Paddy’s Pole and Winter Hill Circular
Greater Manchester
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.
At a Glance
- Distance
- 8.8 km (5.5 miles)
- Difficulty
- Moderate
- Duration
- 3 hr
- Walk Type
- Peak, Moorland
- Route Type
- Circular
- Off Lead Potential
- Low
- Livestock Risk
- High
- Facilities
- None on route
- Parking
- Belmont Village car park
Dog Friendly Stays Nearby
Make a weekend of it. These are the closest dog friendly places to stay to Paddy’s Pole and Winter Hill Circular, each one checked for its dog policy before we listed it.
Lower Mount Farm - On The Tops
Sleeps 4 · 1 dog · Enclosed garden
from £669 / 7 nights
Cross Keys Inn Cottages - One Dorchester Drive
Sleeps 5 · 2 dogs · Enclosed garden
from £423 / 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.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Paddy's Pole and Winter Hill Circular dog friendly?
Paddy's Pole and Winter Hill Circular earns a solid 8/10 for dog friendliness. The wide moorland tracks give dogs plenty of space to move, and the heather and peat-rich ground offers great scent for curious noses. After your walk, Belmont village has parking nearby and the Black Dog pub welcomes walkers and dogs.
Can dogs be off lead at Paddy's Pole and Winter Hill Circular?
Off-lead opportunities are limited on this route, as sheep graze the open moorland year-round across all sections. Dogs should be kept on leads throughout the entire 8.9km circuit to avoid disturbing livestock. The broad tracks do give a good sense of space even with your dog on a lead.
What should I know before visiting Paddy's Pole and Winter Hill Circular with my dog?
This is an exposed moorland walk that reaches 456 metres at the summit, where wind can be strong and visibility can drop quickly, so always check the weather before heading out. The ground can be soft and peaty after rain, particularly on the approaches to the upper moor. There are no water sources on the route, so bring enough water for both you and your dog, and be prepared for a steady climb with 330 metres of ascent.
Visitor Reviews
4.0 / 5 · 1 review
Sam Wright@sam-wildpack
30 May 2026
Excellent walk for those who don't mind a bit more of a challenge and some light uphill walking. Excellent views from the pole on a clear day. Super quiet route when I did it, which was on a nice day on a weekend so imagine it's always quieter. Bowie enjoyed exploring the moorland and variety in the route, with plenty of streams early on to cool down in. He was off lead 90% of the time too. Great one to put your headphones in and enjoy the views!
What’s Nearby?
Walk1.9 mi awayEntwistle and Wayoh Reservoir Circular
Greater Manchester
A double reservoir circuit in the West Pennine Moors above Bolton, with the Strawbury Duck pub as a well-placed halfway stop.
Walk2.7 mi awayJumbles Country Park
Greater Manchester
No livestock at Jumbles Country Park lets a dog explore quieter woodland paths away from the busy reservoir shore, with a cafe near the water.
Walk2.8 mi awayJubilee Tower and Darwen Moor Circular
Lancashire
A West Pennine Moors moorland walk to Darwen's Victorian hilltop tower with panoramic views over Lancashire.
Walk2.8 mi awaySmithills Estate: Dean Brook and Barrow Bridge Circular
Greater Manchester
Wooded cloughs and moorland edge give dogs on a lead plenty of ground to cover on this circuit below Winter Hill, following Dean Brook and Barrow Bridge.
Walk4 mi awayRoddlesworth Reservoirs and Tockholes Plantation
Lancashire
Wide forest tracks give a dog room to range around these twin West Pennine reservoirs, with a cafe and dog friendly pub to start you off.
Walk4.2 mi awayRivington Pike and Terraced Gardens Circular
Lancashire
A Rivington classic combining the historic Lever Park terraced gardens with the moorland climb to Rivington Pike tower.