore serves Copper Dragon Ales and selected locally brewed guest beers to quench your thirst after a hard day of seeing and doing! Every 1st Sunday in the month the Textile Museum car park is home to the 10. Rossendale Farmers’ and Produce Market, where between the hours of 9.30 and 14.30 you can purchase delicious, locally produced lamb, beef and pork along with Lancashire cheeses and locally made Black Puddings. En-route to Haslingden from Helmshore you can enjoy another short walk at a pretty stretch of the River Ogden down at 11. Snig Hole. For families with children 12. Cronkshaw Fold Farm offers: den building wide games, orienteering, farm visits, pond dipping and much, much more... Visit the calendar page at W: www.cronkshaw.co.uk search on calendar page for more information on family activities. You need to keep your eyes peeled when you’re in this area as buzzards frequently swirl overhead. Did you know? A snig is an eel, so Snig Hole was named after the eels that used to live in this spot of the River Ogden Snig Hole 27 28 www.visitrossendale.com Visitor Information Hotline Did you know? Stubbins relates to tree stumps suggesting that trees were once cleared from the area to make way for the numerous mills which were built in the 19th Century. The best thing about Rossendale is… Warm hearted and friendly people who always have time to ‘chew the fat’. John Earnshaw The Old Stables @ Tippett Farm, Self-catering Farmhouse Edenfield Edenfield, Stubbins and Irwell Vale Like other villages in Rossendale, Edenfield, Stubbins and Irwell Vale have been shaped by their industrial past; in fact there’s still an active quarry at Edenfield. 1. Scout Moor and the largest on shore wind farm in England dominate the local landscape. At Edenfield there’s a really pretty walk at Dearden Clough and Plunge Mill ruins; head up Michael Wife Lane, off the A680, sign-posted Rochdale. If you are feeling really energetic you could walk up to the Scout Moor wind farm and 2. Waugh’s Well. There’s a fairly clear route up to the wind farm from 3. Owd Betts pub on the A680. Waugh’s Well is a hillside memorial to Lancashire dialect writer and poet Edwin Waugh. En route you will pass through Turn Village, sitting in the shadow of Scout Moor, more a hamlet than a village, and home to the North West Scything Festival, an annual event which takes place in July. 4. The Fishermans Retreat is accessed from Turn Village just follow the signs. This popular eatery is great for lunch time or evening dining see page 48 for more information about this great local restaurant. Former coaching houses and now public houses, 5. The Rostron Arms, 6. The Horse and Jockey (with adjoining Anton’s Italian Restaurant) and 7. The Coach and Horses line Market Street, the main road running through Edenfield. Closeby you will find 8. Sixsmiths craft bakery selling freshly baked bread and lunch time snacks; whilst 9. Valentines Butchers sell award winning sausages. Call 01706 252411 Rossendale Visitors Guide Tasty fish, chips and mushy peas are available at the 10. Bizzy Plaice Fish and Chip Shop and the 11. Village Chippy at Stubbins. More mills abound in Stubbins. It’s great for cycleways which run along the old railway lines and there are pleasant riverside walks to the hamlet of Strongstry and the village of Irwell Vale. There’s national trust land at Stubbins which takes you up onto 12. Holcombe Moor where 13. Peel Tower stands perched on the hill top. Irwell Vale is a typical Lancashire mill village in a designated Conservation Area with fine examples of stone-terraced, mill cottages at Bowker St. 14. The East Lancashire Steam Railway has a halt at Irwell Vale and it’s worth breaking your journey at this point to see this pretty little village set on the Rivers Ogden and Irwell. The area near the viaduct was known as “Little Blackpool” because of the first-class bathing in the river’s pools. There’s a really innovative soap-making business located at Irwell Vale. You can make on-line purchases 29 of beautifully gift wrapped organic soaps and skin care products from 15. Essentially Natural W: www.e-nat.co.uk. There are products for vegans, soaps for eczema sufferers, every-day soaps, scrubby soaps and sheer indulgence soaps. Become a member of the soap club and take advantage of generous product discounts and deals on postage. The owner has another string to his bow and plays Jazz Piano at Anton’s Italian Restaurant in Edenfield at the weekend! Conservation Areas: Irwell Vale, Chatterton/Strongstry. Peel Tower Explore Edenfield, Stubbins and Irwell Vale 15 14 7 6 5 98 10 12 11 11 13 1 2 4 3 © Crown Copyright Rossendale Borough Council License Number 100018418 30 www.visitrossendale.com Visitor Information Hotline FAMILY FUN East Lancashire Railway Attractions in Rossendale Discover and enjoy a selection of first class attractions whilst visiting Rossendale. The newest attraction in Rossendale is the Halo, one of Pennine Lancashire’s four unique Panopticons. Designed by John Kennedy of LandLab, the 18m diameter, steel sculpture commands spectacular views from it’s position on the newly landscaped ground at Top o’ Slate above Haslingden. At night-time the Halo gives off an eerie blue glow, lit by wind-powered led lights. Extend your visit and have a stroll on the newly made footpaths and woodland walks in the area, just follow the footpath signs. The award winning, newly revamped, Helmshore Mills Textile Museum is a must see. Take some time out to visit ‘The Best Small Visitor Attraction in Lancashire 2009’ and you will find friendly and informative staff, hands-on interactive displays, videos, a working waterwheel and working machinery demonstrations focusing on both wool and cotton. Rossendale Museum has something for all with a super selection of natural history and local history exhibits. The museum is situated in the heart of Whitaker Park with family friendly events taking place on selected dates throughout the year. The park has lots of green, open spaces for children to burn off their surplus energy and excellent playground facilities for both younger and older children. Admission to the museum is free. For families looking to get started in snow sports there’s no better place begin than the slopes of Ski Rossendale. The nursery slope provides the ideal environment to get families off to a great start in both skiing and snowboarding Call 01706 252411 Rossendale Visitors Guide 31 Key Contacts Helmshore Mills Textile Museum Haslingden Sports Centr e T: 01706 227016 Helmshore Mills Tex tile Mu seum T: 01706 226459 Marl Pits Pool & Sports Co mplex T: 01706 226850 Rossendale Museum T: 01706 260785 Rossendale United Footba ll Club T: 01706 215119 Royal Court Theatre T: 01706 874080 Ski Rossendale T: 01706 226457 The East Lancashire Railw ay T: 0161 764 7790 Fudge Village T: 01706 852795 Swimming Pools There are three swimming pools in the Rossendale Valley one at Rawtenstall, Haslingden and Whitworth. Rawtenstall – With its light and airy atmosphere the modern, 25-metre pool has facilities for all ages including a smaller, warmer pool, which is ideal for babies and younger children. Newchurch Road, Rawtentall, BB4 7SN, T: 01706 226850. Haslingden – This traditional pool boasts a popular health suite, comprising of a sauna, steam room, spa pool and relaxation area. East Bank Avenue, Haslingden, BB4 6NX, T: 01706 215883. Whitworth – The Leisure Centre has a main pool and warmer learner pool plus The Spodden Suite gymnasium. John Street, Whitworth OL12 8BT, T: 01706 852694 and the on-site team of specialist instructors are well-experienced at getting the best out of children and adults alike. Book your place today, all the necessary equipment is provided, so you’ve no need to worry about a thing. For a family day out visit the wonderfully restored East Lancashire Railway. There is plenty of opportunity for things to see and do along the way and you can break your journey at the various mill towns and villages that line the route. If you’ve got a sweet tooth, Fudge Village at Facit, near Whitworth is the place to be. Chocolatiers, in themed fancy dress, will escort you up to the Chocolate Room where you will be able make your very own chocolate creation (selected dates only). For something different why not visit the Astronomy Centre situated above Bacup, high up on the moors away from the glare of street lights. 