
Redisher, near Ramsbottom, Greater Manchester
Redisher Woods
Broadleaf woodland
Source image
5.3
Wildland
1–2 hours for a short woodland visit
Time
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Cost
Peaceful
Feel
Why it's Wildland
5.3Redisher Wood is a green, brookside stretch in a landscape that shifts quickly from woodland to open hillside. Walkers report birdlife along the stream; longer circuits link the wood with the surrounding hills and Peel Tower.
The appeal here is the contrast: a wooded brook valley, then open ground and views across the surrounding hills. It offers a rewarding nature-led walk close to the Ramsbottom area, with a longer route available for those who want to make a day of it.
Peaceful · Atmospheric
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The experience
Keep the visit simple with a walk beside Holcombe Brook, or use Redisher Wood as one section of a longer circuit through the surrounding countryside. The documented longer route passes woodland, open moorland and hillside, with Peel Tower among its named sights. Conditions include rougher paths and muddy sections, so sturdy footwear is sensible.
Things to do
Walk beside Holcombe Brook
Follow the wooded valley path alongside the brook. Confirm the access point locally and stay on paths where access is permitted.
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Look and listen for birds along the brook
Take time to watch the water and woodland edges. A walker reported dipper, grey wagtail and tawny owl in the area; wildlife sightings vary.
Allow extra time within your walk
Extend the visit towards Peel Tower
A published circular route links Redisher Wood with open moorland, Bull Hill, Harcles Hill and Peel Tower. It is a longer outing with rough and sometimes muddy sections.
5.8 miles; estimated 2.5–3 hours
Make a day of it
Quick escape · 1–2 hours; estimate
A short brookside woodland walk
- 01
Enter the woodland by a confirmed public access point.
- 02
Follow the path beside Holcombe Brook for a short out-and-back walk.
- 03
Return the same way; check current access and path conditions before setting off.
Half day · About 2.5–3 hours for the documented 5.8-mile circuit
Woodland, brook and open-country circuit
- 01
Use a current route map and verify the start point and access arrangements before setting out.
- 02
Follow the documented circuit through Redisher Wood beside Holcombe Brook.
- 03
Continue over open moorland and hillside, passing Bull Hill and Harcles Hill.
- 04
Return via Peel Tower and the route’s recorded descent to the start.
Hidden details
Birdlife in the wooded valley — A walking account records sightings of dipper, grey wagtail and tawny owl in Redisher Wood. These are reported observations, not guaranteed sightings.
The route’s change of scene — The longer circuit moves from the brookside wood to open moorland and hillside, with Peel Tower listed among its sights.
When to go
April · May · October · Early morning for a quieter walk and time to watch for birds; this timing is suggested by the source row, not a guarantee of sightings or solitude.
The source row describes spring woodland flowers and birdsong, and autumn colour. A separate route account notes muddy conditions can affect the longer circuit.
Expect muddy sections after rain on the longer circuit; sturdy footwear is recommended. Check current weather and path conditions before setting out.
The route
- ascent
- 948 ft elevation gain
- stiles
- Not specified for this circuit in the supplied route source.
- surface
- Good tracks, rougher paths and paved roads; can be muddy in wet conditions
- distance
- 5.8 miles for the documented circular route
- duration
- Estimated 2.5–3 hours
- difficulty
- Moderate, according to the route source
- waymarking
- Not specified; use a current route map.
- route shape
- Loop
- start point
- The supplied route source describes a circular route but does not provide a verified start location in the excerpt. Check the route map before setting out.
- parking start
- A separate walking account parks on Royds Street near the church in Tottington for a longer, different walk. This is not confirmed as the start parking for the 5.8-mile circuit; check local restrictions.
- shorter alternative
- Walk a short out-and-back section beside Holcombe Brook, returning the same way; no measured short route is supplied.
- Redisher Wood beside Holcombe Brook
- Open moorland and hillside
- Bull Hill and Harcles Hill
- Peel Tower
Worth pairing with
Peel Tower and the surrounding hills
A documented longer circular route from the Redisher Wood area includes Bull Hill, Harcles Hill and Peel Tower. Check route details and access before walking.
What to look for
Notice how the path follows the brook through the wooded valley, and watch for birds along the water. A walking account reports dipper, grey wagtail and tawny owl, but sightings are not guaranteed. The longer circuit also gives views towards Peel Tower.
The story
Industrial heritage is mentioned in the source row, but the supplied research does not verify surviving mill remains at the wood.
Best time to go
Spring for woodland flowers and birdsong; autumn for colour. Woodland paths may be muddy in wet weather.
Spring is a good time to look for woodland flowers and hear birdsong; choose a dry spell if possible, as the longer route can be muddy. The source row suggests early mornings and weekdays for a quieter visit.
How long to spend
1–2 hours for a short woodland visit; allow 2.5–3 hours for the documented circular route
Perfect for
Walkers · Wildlife lovers · Photographers
Practical information
Opening & access
A woodland path follows Holcombe Brook through the valley. The supplied sources do not establish current access arrangements or a dedicated car park; check before visiting and use only public rights of way. Access arrangements are unconfirmed. Check before visiting; do not enter private land or restricted structures.
Check before visiting
Parking
A supplied route account describes roadside parking near Tottington, not a confirmed car park at Redisher Woods. Check parking and local restrictions before setting out.
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Toilets
No on-site toilets are reported in the supplied source row; check before visiting.
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Food & drink
The source row reports cafés and pubs in nearby Ramsbottom; check current options and opening times.
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Dogs
Check current access information and local signage before bringing a dog.
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Accessibility
Path conditions vary. The source row says some sections may suit buggies and wheelchairs, while others are uneven; the documented longer circuit includes rough paths, paved roads and steep sections. Check conditions and route suitability before visiting.
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Cost
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Check before visiting
Water
Brook / stream
Gallery
Place photographsKeep exploring
Around Redisher Woods
Within 50 km · approximate straight-line distances






