Higher Wheelton is a Village in the county of Lancashire.
The Leeds and Liverpool Canal, one of Britain’s longest and most historic waterways, winds its way through the picturesque area of Higher Wheelton, in Lancashire. This section of the canal is particularly renowned for its scenic beauty and tranquil atmosphere, making it a favored spot for both leisurely strolls and more adventurous outdoor activities.
Spanning a total of 127 miles, the Leeds and Liverpool Canal connects the vibrant cities of Leeds and Liverpool, traversing a diverse landscape that includes urban areas, rugged moorlands, and pastoral countryside. The canal was primarily constructed in the 18th century to facilitate the transport of goods during the Industrial Revolution, particularly coal, limestone, wool, and cotton.
In the Wheelton area, one of the canal’s most notable features is the Wheelton Boat Lift, also known as the Johnson’s Hillock Locks. This impressive series of locks raises boats by about 65 feet over a short distance. It’s a marvel of engineering from the era and offers a fascinating glimpse into the historical importance of Britain’s canal system. Visitors can watch boats navigate the locks, a process that remains much the same as it was over two centuries ago.
The surrounding area is lush and green, with well-maintained towpaths that invite walkers, cyclists, and nature enthusiasts to explore. The paths provide an excellent opportunity for birdwatching and enjoying the serene waterway, flanked by old stone bridges and charming canal-side pubs where visitors can stop for a refreshing break.
The Wheelton section also serves as a gateway to further adventures, linking to numerous local footpaths and trails that delve deeper into the Lancashire countryside. For those interested in history, the nearby village of Wheelton retains a quaint, traditional feel, with historical buildings and local lore about the canal’s impact on the community.
Overall, the Leeds and Liverpool Canal at Wheelton is not just a passage through the landscape but a journey through history, offering both relaxation and a chance to delve into the rich heritage of the region. It remains a testament to the industrial past of Northern England, now repurposed as a peaceful retreat for nature lovers and history buffs alike.
Higher Wheelton is a village located in the borough of Chorley in Lancashire, England. It forms part of the larger Wheelton civil parish, which also includes the adjacent village of Lower Wheelton. Nestled in the picturesque landscape near the West Pennine Moors, Higher Wheelton offers a mix of rural charm and historical significance.
Historically, the area has roots stretching back to the medieval period, evidenced by its inclusion in ancient records like the Domesday Book. Over the centuries, Wheelton evolved, reflecting the broader changes in agricultural and industrial practices in the region. During the Industrial Revolution, the area was influenced by nearby industrial activities, although it retained much of its rural character.
Today, Higher Wheelton is known for its scenic beauty and tranquil environment. The village is surrounded by rolling fields and wooded areas, making it a popular spot for hiking, cycling, and other outdoor activities. The Leeds and Liverpool Canal, which runs close to the village, adds to the appeal, providing picturesque canal-side walks and opportunities for boating.
The community in Higher Wheelton is active and close-knit, with various local amenities including traditional pubs, a village hall, and St. James’ Church, which stands as a focal point for community gatherings. The village also benefits from its proximity to the larger town of Chorley, which offers additional shops, schools, and recreational facilities.
Overall, Higher Wheelton represents a blend of historical heritage and modern rural living, making it a cherished location for its residents and an attractive destination for visitors seeking a taste of countryside life in Lancashire.
Higher Wheelton postcode: PR6 8HX
There are great places to visit near Higher Wheelton including some great towns, villages, parks, waterfalls, woodlands, rivers and streams, old mines, ruins, historic buildings, ancient sites, historic monuments, hiking areas, hills, round cairns, lakes, bluebell woods, geological features, gardens, country parks, nature reserves, historic sites, canals, roman sites, museums, caves, limestone pavements, sssis, beaches, shopping centres, cities and castles.
Darwen, Chorley, Leyland, Nelson, Blackburn, Burnley, and Blackpool are great places to visit near Higher Wheelton if you like towns.
Higher Wheelton has some unmissable villages nearby like Ryal Fold, Tockholes, Brinscall, White Coppice, Heath Charnock, Higher Wheelton, and Ribchester.
Bold Venture Park, Sunnyhurst Wood, Astley Park, Worden Park, Cuerden Valley Country Park, and Ball Grove Park are some of Higher Wheelton best parks to visit near Higher Wheelton.
The area around Higher Wheelton features a number of interesting waterfalls including Bold Venture Waterfall, Sunnyhurst Waterfalls, Hatch Brook Waterfall, Holts Flat Waterfall, Lead Mines Clough Waterfall, Sheep Pen Waterfall, and Old Brooks Waterfall.
Sunnyhurst Wood, Wheelton Plantation, High Bullough Wood, Back Plantation, Spen Wood, Duxbury Woods, and Longworth Clough are great places to visit near Higher Wheelton if you like woodlands.
