Lancashire's GREAT Hill & White Coppice - ( within Anglezarke Moor, part of the West Pennine Moors)

The GREAT Hill and White Coppice are hidden in the remote parts of the West Pennine Moors in Lancashire.

In a remote part of the West Pennine Moors of Lancashire between Belmont, Chorley and Darwen, you can discover a hill on Anglezarke Moor which claims to be Great Hill. We investigate its claim, and consider the attributes offered. To achieve this goal, we must venture across the remote moors but are assisted by the old stone slabs under our feet and we can follow the old boundary wall of Chorley and Blackburn to guide us in the direction we are required to follow.

Once we have gained the summit of Great Hill, we are sheltered from the howling winds by the unique stone seating arrangements. When rested we head in a westerly direction to the ruins of Drinkwater Farm. This provides an opportunity to discover the origins of Joe's Cup, the Fell Runner.

Heading south we descend into Black Brook and review the lead mining that began in the late 17th century. Admiring the beauty that transpires from the workings of the mines we wonder down the valley to visit the village of White Coppice. It is here that we consider the industrial past and the conditions of the workers and how the bequest of a mill owner resulted in the formation of the White Coppice Cricket Club.

Rested, we now begin our return journey heading south. We admire the old Manor House of Anglezarke before continuing towards Lead Mines Clough. here we admire Limestone Brook before heading home past the old ruined farms of the Hempshaw's.

The walk is about nine miles and the climb up to the plateau of Great Hill is a gain of about 500 feet to reach the summit. Underfoot conditions can be challenging, typical of all moorlands it tends to be boggy. Doing this in winter when the ground is frozen is great from a walking on solid ground perspective, but of course you then take on the extra challenge of being caught on very open ground in icy windy conditions, which can be life threatening. Even in summer conditions can be a challenge, so ensure you have all the appropriate gear for all eventualities.

If you enjoy the great outdoors (hiking, walking, running) and appreciate the views of the countryside with a curiosity as to the development and history of the structures within the landscape, this video is for you.

This video may help you discover a new route on the West Pennine Moors, obviously the route described above and the content of the video will provide insight but you should use the appropriate OS map for final detail. However, if you need further help please don't be afraid to use the comments section of this video and I will attempt to help where possible.