32 www.visitrossendale.com Visitor Information Hotline Call 01706 252411 Rossendale Visitors Guide 33 34 www.visitrossendale.com Visitor Information Hotline THEATRE & ARTS The best thing about Rossendale is… Wild hillsides, cultural & artistic integrity, diversity of activityand a warm welcome. Joy McCarthy, Cronkshaw Fold Farm Horse + Bamboo Theatre Internationally acclaimed theatre and artwork is right on Rossendale’s doorstep with a rich seam of artists working out of the old mills and heritage buildings of Rossendale. Theatre Jane Horrocks, well known actress and homespun star, is the honorary president of Horse + Bamboo Theatre, one of Europe’s leading visual theatre companies. Their multi-purpose arts venue, The Boo, in Waterfoot, runs a seasonal programme of great theatre for families; with other fun events including the scary Skeletons Ball. W: www.horseandbamboo.org, T: 01706 220241 More entertaining theatre performances can be seen at the New Millenium Theatre, home to well established, Rossendale Players. Ghost Writer is being staged from 26.09.09 to 03.10.09. and Caught in the Net, a farce by Ray Cooney from 24.11.09 to 28.11.09. T: 01706 228720, W: www.rossendaleplayers.org.uk Call 01706 252411 Rossendale Visitors Guide 35 At the Royal Court Theatre, Bacup, visitors can enjoy performances of: Annie from 16th to 19th September 2009 and The Full Monty from 19th to 22nd November 2009. T: 01706 874080, W: www.bacuproyalcourttheatre.co.uk Art The heritage buildings of Rossendale are being kept alive by a network of valley artists. Don McKinlay, working at his slipper factory studio at Cloughfold, Rawtenstall, is undoubtedly one of the most talented artists to come from the North West of England with his wide-ranging versatility in painting, sculpture and print-making. W: www.donmckinlay.co.uk Liam Spencer lives and works in Rossendale. His ‘Urban Panoramas’ solo exhibition, at the Lowry Arts Centre, Salford, provided the platform to launch his career as one of the North West’s leading artists. Well-known for painting spectacular, urban landscapes his rural landscapes have great appeal too. W: www.liamspencer.co.uk Horse + Bamboo The atre Key Contacts Theatre Horse + Bamboo Liam Spencer T: 01706 220241 Mid Pennine Arts T: 01282 421986 s Rossendale Player T: 01706 228720 tre Royal Court Thea T: 01706 874080 See Gallery T: 01706 220269 Horse + Bamboo is one of Europe’s leading visual theatre companies and unique in the UK. We tour nationally and internationally but retain a strong commitment to our local community in Pennine Lancashire, where our space, the Boo, is a venue, a creative space for other artists, and a community hub. 36 www.visitrossendale.com Visitor Information Hotline Liam Spencer The late Dave Pearson was another prolific producer of ‘off the wall’ paintings, prints, threedimensional tableaux, multimedia presentations and large-scale constructions, who resided in Rossendale. His popular artworks are now much sought after. The Valley Artists Group, a non-profit making collective, is based in a former mill in Waterfoot. Painters, printmakers, textile artists and sculptors are committed to raising the profile of art in the local and wider community via open days, workshops and exhibitions. Visitors are welcome by prior appointment, W: www.valleyartists.co.uk And Globe Artists, working out of Globe Mill, Waterfoot, bring together artists from many disciplines. See Gallery in Crawshawbooth is the conduit to local valley artists. They exhibit and sell art by local and regional artists, including some works by Liam Spencer. There is always a fantastic mixed exhibition of locally produced artwork on the lead up to Christmas. Interview with Jackie and Julian at See Gallery Q. What is happening in the art world in Rossendale? A. At first glance one might say very little, because much of the work takes place unseen, in the mills and buildings of the past. There is definitely a creative buzz in Rossendale now; with a circle of very talented artists who have great respect for one another’s work. Q. What’s the wackiest bit of art-work you’ve ever exhibited at See Gallery? A. We only show work if we like it and a guy called Bob Nancollis, created a piece of live-art and we had live rabbits running around the studio for a few weeks! Q. What is your vision? Q. What sort of art is exhibited at See Gallery? A. We are the route to the many of the local artists who seem to trust us. Our philosophy is to support and showcase local artists. We have exhibited Liam Spencer’s work, we manage the late Ray Lowry’s portfolio and some of his work is always on show in the gallery. A. Our aim is to take art to everyone. Our point of view is why decorate your home with a print from Ikea for a £100 when you can have a original piece of locally produced art-work for the same money; we’ll even throw in a brew served in a mug! We actively encourage people to cross over our threshold knowing that they’ll be pleasantly surprised once they do. Call 01706 252411 Rossendale Visitors Guide Rossendale Museum has a great gallery space gallery with demonstrations by Ten Plus Textile Group 9th September 2009- 11th October and an exhibition of valley artists work 11th October to 22nd November 2009. T: 01706 260785, W: www.lancashire.gov.uk Outdoor Sculptures 21st century sculptures have been created and set in the natural beauty of the Rossendale Hills, purposely located in key vantage points to provide dramatic views of the Pennine Lancashire countryside. The Halo Panopticon appears to hover over the town of Haslingden and can be seen for miles around. The Singing Ringing Tree, on the Rossendale – Burnley boundary, is a musical sculpture which harnesses the power of the wind to play a tune. The Singing Ringing Tree Mid Pennine Arts, a unique arts group, whose aim is to get the local community to embrace art more, have succeeded in enriching the art experience in Rossendale for visitors aswell The Shoe Trail, a Mid Pennine Arts project, is testament to this. With a continuous programme of arts projects taking place throughout the area you never know what’s going to appear on the horizon next. W: www.midpenninearts.org.uk The Irwell Sculpture Trail, with outdoor art dotted along a 53km (33 mile) stretch of the River Irwell from Bacup to Salford Quays is set to be transformed and relaunched in 2010. There’s a real celebration of art and culture throughout the Rossendale Valley. 37 38 www.visitrossendale.com Visitor Information Hotline EVENTS & FESTIVALS Events and Festivals In Rossendale we seem to have more than our fair share of colourful characters who are prepared to have a go at the strangest of activities: from Gravy Wrestling to Tasty Walks, Rossendale has it all. Even if you don’t fancy taking part yourself, these events are highly entertaining to watch. FREE First Sunday of the Month - 09.30 Rossendale Farmers’ Market, Helmshore 01772 815629 www.rossendalefarmersmarket.co.uk World Gravy Wrestling Championships £ Every Monday - 20.30 Bacup Folk Club - Various Artists, Bacup 01706 874549 www.bacupfolkclub.co.uk £ Fourth Sunday of the Month - 11.30 Black Pudding Hashing, Various www.blackpuddinghashers.vpweb.co.uk FREE 30 Aug 2009 - 31 Aug 2009 - 7.30 Red Lion Red Kat Charity Bike Ride 09, Whitworth and Blackpool 01706 861441 www.redlionwhitworth.co.uk FREE £ 06 Sept 2009 - 08.30 Brownbacks Racing - Hope XC Race Series 2!, Bacup www.brownbacksracing.co.uk £ 30 Aug 2009 - 12.00 Family Fun Day, Haslingden 01706 831180 FREE 09 Sept 2009 - 11 Oct 2009 - Opening Ten Plus at Rossendale 2009: An Exhibition of Contemporary Textile Art, Rawtenstall 01706 260785 www.lancashire.gov.uk/museums FREE 11 Sept 2009 - 20.00 Kristianne’s Acoustic Lounge, Rawtenstall 01706 211114 www.cafe-artisan.co.uk £ 31 Aug 2009 - See ELR Website Teddy Bear’s Picnic, Bury 0161 764 7790 www.east-lancs-rly.co.uk FREE 05 Sept 2009 - 20.00 Elvis Night, Rawtenstall 01706 211114 www.cafe-artisan.co.uk Did you know? Andy John currently holds the world record for Clog Cobbing which stands at 93 feet. 06 Sept 2009 - 08.30 Rossendale Round the Hills Walk, Bacup 07818 054529 www.bacuprotary.org.uk/rth £ 11 Sept 2009 - 12 Sept 2009 - 19.30 X-RAYS: Beat It, Rawtenstall 07870 442747 www.beat-it.robormerod.co.uk FREE 12 Sept 2009 - 13 Sept 2009 - Sat 12.00 Sun 11.00 Heritage Open Day, Helmshore 01706 226459 