Old Mines in Winter Hill

Shaly Dingle

Part of the West Pennine Moors, Winter Hill itself is a well-known area for hiking and other outdoor activities, but tucked away on the north slopes, on the edge of the open-access area, Shaly Dingle not so much.

Winter Hill Mines

Winter Hill has been mined extensively since before historic records begin and evidence of several historic types of mine can be found in the local area, including early 'bell pits', primitive tunnels, extensive 19th century underground workings and more recent open cast mining remains.

Winter Hill Tunnel

From the top of Winter Hill a very old tunnel, presumably a mine, known as the Winter Hill Tunnel once led down under the hillside

Rivington Moor Colliery (ruin)

The remains of the old Rivington Moor Colliery towards the summit of Winter Hill.

Rivington Moor Brickworks (ruin)

An 18th Century brick works relying on clay from the adjacent mine.

Hole Bottom Mining Area

The Hole Bottom area was mined around the mid 19th to 20th Centuries. Focussing on an area to the east of the current mast road and from the south of Hole Bottom and northwards towards the area of the Five Houses.

Wildersmoor Pit Kilns (ruin)

A remains of a series of primitive 'pit kilns' beside a footpath leading up Wildersmoor on the south slope of Winter Hill.

Prospect (ruin)

An ruined farmstead below Brown Hill, overlookng the town of Horwich.

Rivington Moor Bell Pits (ruin)

A group of possibly quite ancient 'bell pits' on Rivington Moor together with an old, stone sheep pen.