Great Hill from White Coppice
Lancashire
White Coppice is a small hamlet of terraced cottages and a cricket ground on the western edge of the West Pennine Moors above Chorley, its reservoirs once used to power a nearby bleachworks. Sheep graze the lower slopes, so this suits a fit dog on a lead. This out and back route of 6.2km climbs from the cricket ground across the Goit and Wheelton Moor, passing the ruins of Drinkwaters farmhouse, to reach the summit of Great Hill at 381 metres. The path is rocky and uneven on the climb, easing into moorland track higher up, with a total ascent of 241 metres. From the summit shelter the view reaches Winter Hill, Rivington Pike and, on a clear day, the Forest of Bowland, before retracing the same route to White Coppice.
This is a dog friendly walk, but one where the lead has to stay on. Sheep graze the open farmland on the lower slopes, and local guides are clear that dogs should remain on a lead throughout rather than just near the flocks. There is little shade and no water once you leave the reservoirs at White Coppice, so bring enough for a thirsty dog on a warm day. The climb is on rocky, uneven ground that some dogs manage more easily than others, though the kissing gates along the way are simpler than stiles. Parking is free at the White Coppice cricket ground, and there are no cafes or pubs on the route, so this is one for a there and back walk rather than a day out.
At a Glance
- Distance
- 6.2 km (3.9 miles)
- Difficulty
- Challenging
- Duration
- 2 hr 30 min
- Walk Type
- Moorland, Peak
- Route Type
- Out and Back
- Off Lead Potential
- Low
- Livestock Risk
- Moderate
- Facilities
- None on route; White Coppice cricket ground has no cafe or confirmed dog friendly pub nearby.
- Parking
- White Coppice Cricket Ground car park (PR6 9DE), free.
Dog Friendly Stays Nearby
Make a weekend of it. These are the closest dog friendly places to stay to Great Hill from White Coppice, each one checked for its dog policy before we listed it.
Cross Keys Inn Cottages - One Dorchester Drive
Sleeps 5 · 2 dogs · Enclosed garden
from £423 / 7 nights
Meadow Cottage At Swarbrick Hall Farm
Sleeps 10 · 1 dog · Enclosed garden
from £1,917 / 7 nights
Lower Mount Farm - On The Tops
Sleeps 4 · 1 dog · Enclosed garden
from £669 / 7 nights
Booking links are affiliate links. We may earn a commission if you book through them, at no extra cost to you. Prices are a guide only and change with dates and availability.
All dog friendly stays in LancashireFrequently Asked Questions
Is Great Hill from White Coppice dog friendly?
Great Hill from White Coppice is dog friendly, though it comes with some important caveats that earn it a 6/10 rating. It suits a fit, confident dog best — the 6.2km out-and-back route involves a rocky, uneven climb of 241 metres to a 381-metre summit, and there are no facilities on the route whatsoever. If your dog can handle rougher terrain and doesn't mind being on the lead throughout, the panoramic views from the top make it a rewarding trip.
Can dogs be off lead at Great Hill from White Coppice?
No — dogs should remain on the lead for the entire route, not just when sheep are in sight. Sheep graze the open farmland on the lower slopes, and local guidance is clear that the lead stays on throughout rather than just near the flocks. The kissing gates along the way are more manageable than stiles, which does make things a little easier for dog owners.
What should I know before visiting Great Hill from White Coppice with my dog?
The biggest practical consideration is water — there is no shade and no water source once you leave the reservoirs at White Coppice, so bring plenty for a warm day. There are also no cafes or pubs on the route, so this is very much a there-and-back walk rather than a day out with stops. Parking is free at White Coppice Cricket Ground (PR6 9DE), which makes for an easy start.
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