www.lancashire.gov.uk/museums Call 01706 252411 FREE Rossendale Visitors Guide 12 Sept 2009 - 13 Sept 2009 - Sat 09.30 Sun 12.15 Heritage Open Day, Crawshawbooth 01706 212507 www.tudo.co.uk/quakers_craw £ 12 Sept 2009 - 20.00 The Modfathers, Rawtenstall 01706 211114 www.cafe-artisan.co.uk FREE 13 Sept 2009 - 13.00 Whitworth Rush Cart, Whitworth 01706 852018 www.whitworth.gov.uk £ 14 Sept 2009 - 18 Jul 2010 £ 03 Oct 2009 - 05 Oct 2009 - Various Rural Rossendale Walking Festival,Rossendale 07746 556337 www.ruralrossendale.co.uk £ 03 Oct 2009 - 10 Oct 2009 - 19.30 Ghost Writer, Waterfoot 01706 228720 www.rossendaleplayers.org.uk £ 03 Oct 2009 - 04 Oct 2009 - See Family Engines BIG Day Out, Bury 0161 764 7790 www.east-lancs-rly.co.uk FREE 03 Oct 2009 - 25 Oct 2009 - 08.00 North West Equestrian Open Championship Show (Weekends only), Rising Bridge 01706 213632 www.crofttop.co.uk FREE 04 Oct 2009 - 13.30 Demonstrations by Members of Ten Plus Textile Group, Rawtenstall 01706 260785 www.lancashire.gov.uk/museums FREE 17 Oct 2009 - 22 Nov 2009 - Opening Rossendale Artists Exhibition, Rawtenstall 01706 260785 www.lancashire.gov.uk/museums Cotton Shed Theatre Company, Haslingden 01706 214309 £ 17 Sept 2009 - 19 Sept 2009 - Thurs/Fri/Sat 19.30 Sat 14.30 Annie (musical), Bacup 01706 874080 www.bacuproyalcourttheatre.co.uk 19 Sept 2009 - 20 Sept 2009 - TBC Wakes Weekend at the Mills, Helmshore 01706 226459 www.lancashire.gov.uk/museums FREE 19 Sept 2009 - 20.00 The Semi’s, Rawtenstall 01706 211114 www.cafe-artisan.co.uk FREE £ 20 Sept 2009 - 15.00 Tabula Rasa presents Peggy The Laundry Child, Waterfoot 01706 220241 www.horseandbamboo.org 39 18 Oct 2009 - 08.30 Brownbacks Racing - Hope XC Race Series 2!, Bacup www.brownbacksracing.co.uk £ 19 Oct 2009 - 20.00 Rossendale Organ & Keyboard Club - TBA, Newchurch 01706 213110 www.rokc.fsnet.co.uk £ 25 Oct 2009 - 15.00 Handheld Theatre presents Time For Tea, Waterfoot 01706 220241 www.horseandbamboo.org £ 28 Oct 2009 - 18.00 The Big Screen Comes to Bacup, Bacup 01706 874080 www.bacuproyalcourttheatre.co.uk £ 30 Oct 2009 - 17.00 A Horrible Halloween at the Mill, Helmshore 01706 226459 www.lancashire.gov.uk/museums 25 Sept 2009 - 20.00 Acoustic Night with Nick Bold, Rawtenstall 01706 211114 www.cafe-artisan.co.uk £ 31 Oct 2009 - 19.00 Halloween Ghost Train at ELR, Bury 0161 764 7790 www.east-lancs-rly.co.uk 26 Sept 2009 - 09.30 Granny’s Attic Sale, Haslingden 01706 223351 or 01706 225858 £ 01 Nov 2009 - 15.00 The Skeleton’s Ball, Waterfoot 01706 220241 www.horseandbamboo.org £ 26 Sept 2009 - 27 Sept 2009 - See ELR Website £ 14 Nov 2009 - 10.30 Christmas Fair, Haslingden 01706 223351 or 01706 225858 £ 26 Sept 2009 - 20.00 £ 16 Nov 2009 - 20.00 Rossendale Organ & Keyboard Club - Stephen Austin Technics, Newchurch 01706 213110 www.rokc.fsnet.co.uk FREE 20 Sept 2009 - 13.30 Demonstrations by Members of Ten Plus Textile Group, Rawtenstall 01706 260785 www.lancashire.gov.uk/museums £ 21 Sept 2009 - 20.00 Rossendale Organ & Keyboard Club - Eddie Ruhier (KD - New), Newchurch 01706 213110 www.rokc.fsnet.co.uk £ 23 Sept 2009 - 18.00 The Big Screen Comes to Bacup., Bacup 01706 874080 www.bacuproyalcourttheatre.co.uk FREE FREE Home Front & Allied 1940s Wartime Weekend, Bury 0161 764 7790 www.east-lancs-rly.co.uk Hot Fuss, Rawtenstall 01706 211114 www.cafe-artisan.co.uk FREE 27 Sept 2009 - 08.30 Brownbacks Racing - Hope XC Race Series 2!, Bacup £ www.brownbacksracing.co.uk 18 Nov 2009 - 21 Nov 2009 - 19.30 Full Monty, Bacup 01706 874080 www.bacuproyalcourttheatre.co.uk www.visitrossendale.com 40 Visitor Information Hotline £ 24 Nov 2009 - 25 Nov 2009 - 19.30 £ 15 Dec 2009 - 20.00 £ 26 Nov 2009 - 28 Nov 2009 - 18.30 £ 19 Dec 2009 - 20 Dec 2009 - See ELR Website Caught in the Net - Rossendale Players (Show ONLY), Bacup 01706 228720 www.rossendaleplayers.org.uk Caught in the Net - Rossendale Players (Dinner Theatre), Bacup 01706 228720 www.rossendaleplayers.org.uk Rossendale Organ & Keyboard Club - Christmas Concert, Newchurch 01706 213110 www.rokc.fsnet.co.uk Santa Steam Specials, Bury 0161 764 7790 www.east-lancs-rly.co.uk £ 22 Dec 2009 - 24 Dec2009 - See ELR Website £ 28 Nov 2009 - 19.30 Deep Time Cabaret, Waterfoot 01706 220241 www.horseandbamboo.org Santa Steam Specials, Bury 0161 764 7790 www.east-lancs-rly.co.uk FREE £ 28 Nov2009 - 29 Nov 2009 - See ELR Website Santa Steam Specials, Bury 0161 764 7790 www.east-lancs-rly.co.uk FREE 29 Nov 2009 - TBC Whitworth Christmas Lights Switch On & Christmas Market, Whitworth 01706 852018 www.whitworth.gov.uk £ 23 Jan 2010 - 30 Jan 2010 - 19.30 Sweet Revenge, Waterfoot 01706 228720 www.rossendaleplayers.org.uk £ 20 Mar 2010 - 27 Mar 2010 - 19.30 The Importance of Being Earnest, Waterfoot 01706 228720 www.rossendaleplayers.org.uk £ 02 Dec 2009 - 18.00 The Big Screen Comes to Bacup, Bacup 01706 874080 www.bacuproyalcourttheatre.co.uk FREE 03 Apr 2010- 09.00 Britannia Coconutters Easter Saturday, Bacup 01706 252411 www.coconutters.co.uk FREE 18 Apr 2010 - TBC Whitworth St George Celebrations, Whitworth 01706 852018 www.whitworth.gov.uk £ 05 Dec 2009 - 06 Dec 2009 - See ELR Website Santa Steam Specials, Bury 0161 764 7790 www.east-lancs-rly.co.uk 06 Dec 2009 - TBC Christmas Fair, Helmshore 01706 226459 www.lancashire.gov.uk/museums £ 12 Dec 2009 - 13 Dec 2009 - See ELR Website Santa Steam Specials, Bury 0161 764 7790 www.east-lancs-rly.co.uk £ 13 Dec 2009 - 15.00 01 Jan 2010 - PM Whitworth New Year’s Day Duck Race, Whitworth 01706 852018 www.whitworth.gov.uk £ 22 May 2010 - 29 May 2010 - 19.30 The Cemetery Club, Waterfoot 01706 228720 www.rossendaleplayers.org.uk £ 3 July 2010 - 4 July 2010 - 10.00 Singletrack Weekender, Bacup www.singletrackworld.com Freeheld Theatre presents Who’s Been Sitting in My Chair?, Waterfoot 01706 220241 www.horseandbamboo.org The Singletrack Weekender at Lee Quarry 1940’s war time weeken d at East Lancashire Rail way Call 01706 252411 Rossendale Visitors Guide The festival celebrates the fantastic food and culture available in Pennine Lancashire. Ten of the sixty events will take place in Rossendale – see below. Festival programmes and further information from www.penninelancashirefestivals.com or 01706 829432. To find out about other attractions in Rossendale contact 01706 252411. DATE & TIME EVENT VENUE CONTACT COST 29th & 30th August TEDDY BEARS PICNIC WEEKEND Track down the hidden teddies and then join the teddy bears picnic by the river. Helmshore Mills Textile Museum, Holcombe Road, Helmshore, BB4 4NP 01706 226459 www.lancashire.gov.uk/museums FREE 31st Aug 12:00-17:00 THE 3RD WORLD GRAVY WRESTLING CHAMPIONSHIP - Wrestle in the gravy pit or just watch the fun. The Rose n Bowl, Newchurch Road, Stacksteads, OL13 0UG 01706 879555 www.rosenbowl.co.uk Adult: £2.00 Child & Concession: £1.00, Family: £6.00 Aug–Sept 09:30-14:30 I COULD EAT A HORSE! - Pony trekking, picnics and pony care days. Farmhouse picnic lunch provided for pony trekking or pony care days. Peers Clough Farm, Peers Clough Road, Lumb, BB4 9NG 01706 210552 www.peerscloughpackhorses.co.uk Adult Picnic Rides: £60.00 Children’s Pony Care Days: £35.00 Adult Pony Care Days: £40.00 28th Aug 14:00-16:30 GROW, PICK, COOK AND EAT - Pick fresh fruit and vegetables for summer farmhouse soup to be eaten in the barn with locally produced bread and farm made cakes. Cronkshaw Fold Farm, Alden Road, Helmshore, BB4 4AQ 01706 218614 www.cronkshaw.co.uk Adults: £10.00 Child: £7.50 Aug-Sept RED ROSE DINERS & LANCASTRIAN LUNCHES - Dine in luxury aboard a vintage train through the spectular Irwell Valley. Red Rose Diner: 19:3022:30 Lancastrian Lunch: Sundays from 13:00-15:30 East Lancashire Railway, Bolton Street Station, Bury, BL9 0EY 0161 764 7790 www.east-lancs-rly.co.uk Red Rose Diners Adult: £38.00 Lancastrian Lunch Adult: £33.00 Child: £23.00 6th Sept 09:30-14:00 ROSSENDALE FARMERS MARKET More than 30 stalls of fresh, locally grown produce, offering great value for money. Helmshore Mills Textile Museum, Holcombe Road, Helmshore, BB4 4NP 07725 466315 www.rossendalefarmersmarket.co.uk FREE 6th Sept 13:00-16:00 HORSE & BAMBOO THEATRE OPEN DAY - Come and admire some of the wonderful masks, puppets and costumes from our productions and watch film clips of our shows. Horse + Bamboo Theatre, Waterfoot, BB4 7HB 01706 220241 www.horseandbamboo.org FREE 22nd Aug 11:00-14:00 PICNIC IN THE PARK - Come and share food and fun activities. Greenfield Memorial Gardens, Haslingden, BB4 4BE 01706 252514 [email protected] FREE Aug-Sept (every Tuesday) RELISHING SALADS - Taste locally produced salads with cheese and chutney, learn how to grow your own and watch a chutney making demonstration. Stubbylee Community Greenhouses, Stubbylee Lane, Bacup, OL13 0DE 01706 872111 [email protected] Adult: £6.00 Child and Concession: £3.50 Family: £15.00 12th-17th Sept FUDGE FESTIVAL - Daily fudge making demonstrations and tasting plus a chance to make your own Chocolate Creation at our Chocolate Day on 12th September. Fudge Village, Millfold, Off A671, Whitworth, OL12 8DN 01706 852795 www.fudgevillage.co.uk Demonstrations are FREE. Willie Wonka event: £2.99 per chocolate creation. 