Sunnyhurst Brook, Hatch Brook, Dean Black Brook, Eller Brook, River Yarrow at Duxbury Woods, Ease Gill, and River Roddlesworth are some of Higher Wheelton best rivers and streams to visit near Higher Wheelton.
The area around Higher Wheelton boasts some of the best old mines including Old Lyons Colliery (ruin), Lead Mines Clough Lead Mines, Coppice Stile Lead Mine Trial, White Coppice Lead Mine, Duxbury Park Colliery (ruin), Ellerbeck Collieries (ruin), and Sykes Mine.
The area around Higher Wheelton features a number of interesting ruins including Old Lyons Colliery (ruin), Higher Pasture Barn (ruin), Ripping (ruin), Wheelton Plantation, Blackhurst (ruin), Heatherlea (ruin), and Shop Fold (ruin).
There are a several good historic buildings in the Higher Wheelton area like Church of Saint Stephen at Tockholes, Astley Hall, Chorley Lodge, Belmont Paper Mills (Derelict), Blacko Tower, The Wishing Well at Hollinshead Hall, and Hoghton Tower.
There are a several good ancient sites in the Higher Wheelton area like Church of Saint Stephen at Tockholes, The Quernmore Burial, Standing Stones Hill, Pikestones Chambered Long Cairn, Jepsons Gate Cairn, Black Coppice Chambered Cairn, and Dog Holes Cave.
Higher Wheelton's best nearby historic monuments can be found at Jubilee Tower, Bevis and the Ruined Summerhouse, and Cromwell's Bridge.
The area around Higher Wheelton features a number of interesting hiking areas including Anglezarke, Lead Mines Clough, High Bullough Wood, Stronstrey Bank, Lister Mill Quarry, Great Hill, and White Coppice.
Don't miss Standing Stones Hill, Great Hill, Healey Nab, Spitlers Edge, Will Narr, Warton Crag, and Parlick's hills if visiting the area around Higher Wheelton.
Places near Higher Wheelton feature a number of interesting round cairns including Jepsons Gate Cairn.
Don't miss High Bullough Reservoir, Anglezarke Reservoir, White Coppice Mill Pond, Big Lodge Water, Top Lodge, The Blue Lagoon, and Lower Ogden Reservoir's lakes if visiting the area around Higher Wheelton.
High Bullough Wood, Duxbury Woods, Hill Top Wood, Warton Crag, and Roddlesworth Woods are some of Higher Wheelton best bluebell woods to visit near Higher Wheelton.
Geological Features to visit near Higher Wheelton include Stronstrey Bank, White Coppice Quarry, Warton Crag and Grisedale Wood Limestone Pavement, and Sykes Mine.
There are a several good gardens in the Higher Wheelton area like The Evaders' Garden, Astley Walled Garden, and Hoghton Tower.
Don't miss Yarrow Valley Country Park, Worden Park, Cuerden Valley Country Park, Witton Country Park, Beacon Fell, Langroyd Country Park, and Wyre Estuary Country Park's country parks if visiting the area around Higher Wheelton.
There are a number of nature reserves near Higher Wheelton including Top Lodge, Longworth Clough, Leighton Moss, Brockholes Nature Reserve, Ball Grove Park, Upper Ball Grove Lodge, and Mere Sands Wood.
Historic Sites to visit near Higher Wheelton include Black Coppice Mill Stone Factory.
There are a several good canals in the Higher Wheelton area like Leeds and Liverpool Canal at Heath Charnock, Leeds and Liverpool Canal at Higher Wheelton, Leeds and Liverpool Canal - Summit to Wigan Section, Leeds and Liverpool Canal at Adlington, Lancaster Canal at Bolton-le-Sands, and Leeds and Liverpool Canal - Rufford Branch.
Roman Sites to visit near Higher Wheelton include Ribchester Roman Bath House, and Ribchester Roman Museum.
Higher Wheelton's best nearby museums can be found at Ribchester Roman Museum, The British Commercial Vehicle Museum, and Harris Museum - Art Gallery and Library Preston.
Don't miss Dog Holes Cave, Fairy Hole, and County Pot's caves if visiting the area around Higher Wheelton.
Limestone Pavements to visit near Higher Wheelton include Warton Crag and Grisedale Wood Limestone Pavement.
The area around Higher Wheelton features a number of interesting sssis including Warton Crag S.S.S.I, and West Pennine Moors.
Higher Wheelton has some unmissable beaches nearby like Blackpool, Half Moon Bay, The Shore (Bolton-le-Sands), and Hest Bank Wharf.
The Concourse Shopping Centre is a great place to visit close to Higher Wheelton if you like shopping centres.
Higher Wheelton has some unmissable cities nearby like Preston, and Lancaster.
The area close to Higher Wheelton boasts some of the best castles including Clitheroe Castle.
Higher Wheelton History
There are some historic monuments around Higher Wheelton:
