Paddy’s Pole and Winter Hill Circular

Winter Hill rises to 456 metres above the West Pennine Moors, and this 8.9km circuit from Belmont climbs broad moorland tracks to the summit at Paddy's Pole, a tall marker post visible for miles around. The views from the top are enormous: the Lancashire coast, Blackpool Tower, the Fylde plain, and on clear days the Lake District fells and Snowdonia. The television mast that dominates the skyline is a local landmark, and the moorland around it has a stark, windswept character that feels genuinely remote despite the proximity of Bolton and Chorley below. With 330 metres of ascent on firm tracks, the climb is steady and straightforward.

This exposed dog friendly walk demands respect for weather conditions, as the summit catches wind from every direction and visibility can drop rapidly. Off-lead potential is limited throughout as sheep graze the open moorland year-round, and leads should be kept on across all sections. The moorland tracks carry good scent from heather, peat and the particular damp-earth smell of the Pennine moors, and the wide tracks give a sense of space even on a lead. Water sources are limited on the upper moor, so carry a supply. The ground can be soft and peaty after rain, particularly on the approaches. Belmont village has parking and the Black Dog pub welcomes walkers and dogs. Best on a clear day when the panoramic views justify the climb.