41 www.visitrossendale.com 42 Visitor InformationVisitor Hotline Information Call 01706 Hotline 252411 Accommodation 1 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 2 Cronkshaw Fold Farm - The Cottage & Shepherds Shack Higher Tunstead Farm Hindle Pastures Horncliffe Mount Farm B&B Leaches Farm B&B Middle Carr Farm Number 678 Oakenclough Farm One 3 One Parrock Lumb Cottages Pasture Bottom Farm Peers Clough Farm Sykeside Country House Hotel and Restaurant The Old Stables - Tippett Farm The Old White Horse To M65 Blackburn/ Burnley Rising Bridge A680 to Accrington 9 Cribden Hill Haslingden Food & Drink 1 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 Anton’s Italian Restaurant The Birches Bizzy Plaice Broadway Bites Café Tor Deer View Farm Shop The Deli Do Dah’s Café Wine Bar Farmers Glory The Fisherman’s Retreat The Glory The Red Lion Rose’n’Bowl Truly Scrumptious The White Horse A6177 to Blackburn 6 13 3 16 Grane Ogden Res. Calf Hey Res. Holden Wood Res. 2 Musbury Tor 4 7 5 7 1 4 11 Helmshore 15 5 Irwell Vale A56 2 Go 11 Attractions 1 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 2 Animal Quackers Ask Rossendale @ Horse + Bamboo Theatre Clough Head Visitor Centre & Cafe Cronkshaw Fold Farm East Lancashire Railway Fitzpatrick’s Temperance Bar Helmshore Mills Textile Museum Horse + Bamboo Theatre Pioneer Gym Ronaldsway Coach Tours Rossendale Golf Club Rossendale Museum Rossendale Players Royal Court Theatre See Gallery Ski Rossendale Fudge Village Whitworth Water Ski Centre 1 Eden 3 10 Stubbins Shopping 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 Bacup Market Beauty Spot Bolthole Brand Interiors Essentially Natural Haslingden Market Musbury Fabrics Mill Shop Personalised Gift Company Rawtenstall Market Rideon Winfield’s M66 to Bury & Manchester Call 01706 A682252411 Rossendale Visitors Guide Cloughbridge Res. to Burnley B6323 to Burnley Mary Towneley Loop 11 43 A671 to Burnley Loveclough Deerplay Moor 15 Water Dean oodshaw Weir 12 10 A671 15 Crawshawbooth A681 to Todmorden and West Yorkshire 6 Lumb 7 4 Whitewell Bottom Rawtenstall 11 Bacup 1 1 5 2 6 13 Waterfoot 4 A681 28 14 10 Britannia Stacksteads 1 Lee Quarry Cowpe 14 Dearden Moor 9 13 8 Cribden Hill Shawforth Cowpe Resr Mary Towneley Loop Facit A671 nfield 17 18 Cown Res. Scout Moor Whitworth 12 Turn A682 5 9 A680 to Rochdale 12 A681 Healey Dell 14 98 8 7 3 6 2 A6066 to Rochdale 10 A681 A682 3 5 Rawtenstall Town Centre 44 www.visitrossendale.com Visitor InformationVisitor Hotline Information Call 01706 Hotline 252411 Travelling to Rossendale couldn’t be easier Situated in the heart of England’s North West Rossendale is centrally located for Lancashire, Yorkshire, Merseyside and Cheshire. There are excellent transport connections for both UK and international visitors with four airports just an hour away, whilst the M65, M62 and M66 bring in visitors from across the country. For the most up-to-date travel information by bus, coach or train visit www.traveline.org.uk or call 0871 200 22 33. Leeds Blackpool Lancashire Rossendale Manchester Liverpool By Car Rossendale is never far from a motorway connection and that’s one of the area’s key attractions – the fact that it is so easy to get to and from. Set in the centre of a triangle formed by the Lancashire towns of Blackburn, Burnley and Bury; the M66 is only 10km (6 miles) away, the M65 is 16km (10 miles) away and the M60/M62 26km (16 miles). By Air Manchester airport is the closest airport to Rossendale with a further three airports within one hours drive-time. Manchester Airport 58km (35 miles) Blackpool Airport 66km (40miles) Liverpool Airport 77km (48 miles) Leeds Airport 80km (50 miles) By Rail or Bus The main bus station is located on Bacup Rd., Rawtenstall and the nearest mainline railway stations are at Burnley, Bury and Todmorden. Bus and rail timetables are available from Rawtenstall Library, Queen’s Square, Haslingden Rd., Rawtenstall, BB4 6QU. Full details of all Rossendale bus timetables and fare offers are also available from the Rossendale Transport. W:www.rossendalebus.co.uk. East Lancashire Railway The service runs between Rawtenstall, Bury and Heywood. The railway does not operate at all times during the week so it is best to check before you plan your journey. For full details of timetables and fares T: 0161 764 7790. Free Bus Service for East Lancashire Railway passengers. Passengers holding a valid ticket can also take advantage of the free bus service from the railway to Bank St., Rawtenstall and Rawtenstall Market. Bus number 482 and 483 can be used. Call 01706 252411 46 www.visitrossendale.com Visitor InformationVisitor Hotline Information Call 01706 Hotline 252411 Call 01706 252411 Rossendale Visitors Guide 47 48 www.visitrossendale.com Visitor Information Hotline INDULGENCE Food and Drink When it comes to dining out, Rossendale is gaining a reputation for fine food and local produce. As a semi-rural area local, fresh produce is in abundance. An increasing number of Rossendale’s eating establishments display the ‘Taste Lancashire’ logo signifying that they consistently provide a high quality dining experience and show a commitment to the use of local produce. When you are out and about look out for the Taste Lancashire logo which ensures that eating and drinking experiences will be the best you can find. This quality award scheme for eating places is managed by Lancashire and Blackpool Tourist Board. ended Taste Lancashire comm : eateries in Rossendale The Ashoka Indian Restau rant, Rawtenstall hore Mills Textile Coffee Mill Café, Helms Museum, Helmshore t, Rawtenstall Nino’s Italian Restauran rant, Bacup Red Chilli Chinese Restau t, Bacup Mario’s Italian Restauran Casa Tapas, Rawtenstall Fudge Village, Whitworth Call 01706 252411 The Dining Room Restaurant, Rawtenstall Prior to opening the Dining room restaurant, chef Andrew Robinshaw worked up an impressive C.V. with a stint as senior chef at Gordon Ramsay’s, Petrus restaurant and at award winning restaurant Nutters. Serving ambitious cuisine at not too unreasonable prices English and French dishes are given a subtle, imaginative twist. The expertly crafted seven course tasting menu is definitely worth loosening your belt for! W: www.thediningroomrestaurant.co.uk, T: 01706 210567, 8 - 12 Burnley Rd., Rawtenstall, BB4 8EW. The Red Lion Pub, Whitworth With two menus to choose from at the Red Lion pub there’s something to suit most tastes. Meat on the menu is locally reared and salad stuffs are purchased from Lancashire producers. The extensive pub menu features good vegetarian options and a catch of the day in addition to traditional pub fare. The delicious Thai menu provides a spicy alternative to the main pub menu. W: www.redlionwhitworth.co.uk, T: 01706 861441, Whitworth Square, Whitworth, OL12 8PY. Rossendale Visitors Guide The Ashoka Indian Restaurant, Rawtenstall Food at the Ashoka is cooked with pride and passion. Traditional favourites sit alongside a great range of chefs specials such as the mouthwatering Zingri Badsha; on-shell split king prawns, stir fried in garlic, onion, green pepper, pickled chillies and spring onion, done with light spices and a zest of lemon. T: 01706 231665. 255 Bacup Rd., Rawtenstall, BB4 7PA. The Bizzy Plaice, Edenfield A lovely atmosphere, great service and superb fish and chips is to be had at the Bizzy Plaice. Fantastically light and crispy batter envelops the freshest fish delivered daily from Fleetwood. If you don’t fancy fish you can enjoy a traditional rag pudding or a Cissy Green’s hand raised beef pie. T: 01706 824646. 