Moses Gate, Clifton, and Nob End Day Walk

Join Andy and the OutdoorLads for a relaxing Friday stroll through the beautiful landscapes of Moses Gate and Clifton Country Parks, with a visit to the wonderfully named Nob End along the way. It’s a perfect chance to unwind, enjoy the fresh spring air, and admire the wildlife and greenery as the season comes to life.

We’ll begin at Moses Gate Country Park, wandering around its peaceful lakes before joining the canal towpaths. From there, we’ll make our way through Nob End, taking time to appreciate the local statues, bridges, and unique character of the area. Our route then leads us to Clifton, where we’ll stop for lunch. Clifton is rich in wildlife and was designated a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) back in 1988—so keep your eyes open for nature at its best.

After exploring Clifton Country Park, its lake, and the River Irwell Sculpture Trail, we’ll make our gentle return journey. The full walk is around 8 miles and is suitable for most abilities.

Bolton’s largest nature reserve At 750 acres, Moses Gate is Bolton’s biggest nature reserve—a place where woodland, mill lodges, and industrial heritage blend into a peaceful haven full of life. There’s always something to see here.

What might you spot at Moses Gate Country Park? In the 19th century, Moses Gate was home to the Farnworth Paper Mills, run by Thomas Bonsor Crompton—one of the country’s leading paper producers. Back then, the river was far too polluted for paper making, so ‘Crompton’s Lodges’ were created. Today, these lodges are thriving habitats for waterfowl such as mute swans, tufted ducks, great-crested grebes, and even the elusive water rail. In summer, common terns can be seen performing acrobatic flights over the water.

If you’re lucky, you might catch sight of herons snatching brown trout as they leap from the weir. And don’t forget to look out for the dazzling kingfisher—a symbol of the valley’s transformation from industrial wasteland to wildlife sanctuary.

A landscape shaped by history The industrial past is still visible in features like the impressive ‘blue wall’ supporting the canal and the relatively young woodland, only 40–50 years old. It’s a reminder that not long ago, this area was a patchwork of coal mines, sewage works, bleach works, paper mills, and even landfill.

But the story goes back much further. Look closely and you’ll find red sandstone outcrops—fascinating remnants of the last ice age.

Well-behaved, socialised and under-control dogs are welcome on this event.

Dogs must be kept on a lead whenever this is signposted and whenever we are in the vicinity of livestock, and at the event leader's request. It's a good idea to check what the route may be like with the event leader before booking to find out more about the potential suitability of the walk for dogs.

All photos taken by Growler

Your First OutdoorLads Walk Event?

We know that new members in particular like to know in advance more about what an OutdoorLads event will be like. 

If this is your first OutdoorLads event, you should check out the information designed specifically for you on the My First Event page on the OutdoorLads website.

Waitlist: If this event is fully booked and you want to attend, just add yourself to the waitlist, because places inevitably become available closer to the date.