Walker Fold Walk

Walker Fold is an area on the moors above Bolton. It is part of Smithills Estate, a country park owned and managed by the Woodland Trust.

The walk is easy with no steep hills. It is just over 1 mile long. Footpaths are in good condition.

Walker Fold Car Park, Walker Fold Road, Smithills Estate, Bolton
Walker Fold Car Park – Closed at the time of our visit due to icy conditions

The walk starts and finishes at the Walker Fold Car Park. This is located on Walker Fold Road (postcode BL1 7PT). The car park is free but donations towards its upkeep are appreciated. At the time of our visit (January 2020) there was a van here selling hot drinks and snacks. The car park also offers several picnic tables.

Van selling hot drinks and snacks at Walker Fold Car Park, Bolton
Van selling hot drinks and snacks

Go through the gate at the top of the car park and follow the path up the hill.

4K video of the walk around Walker Fold
Gate at top of Walker Fold Road Car Park
Gate at top of Walker Fold Road Car Park

Look back as you climb the hill. There are good views of Bolton and Manchester. The distinctive chimney at Barrow Bridge can also be seen.

View of Walker Fold Road and Bolton
View of Walker Fold Road and Bolton

Go through the gate at the top of the hill and continue following the path. After about 50 yards take the path to the right. This leads down to Walker Fold Woods.

Gate at Walker Fold
Gate at top of hill
Take the path to the right
Take the path to the right

Follow the path down the side of the hill. There are good views of Winter Hill and Walker Fold Woods.

Walker Fold Woods
Walker Fold Woods

Go through the gate at the bottom of the hill and then turn right.

Gate, Walker Fold, Smithills Estate
Turn righ after this gate

Go through the gate into the Woods. The path here runs along the southern edge of Walker Fold Woods.

Gate into Walker Fold Woods
Gate into Walker Fold Woods

Continue along the path. After around ½ mile you will come to Walker Fold Road. Just before reaching the road, take the path to the right. This leads back to Walker Fold Car Park.

Path through Walker Fold Woods
Path through Walker Fold Woods

Other walks are possible from Walker Fold Car Park. There are paths to Winter Hill and Barrow Bridge.

Route Map

Map showing location of Walker Fold Walk

Starting Point

Address
Walker Fold Car Park
Bolton
Greater Manchester
BL1 7PT

Coordinates
Latitude: 53.60587
Longitude: -2.49104

Walk Information

Difficulty: Easy
Length: 1.1 miles

GPS Route Map - GPX File

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Download GPX File - For GPS devices and smartphone route planning/mapping apps


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