7 Market Street, Edenfield BL0 0JQ, The Red Lion, Whitworth 49 50 www.visitrossendale.com Visitor Information Hotline Red Chilli Chinese Restaurant, Bacup Mario’s Italian Restaurant, Bacup Part of a small chain of Chinese restaurants offering authentic Beijing and Sichuan dishes located at: 25 Market Street, Bacup, OL13 8EX, T: 01706 878898 Marios Italian Restaurant offers a very warm welcome and delicious Italian meals made from fresh, daily produce. Children’s meals and vegetarian options available at 74 Market St., Bacup, OL13 0AT, T: 01706 879407 Casa Tapas, Tapas Bar and Mediterranean Restaurant, Rawtenstall Casa Tapas will cook you a real Mediterranean treat; as good as any meal you’ll find in Spain. A classical flamenco guitarist entertains diners at the weekend and you’d be advised to make a reservation as tables are quickly taken. W: www.casatapas.net, 93 - 95 Bacup Rd., Rawtenstall, BB4 7NW, T: O1706 218900 Ninos Italian Restaurant, Rawtenstall Founded in 1986 this well-established and popular restaurant serves both classic and creative Italian cuisine. The 21 day, dry aged beef is a house speciality along with the freshest of sea-food. Piano bar artists play most weekends. See website for details W: www.ninosrestaurant.co.uk 245 Bacup Rd., Rawtenstall, BB4 7PA, T: 01706 215868 The Coffee Mill Café at Helmshore Mills Textile Museum Relax and relish the unrivalled atmosphere of this amazing building whilst savouring wholesome Lancashire food with a modern twist. Holcombe Road, Helmshore, BB4 4NP, T: 01706 226459. The Fishermans Retreat Famous for its finest dry aged steak from it’s own herd of prize winning Charolais cattle plus a fantastic whisky bar; thought to be one of the best stocked bars in the world. Over 500 Scottish single malt whiskies, are all available as a dram or bottle. Riding Head Lane, Shuttleworth, Ramsbottom BL0 0HH, T: 01706 825314 W: www.fishermansretreat.com. Open Tuesday to Sunday and Bank Holiday Mondays. The Fishermans Retreat, Edenfield Call 01706 252411 The White Horse, Helmshor Rossendale Visitors Guide 51 e Did you know? The Village Chippy, Stubbins is where catwalk icon Agyness Deyn once worked as a teenager - proof that you can be a super model and still eat fish and chips! White Horse Bar and Restaurant, Helmshore This bistro-style pub serves modern British food. Ingredients are locally sourced and meals are home-made with some of the meat actually roaming the hills behind the pub. There is a bar menu as well as the à la carte and the home-made sausages are particularly popular. Helmshore Rd., Helmshore, Rossendale, BB4 4LU T: 01706 213873 The Farmers Glory For fine food in a country setting visit the Farmers Glory with stunning views across the Hyndburn and Rossendale valleys. Contemporary on the inside and old-fashioned on the outside; on a sunny day diners are drawn to the fabulous garden complete with water feature which provides an ideal setting for al fresco dining. All meals are freshly prepared, using local produce wherever possible. Meats are supplied by the local butcher and fish suppliers strive to ensure as much of their produce is caught in the open sea. Free range eggs are used in all recipes and most vegetables are grown in West Lancashire. Fine Lancashire cheeses are supplied by Proctors. The very nature of the food prepared means that fast food is not on the pubs agenda! The Farmers Glory is located on: Roundhills Rd., Haslingden, BB4 5TU, T: 01706 219241, W: www.farmersglory.co.uk The Birches Hotel provides tasty tapas in a relaxed, friendly setting close to Healey Dell nature reserve in Whitworth. 145 Market St., Whitworth, OL12 8RU T: 01706 344119. Anton’s Italian Restaurant, at The Horse and Jockey, Edenfield is a homely restaurant, run by a local family with strong European connections. The choice of dishes on the menu has been inspired by frequent trips across the continent. A selection of old menu favourites rub shoulders with newly influenced specials. Market St., Edenfield BL0 0JQ, T: 01706 828286 Anton’s Italian Restaurant, Edenfield 52 www.visitrossendale.com How about this for a black pudding recipe with a difference? Visitor Information Hotline Local food and drink producers Real Lancashire Black Pudding Company Black Pudding is a local delicacy in the Rossendale area and the finest black puddings in the country are made by Andy Holt at the Real Lancashire Black Pudding Company, Haslingden. Multi-award winning, these black puddings are used by some of the UK’s most famous celebrity chefs. In addition to the farmers markets the product is readily available in butchers’ shops throughout Rossendale. Ask for them by name and look out for the bright green and red logo. TH DIVER BURY BLACK PUDDING WI CAUGHT SCALLOPS Ingredients: 2 table spoons olive oil Black Pudding 1 x 200g of Real Lancashire scal s 6 plump fresh diver caught lop Squeeze of lemon juice 3 table spoon of olive oil /1 clove garlic- Crushed 2 1 Shallot- Chopped fine flaked 1 Desiree Potato- Peeled, cooked and with a fork l To finish a few sprigs fresh chervi Method 1 For the olive oil mash warm the olive oil and briefly fry the garlic and the shallot until softened. Add to the peeled cooked and flaked potato. 2 Slice the black pudding into 1cm discs, drizzle with 1 tablespoon olive oil and heat under a hot grill. 3 Heat the remaining oil in a frying pan and flash sear the scallops until scorched on one side - turn and fry briefly on the other side taking care not to cover the pan. Season. 4 Arrange the olive oil potatoes in the centre of a long plate – then arrange alternate slices of the black puddings and scallops down the centre – finish with a squeeze of fresh lemon and a few sprigs of chervil. Fitzpatricks Temperance Drinks Visit Fitzpatricks in Rawtenstall for thirstquenching, alcohol free beverages in Britain’s last surviving temperance bar. Blood tonic, Sarsaparilla, Ginger Beer, Dandelion and Burdock, Black Beer and Cream Soda are available as cordials to take away or why not sit round a table and soak up the atmosphere of the bar whilst sipping on one of these old-fashioned brews. 5 Bank St BB4 6QS. T: 01706 231836, W: www.mrfitzpatricks-cordials.com Lancashire Cheese You can’t leave Lancashire without tasting the distinctive flavours of Lancashire cheese and although it isn’t made in Rossendale it’s made close-by. It is readily available at all the markets and most food shops and eating places throughout the area. If you’ve never tasted it before you’ll be surprised by the range of textures and flavours. Crumbly Lancashire cheese is white and crumbly and has a slightly acidic taste and makes a great substitute for feta cheese on a Greek salad. Creamy Lancashire cheese is soft and mellow and a buttery colour and is great on sandwiches with some piccalilli. Tasty Lancashire cheese is a similar texture and colour to creamy Lancashire but with a bit more bite and is best served with plain crackers on a cheese board so that you can appreciate this full-flavoured cheese. Call 01706 252411 Rossendale Visitors Guide Fudge Village Fudge Village For all things sweet there is an opportunity to see how the professionals do it at the Fudge Village in Whitworth. Watch the sugar confectioners turn their ingredients into deliciously sweet fudges and chocolate and then taste the fruits of their labour afterwards. There’s an award winning range of twenty three different fudge flavours and other sweetmeats on sale in the factory shop. W: www.fudgevillage.co.uk Market Street, Whitworth, OL12 8DN, T: 01706 852795. Open Monday to Saturday 10.00 to 17.00hrs Real Lancashire Black Pud Real Ale Pubs in Rossendale When it comes to real ale there’s no shortage of CAMRA pubs in Rossendale and there’s even a Rossendale ale made at Porters brewery located at the Griffin Inn, Haslingden. Other popular Porters brews include: Floral Dance (3.6%), Bitter (3.8%), Railway Sleeper (4.2%), Porter (5.0%), Sunshine (5.3%). CAMRA Pubs in Rossendale: www.eastlancscamra.org.uk AT A GLANCE Fitzpatricks Temperance Bar t T: 01706 231836 , Fudge Village T: 01706 852795 The Real Lancashire Black Pudding Company T: 01706 231029 ding Company 53 www.visitrossendale.com 54 Visitor InformationVisitor Hotline Information Call 01706 Hotline 252411 whitehorse T H E B A R & R E S T A U R A N T Welcome to the white Horse Bar and Restaurant in Helmshore, overlooking both Ramsbottom and the Rossendale Valley. Since opening in late 2007, we have prided ourselves