Anglezarke by munki-boy

Anglezarke

Anglezarke is just north of Winter Hill and contains the areas of next highest ground - a wide expanse of wild moorland cut by interesting valleys and streams, most notably the Limestone Brook and Leadmines Clough.

The Anglezarke Reservoir is most northerly of the three “Rivington Lakes”, arguably the most scenic of the three and the most peaceful - being away from the tourists. There is a nice nature walk on the eastern shore below a fantastic viewpoint.

Anglezarke Moor as the upland area is called is ‘proper’ moorland but there are plenty of paths to follow and interesting things to find along the way.

Created: 27 November 2016 Edited: 29 November 2023

West Pennine Moors SSSI Details

Type: SSSI

Anglezarke

Anglezarke Reservoir

The largest of the 'Three Lakes', sited below the Anglezarke moorlands.

Back Plantation

A small mixed woodland plantation beside Anglezarke Reservoir.

Drinkwaters Farm Ruin

Great Hill

Great Hill is a notable summit located in Anglezarke in the borough of Chorley, Lancashire, England.

Hempshaw's (ruin)

The ruined farmsteads of Higher and Lower Hempshaws, below Will Narr, between Rivington and Anglezarke moors.

High Bullough Reservoir

High Bullough Reservoir is a tiny reservoir that is still in use today although the East bank looks interestingly ruinous.

High Bullough Wood

A little wood surrounding High Bullough Reservoir, with the ruins of farms and plenty of Bluebells in season.

Jepsons Gate Cairn

The badly named Jepson’s Gate Cairn is actually located along the edge of a slight ridge, possibly the route of a very old track, to the Northeast of the better-known Pikestones.

Lead Mines Clough

Lead Mines Clough is located around a mineral vein that has infilled along a geological fault line. The area was mined extensively in the past and there are obvious bell pits on the higher ground and an excellent example of later mine workings that was restored by volunteers.

Lister Mill Quarry

A large, disused quarry beside Anglezarke reservoir. Mostly overgrown with some areas popular for rock climbing.

Old Rachel's (ruin)

A ruined farm dating to around the start of the 19th Century or earlier.

Pikestones Chambered Long Cairn

Once a large burial mound, Pikestones was excavated down to ground level in the past, which is now regarded as an overly enthusiastic effort. If more of the barrow had been left intact it could have been analysed using modern technology.

Simm's Sheepfold (ruin)

An old sheepfold, repurposed from an older ruin - possibly also a sheepfold.

Spen Wood

A broadleaved woodland area around Spen Cob on the above Anglezarke Reservoir.

Standing Stones Hill

Standing Stones Hill in the Anglezarke area is a bit of a mystery, given its absence of standing stones or viable historic reference to ever having standing stones at all.

Stronstrey Bank

A steep and rocky bank along a large geological fault that runs from the north end of Anglezarke Reservoir to Abbey Village.