on serving the finest of local produce with our lamb being reared in the fields directly behind us. Once inside, you’ll find our inviting Bar area offering the finest of cask ales, a fine selection of carefully selected wines and a variety of cocktails, and single malts. Whether your dining or simply drinking, our staff are here to accommodate your every need. With the option of dining in the Bar area, or in the Restaurant, we offer a wide selection of classic British pub favourites, and open sandwiches throughout the day, and modern cuisine of an evening. We also have a family sports lounge upstairs, and we cater for weddings, funerals, conferences etc. Holcombe Road, Helmshore, BB4 4LU Tel: 01706 213873 Mob: 07980 714 749 www.whitehorsebarandrestaurant.com [email protected] Call 01706 252411 Visitor Information Hotline Call Visitor 01706 Information 252411 Hotline Call 01706 252411 Rossendale Visitors Guide 57 58 www.visitrossendale.com Visitor Information Hotline TRADITION Local Markets Rossendale’s alive with charming Lancashire markets, so enjoy a slice of local life and make a date to visit the valleys three markets in Bacup, Haslingden and Rawtenstall. With over 80 specialist stalls stocking over 5,000 lines you’ll find it hard to leave emptyhanded. The traders offer a warm and friendly welcome and remember parking is free at all three markets. The markets are open on selected days from 09.00hrs to 16.00hrs. Call 01706 252411 Rossendale Visitors Guide Rawtenstall has the largest market in the area with both indoor and outdoor stalls. Open for business on Thursday and Saturday Rawtenstall market is located on Newchurch Road at the bottom of Bank St. The market is easily accessible including disabled facilities. Spending time at the market is easy with a variety of stalls on offer from traditional sweets and fresh local produce, to gifts, haberdashery and a cafe serving tasty Lancashire fare to name but a few. Market days in Bacup, located on Union St are Wednesday and Saturday with a flea market on Fridays. A good selection of stalls are available, including award winning cooked meats, locally reared meats, household goods, clothing and more. Free parking is available close-by. A modern outdoor market made up of cabins and stalls is held on Blackburn Road, Haslingden on Tuesdays and Fridays. The market is easily accessible and offers a good mix of stalls from fresh produce to pet accessories, cooked meats and greeting cards. Every 1st Sunday in the month the Helmshore Mills Textile Museum car park is home to the Rossendale Farmers’ and Produce Market, where between the hours of 9.30 and 14.00 you can purchase the freshest of fresh, delicious, locally produced lamb, beef and pork; along with black puddings made in Rossendale and local cheeses. To avoid any disappointment you would be advised to get there early as some stall-holders sell out of their fine produce very quickly. T: 01706 217777. W: www.rossendale.gov.uk/markets Markets Raw tenstall Thursday and Saturday Bacup Wednesday, Friday and Saturda y Haslingden Tuesdays and Fridays Rossendale Farmers’ and Produce Market Every 1st Sunday in the month 59 60 www.visitrossendale.com Visitor Information Hotline SHOPPING Shopping in Rossendale Even the shopping in Rossendale has been shaped by the area’s industrial heritage with mill shopping being the main event. Winfields Megastore, Musbury Fabrics and Novaks Shopping Experience are the three principal mill shopping locations. At Winfields Megastore you can save £££’s on: tents, camping equipment, ski-wear, work-wear, ruck sacks, luggage, fashion clothes, shoes plus designer wellies and a whole host of other items: it’s definitely well worth a visit. T: 01706 227916 W: www.winfieldsmegastore.com Musbury Fabrics is the home of household textiles, it’s everything a mill shop should be with hundreds of rolls of fabric to choose from, great buys on bedding and bed linen, top quality towels, cushions and throws and much, much more… browse through the clearance lines and you’ll find some real bargain buys. T: 01706 244280 W: www.musburyfabrics.co.uk. Bank Street, Rawtenstall Call 01706 252411 Rossendale Visitors Guide 61 Musbury Fabrics More great deals are available at Novaks Shopping Experience, well-known for it’s top quality branded clothing at discount prices T: 01706 223493. Rossendale is a fabulous destination for clothes shopping and Rawtenstall has some great independent retail fashion outlets. Top of the shops is Sunday Best - definitely for the fashionista; Bellusci, Butterworth Jones, Dress With Finesse, Pose and Remy all have distinctive fashion collections. There are shoes for every occasion to be found in Rossendale too. As the traditional home of shoe manufacturing in the North West there are still many shoe retailers and wholesalers trading in the valley. There’s no shortage of independent shoe shops in Rawtenstall either: Sonia Grahams, Heto, Kids Academy, Pedestrian Shoes and Butterworth Jones all have unique ranges of fashion shoes. Fudge Village Bolthole Food shopping is at its best at Riley Brothers butchers and delicatessen Rearing and breeding their own high quality lamb and beef on 1,000 acres of Lancashire pasture and moorland, using natural and farm friendly methods, Riley Brothers is the hallmark of good taste. Don’t forget the markets too for a real taste of Lancashire. There’s such an endless choice of contemporary gifts and accessories at Bolthole in Rawtenstall, you’ll find it difficult to leave the store empty handed. Selected with care, their exclusive range of products for the home, garden and for children gives visitors a unique shopping experience; providing metropolitan style in the heart of the Rossendale Valley. T: 01706 228552 Visitor Information Hotline Call Visitor 01706 Information 252411 Hotline Call 01706 252411 Rossendale Visitors Guide 63 64 www.visitrossendale.com Visitor Information Hotline ADRENALINE SPORTS Bike Trials at Lee Quarry High Adrenaline Sporting Facilities The challenging terrain of Rossendale’s landscape is part of the new Pennine Lancashire Adrenaline Gateway and it’s a rising star for adrenaline sports facilities in the UK. Accessible, high moor tops at Brown Wardle hill and Scout Moor are an ideal launch pad for para-gliding whilst the disused moor-side quarries provide rocky routes to test your skills and stamina for mountain biking and off-roading. Call 01706 252411 Rossendale Visitors Guide 65 Ski Rossendale Rock Climbing Off-roading with Cowm Leisure If off-roading is your passion Cowm Leisure’s off-road motor sports park at Whitworth is the place for you. You’ll find some fantastic routes at the 150 acre site at Cowm Quarry. Stone outcrops, inclines, descents and water features test the mettle of 4x4 drivers and trial bike and pit bike riders. There are routes for novices and the more experienced; with 4x4 play days held on the last Sunday in the month. Cowm Quarry is now recognised as one of the best places in England for trials riding, providing dream territory in which to ride. T: 07970 101879 W: www.cowmleisure.com. Feel the thrill of water skiing or wake boarding at Cowm Reservoir located in the Whitworth Valley. Even disabled skiers can enjoy the freedom of the water skiing as Cowm reservoir is the northern training site for the British Disabled Water Ski Association. Taster days are available for first water skiers and a training boom can be attached to the side of the boat so you can’t fail! T: 01706 852534 W: www.whitworth-waterski.co.uk You can ski, snow-board or snow tube down the slopes of Ski Rossendale. Specialist instructors are on-hand to help you hone your skills, in readiness for tackling the 200m main slope. If you are really up for it you might want to attempt the jumps and rails and get your heart beating even faster. Nursery slopes are available for the less experienced and all equipment is provided. It’s a super activity for all the family to participate in and a great way to stay in shape. T: 01706 226457 W: www.ski-rossendale.co.uk Highly rated by windsurf users especially if there’s an easterly wind, Clowbridge Reservoir, near Crawshawbooth is a right windy shop! It’s great for Dinghy Sailing and Windsurfing and is a RYA recognised teaching establishment for Dinghy Sailing and Windsurfing, levels 1 and 2. Why not try something new and get your heart racing faster? Taster sessions are available if you’re unsure this is the thing for you and for more advanced windsurfers there’s a techniques clinic. T: 01282 421674 W: www.rvsc.co.uk. 66 www.visitrossendale.com Visitor Information Hotline Some of the best purpose-built mountain bike trails and bike trials areas in the UK are located at Lee Quarry, Bacup and they’re free to ride all year round. Roller coaster ups and downs and daring drops offs run through a lunar-like landscape with a great selection of both black and red routes. Lee Quarry can be approached from the A681 at Bacup, from Futures Park there is a steep climb up on an old tramway. Competitive mountain biking events are staged throughout the year. W: www.adrenaline-gateway.co.uk There are Race Series 2 mountain biking events @ Lee Quarry, Bacup, 6th September 2009, 27th September 2009, 18th October 2009. W: www.brownbacksracing.co.uk For more exciting ascents and descents the Mary Towneley Loop provides miles and miles of challenging, off-road mountain biking. For maps and more information on this spectacular 76km (47 mile) route W: www.nationaltrail.co.uk/penninebridleway Bike Trials at Lee Qu arr y The Singletrack Weeke nder at Lee Quarry See page 38 for det ails of next years event on 3 4 July 2010 Call 01706 252411 Rossendale Visitors Guide 67 Interview with Craig at Ride On Q Are you a Rossendale lad? A Not quite I lived over the border at Rochdale but was drawn to the untouched moorlands and quiet beauty of the area when I bought my first house in the 1990’s. Paragliding near Whitwo rth High altitudes and wild scenery at Brown Wardle Hill, Whitworth and Scout Moor, Edenfield provide a superb back-drop for hang-gliding and para-gliding. If you are adventurous enough to try your hand at these thrilling, high adrenaline activities, Airborne UK can get you off the ground. T: 07973 845616 W: wwwairborne.uk.com Q What’s the best thing about biking in Rossendale? A Right on the doorstep you’ve got quarryman’s tracks, old tramways, bridleways and lots of hidden valleys so if you’re a bit adventurous and prepared to follow your nose the hills are full of surprises and you are never that far away from civilisation. Q Can people hire bikes from you? A Yes we can cater for groups of up to 10 people and need about 24 hours notice. Q What if people are nervous about trekking out on their own if they don’t know the area? The rugged industrial Pennine moors, that provide a spectacular backdrop to the Rossendale Valley, have for decades been the outdoor playground for “in the know” locals. Yet with its unrivalled ease of access from multiple motorways we are only just starting to realise the potential for outdoor activity tourism in the Pennines and it is Rossendale with its Adrenaline Gateway project that is leading the way. As a bike rider, local business owner and resident of Rossendale, I am extremely excited about what the Adrenaline Gateway project could do for Rossendale and I’m very proud to be associated. Craig Robertson A Our shop acts as a hub and a meeting place for like-minded people who are into mountain biking. Every week we run a midweek ride from the shop which normally lasts about 2 hours and then on some weekends we have informal outings. Q What do visitors say about mountain-biking in Rossendale? A I’ve got friends who have biked all over the world and they think Rossendale is fantastic. Some have even upped-sticks from the South of England and moved here so that they can have easy access to the great mountain-biking the area has to offer. Q What brings a smile to your face? A Seeing lots of new faces enjoying Rossendale’s rugged landscape and listening to their positive comments about this unpolished, gem of a place. Visitor Information Hotline Call 01706 252411 70 www.visitrossendale.com Business Directory Accommodation As well as being a perfect destination in itself, Rossendale is an ideal, peaceful base for visitors to the Manchester area, only half-an-hour away by road. With many of the North of England’s other attractions also within easy travelling distance, Rossendale is an excellent area in which to stay. Whether you are visiting Rossendale on business or pleasure, you will find a full selection of accommodation to suit your needs. National Scheme - VisitBritain & AA Gradings These organisations inspect accommodation and award star ratings for serviced and self-catering establishments. The more stars (from one to five) the higher the overall standard including customer care, facilities and service. The symbols explained below are designed to help you find the quality of accommodation to suit your requirements. Simple, practical, no frills. Well presented and well run. Good level of quality and comfort. Excellent standard throughout. Exceptional with a degree of luxury. Important: Whilst every care has been taken to ensure the accuracy of the information in this guide, Rossendale Borough Council cannot accept responsibility for any errors or omissions. Inclusion of accommodation in this Guide does not imply any form of recommendation, or guarantee of services, on the part of Rossendale Borough Council. Please check specific details with accommodation providers when making a booking or planning a visit. The information was compiled in August 2009. Visitor Information Hotline Number 678 Guest House 678 Burnley Road East, Whitewell Bottom, Rossendale, BB4 9NT Tel: 01706 215884 Email: [email protected] www.number678.co.uk With private rear garden bordering Whitewell Brook all rooms are en-suite with full hospitality tray and many extras. Guests have private facilities, free wi-fi with ample parking and cycle lockup. One 3 One Guest House 131 Haslingden Old Road, Rawtenstall, BB4 8RR Tel: 01706 600463 Email: [email protected] www.one3oneGuestHouse.com Welcome to One 3 One, a striking Georgian House in an ideal location. Offering contemporary style en-suite rooms at very reasonable rates. Recently achieving a Silver Award for excelling in customer service. Serviced Accommodation Middle Carr Farm Bed & Breakfast Hall Carr Road, Rawtenstall, Lancashire BB4 6BS Tel: 01706 225353 email: [email protected] www.middlecarrfarm.co.uk A warm welcome awaits you at Middle Carr Farm. A grade II listed building originally 1711 and renovated in1986. Lockup for cycles, off road parking, Hospitality trays, wireless internet access, digital TV’s all rooms. Sykeside Country House Hotel & The Riding’s Restaurant Rawtenstall Road End, Haslingden, Rossendale, Lancashire, BB4 6QE Tel: 01706 831163 Email: [email protected] www.sykesidecountryhousehotel.co.uk Sykeside Country House Hotel is a privately owned, family run hotel found in the heart of the Rossendale valley. Our aim is to offer the highest standards of comfort ensuring your visit is a pleasant and enjoyable one. Call 01706 252411 Pasture Bottom Farm Rossendale Visitors Guide 71 Parrock Lumb Cottages Pasture Bottom Farm, Bacup 0L13 9UZ Tel: 01706 873790 email: [email protected] Todmorden Road, Bacup OL13 9UT Tel: 01706 873598 email: sales@parrocklumbcottages. co.uk Mobile: 07920 095415 www.parrocklumbcottages.co.uk Horncliffe Mount Farm Bed & Breakfast Three spacious self-catering cottages, all modern conveniences including underfloor c/heating. Open plan living areas, room to relax! Welcome pack included. Parrock Lumb Farm – £525-£560.00 per week sleeps 6. The Shippon – £455-£490.00 per week sleeps 6 (5A + 1C). Dairy – £420-£455.00 per week sleeps 6 (4A + 2C). Lomas Lane, Balladen, Rawtenstall, Lancashire, BB4 6HU Tel/Fax: 01706 220 227 www.horncliffemountfarm.co.uk Leaches Farm Bed & Breakfast Ashworth Valley, Rochdale, Lancashire OL11 5UN Tel: 01706 641116 Self-catering Accommodation Cronkshaw Fold Farm Cottage Alden Road, Helmshore, Rossendale BB4 4AQ Tel: 01706 218614 Email: [email protected] www.cronkshaw.co.uk Sleeps 5-6 comfortably (up to 14 beds available). Lounge with children friendly fixtures and fittings. Cot and high-chair available. A good base for walking/ educational groups (with catering). Renowned for environmental best practise, conservation and sustainable farming. Awarded the Silver Green Tourism Award in 2004. Oakenclough Farm Self-catering Oakenclough Road, Bacup, OL13 9ET Tel: 01706 879319, Mob: 07870 566951 or 07738 939093 www.oakencloughfarm.co.uk A comfortable 300-year-old farmhouse. On the edge of the moors and only half a mile from Bacup. Real ale pub only 300yards. Beamed lounge and large cast iron fire. Sleeps 8 in 4 bedrooms, some en-suite plus main bathroom. Dogs welcome. Shepherds Shack at Cronkshaw Fold Farm Alden Road, Helmshore, Rossendale BB4 4AQ Tel: 01706 218614 Email: [email protected] www.cronkshaw.co.uk This delightful bunkhouse sleeps 2 in a tucked away fold of our land. Heating and cooking on a little wood burner. There is a good pub/eaterie close by. Toilets and water supply nearby. There is also a deck and bench and plenty of wood for the stove. From £12.50 per person per night. The Old Stables @ Tippett Farm Self Catering Farmhouse Cowpe, Rossendale, Lancs, BB4 7AE Tel: 01706 224741 Email: [email protected] www.tippettfarm.co.uk Large stone farmhouse, (sleeps 8). Minimum stay 2 nights, use 1, 2, 3 or all 4 bedrooms, variable tariff. Small-holding with farm animals and free range eggs, walking right from the door with breathtaking views. 72 www.visitrossendale.com Self-catering Accommodation Hindle Pastures Highgate Lane, Whitworth, Rochdale, Lancashire, OL12 0TS Tel: 01706 643310 www.hindlepastures.co.uk Restaurants Deer View Farm Shop Scar End Farm, Weir, Rossendale OL13 8QB Tel: 01706 875407 Email: [email protected] www.deerviewfarmshop.co.uk A real working Lancashire farm. We have a fully stocked deli, butchery and brand new tearoom. Stocking all your usual treats, plus various home produced sausages and on site dry cured bacon, a speciality being the treacle back. Do-dahs Cafe Bar 103-105 Bank Street, Rawtenstall, Rossendale, BB4 7QN Tel: 01706 211011 Email: [email protected] Fully licensed with a wide range of hot drinks, providing high quality meals that are freshly made using local produce. Breakfast meetings, functions and conferences for up to 110 people, disabled access, high chair and baby changing facilities, outside seating area. Anton’s Italian Restaurant 85 Market Street, Edenfield, Rossendale BL0 0JQ Tel: 01706 828286 Visitor Information Hotline Fitzpatrick’s Temperance Bar 5 Bank Street, Rawtenstall BB4 6QS Tel: 01706 231836 Britain’s Last Original Temperance Bar Fitzpatrick’s accredited temperance bar in Rawtenstall has been making soft drinks for the people of Rossendale and Lancashire for 116 years. Offering thirstquenching beverages such as Sarsaparilla, Ginger Beer, Blood Tonic, Black Beer and Cream Soda to name but a few. The Old School Room Café Within Haslingden Community Link and Children’s Centre, Bury Road, Haslingden, BB4 5GP Tel: 01706 238351 Café and Outside Catering Our beautiful café boasts a modern interior with a warm and friendly atmosphere. Enjoy hot and cold drinks and fresh food by our award-winning chefs. Our outside catering caters for all events from birthdays to dinner parties. Broadway Bites 13 Broadway Crescent, Helmshore, Rossendale BB4 4HW Tel: 01706 223777 Cafe Tor Park Mill, Holcombe Rd, Helmshore BB4 4NP Tel: 01706 213813 email: [email protected] Truly Scrumptious 4 Rosebank, Rawtenstall, Lancashire BB4 7RD Tel: 01706 212007, 07738 421957 www.trulyscrumptious-cakes.co.uk Call 01706 252411 Leisure Activities The Beauty Spot 222 Helmshore Road, Helmshore, Rossendale BB4 4DJ Tel: 01706 830333 All your hair and beauty needs under one roof. Jane and Jill and their team offer a full range of services, including hairdressing, waxing, massage, facials and tanning. They are also able to offer specialist treatments such as teeth whitening, semipermanent makeup and collagenics. Rossendale Visitors Guide Rossendale Golf Club Ewood Lane Head, Haslingden, Rossendale BB4 6LH Tel: 01706 831339 Email: [email protected] www.rossendalegolfclub.net Visitors are welcome to come and test our course and enjoy our facilities. Our golf course is a challenging 6,293 yards Par 72 with beautiful views of the surrounding Pennine Hills. The Club House boasts a large lounge, dining area, fully stocked bar, sizeable locker rooms, a fully stocked Pro-Shop with all the leading brands in golf and a large car park. The Rossendale Players Pioneer Health & Fitness Studio Pioneer Health Studio, Riverside Business Park, Roadcliffe Road, Bacup Tel: 01706 878155 www.pioneerhealthstudio.co.uk Our brand studio boasts an indoor 84m professional surface running track, modern changing facilities, 3 aerobic studios, brand new Cybex cardio vascular and resistance equipment, dedicated free weights room, rehabilitation fitness studios, nail and hair salons, tanning facilities and much more! Pay as you go sessions available. New Millennium Theatre, Burnley Rd. East, Waterfoot, Rossendale BB4 9AR Tel: 01706 228720 Email: [email protected] www.rossendaleplayers.org.uk The Players present award-winning plays and performances in their intimate theatre and welcome everyone to their new season. Whitworth Waterski and Wakeboard Centre Cowm Brook House, Cowm Reservoir, Tong Lane, Whitworth, Rochdale OL12 8BE Tel: 01706 852534 Email: [email protected] www.whitworth-waterski.co.uk Don’t forget to mention Rossendale Visitor Guide when using any of these businesses 73 Learn to waterski or wakeboard in beautiful surroundings or simply enjoy the view or take a stroll. Cafe open weekends. www.visitrossendale.com 74 Shopping BOLTHOLE 71, Bank street, Rawtenstall, Rossendale. Lancs. BB4 7QN Tel: 01706 228552 Email: [email protected] boltholegifts.co.uk b o l t h o l e Contemporary gifts and accessories for the home, garden and children. Metropolitan style in the heart of the Rossendale valley. Rossendale Markets: Bacup, Haslingden & Rawtenstall Bacup Market, Union Street, Bacup OL13 0AA Haslingden Market, Blackburn Road, Haslingden, BB4 5QG Rawtenstall Market, Newchurch Road, Rawtenstall, BB4 7QX Tel: 01706 217777 Email: [email protected] www.rossendale.gov.uk/markets Want to advertise with us next year? Call 01706 252411 for details. Visitor InformationVisitor Hotline Information Call 01706 Hotline 252411 Call 01706 252411 76 www.visitrossendale.com Visitor Information Hotline Call 01706 252411 Rossendale Visitors Guide 77 Visitor Information Hotline Call 01706 252411 Visitor Information Hotline Whatever the weather a warm welcome awaits you Top Quality Rural Accommodation in Rossendale You can be sure of high standards of accommodation when you book a place to stay in Rural Rossendale. All the properties in this group boast stunning views, peace and quiet; with great facilities for horse riders, mountain bikers and walkers. Visit Rossendale for a real Lancashire experience. Cronkshaw Fold Farm Self-Catering, sleeps 5-6. Family friendly, farm activities, uncertified organic produce. Alden Road, Helmshore. BB4 4AQ Tel 01706 218614 Web www.cronkshaw.co.uk Horncliffe Mount Farm B&B, 2 double rooms, 1 en suite, 1 bathroom. Home made produce, close to East Lancashire Steam Railway. Lomas Lane, Rawtenstall. BB4 6HU Tel 01706 220227 Web www.horncliffemountfarm.co.uk Number 678 Guest House, 3 double rooms, 1 twin room, all en suite. Free Wifi, ample car parking, private rear garden by the river and private facilities. 678 Burnley Road East, Whitewell Bottom, Rossendale, BB4 9NT Tel 01706 215884 Web www.number678.co.uk One 3 One Guest House, 2 double rooms en suite, 1 twin room en suite. A striking Georgian House in an ideal location. 131 Haslingden Old Road, Rawtenstall, BB4 8RR Tel 01706 600 463 Web www.one3oneGuestHouse.com Parrock Lumb Cottages Self-Catering, 3 recently restored adjacent properties, no seasonal supplements. Sleeps 6 in each property. Todmorden Road, Bacup. OL13 9UT Tel 01706 873598 Web www.parrocklumbcottages.co.uk Pasture Bottom Farm B&B, 2 twin, 1 double all ensuite. Working beef farm. Close to Planet Earth Astronomy Centre. Off Oakenclough Rd Bacup OL13 9UZ Tel 01706 873790 Web www.smoothhound.co.uk/hotels/pasture.html Peers Clough Farm B&B, 1 double, 2 twin. On the Mary Towneley Loop, tailored trail riding. Peers Clough Rd, Lumb BB4 9NG Tel 01706 210552 Web www.peersclough farm.co.uk Tippett Farm Self-Catering, sleeps 8, on the Mary Towneley Loop, free range eggs available. Off Cowpe Rd, Cowpe. BB4 7AE Tel 01706 224741 Web www.tippettfarm.co.uk Rural Partners Working Together www.ruralrossendale.co.uk
Similar documents
Rossendale Walks - Visit Lancashire
park and follow the track at end the of the car park down towards the reservoir, but at the picnic site, turn left here through the gate and drop down across the dam to the far side. Go trough the ...
More information