Best waterfalls around Astley Village are found within a region characterized by parks, woodlands, and river systems. While Astley Village itself features pleasant water features like those in Astley Park, the surrounding area offers several natural and man-made cascades. These natural features near Astley Village Chorley provide opportunities for walking trails and exploration within diverse landscapes. The area's geography includes river gorges and ancient woodlands, contributing to varied outdoor experiences.
Last updated: June 30, 2026
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Roadside parking is limited, despite what an earlier post says. The police now take a dim view of roadside parking - except for a small layby. They have issued many parking tickets for roadside parking. You can access Fairy Glen (but does involve a longer walk of 1.5 miles) by parking in a free car park, near the canal down Bramble Way WN8 7HZ. Another walk shown on this website (see nearby routes) passes this car park.
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Yarrow Valley Country Park was first established in 1987 on land previously used for bleaching, dyeing, calico printing, and mining. Once industrial activity had ended, the site lay derelict for 30 years until the late 1980's when Chorley Council acquired the site. Yarrow Valley Country Park, a 700-acre facility run by Chorley Council, includes a café (treeface) built using Heritage Lottery funds. There is a play area for children, with a dog protection order, and also an angling agreement at Yarrow Valley Country Park, which gives the fishing rights at Birkacre to Wigan & District Angling Association (WDAA). Yarrow Valley Country Park has been awarded Green Flag status since 2004. The 'park' is used by (dog) walkers, runners & cyclists. Share with care :)
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Green route, make sure follow the map as we didn’t and got lost
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This park has so much to offer beautiful lakes waterfalls many different routes which is great for the kids and dog walkers
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The land here that now forms Yarrow Valley Country Park was acquired by Chorley Council in the early 1980's. It's the site of the former cloth mills, then dyeing works and more recently a small colliery. None of the industry remains but there are interesting traces left including some of the foundation stones of the coal mines, the mill ponds and some machinery. There is a cafe and information centre on site.
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Fairy Glen is a small area of recreation land that follows the Spodley Brook upstream through ancient broadleaf woodland. There are several waterfalls where the brook has cut into the bedrock over time. It's a popular family and dog walking area which becomes busy at weekends in good weather.
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While Astley Village itself is known for pleasant water features within Astley Park, the surrounding area offers a mix of natural cascades and man-made weirs. You'll find natural waterfalls like Fairy Glen Waterfalls, which features several cascades in ancient broadleaf woodland, and historical sites with water features such as Lead Mine Clough. Man-made features like Hoghton Bottoms Weir and Viaduct also create picturesque tumbling water in a sandstone gorge.
Yes, several spots are great for families. Fairy Glen Waterfalls is a popular area for family and dog walking, though it can get busy. Yarrow Valley Country Park also offers beautiful lakes and waterfalls with many different routes suitable for kids and dog walkers, along with a cafe and information centre.
The waterfalls can be enjoyed year-round, but the flow is often more impressive after rainfall. Be aware that trails, particularly around Hoghton Bottoms Weir and Viaduct, can become very boggy following rain and in winter months, so sturdy hiking boots are highly recommended. Early mornings are ideal to avoid crowds at popular spots like Fairy Glen Waterfalls.
The difficulty varies. While some trails, like those around Waterfalls at Limestone Brook and Lead Mine Clough, can be intermediate to challenging with uneven and slippery paths, Yarrow Valley Country Park offers a variety of routes, including easier options. Fairy Glen Waterfalls is generally accessible for families but can be busy.
The area is rich in history. Hoghton Bottoms Weir and Viaduct is a significant historical landmark, once providing water to local mills. Lead Mine Clough is an old mining area with remnants and a memorial. Yarrow Valley Country Park is built on the site of former cloth mills, dyeing works, and a colliery, with traces of its industrial past still visible.
Yes, many trails are dog-friendly. Fairy Glen Waterfalls is a popular spot for dog walking, and Yarrow Valley Country Park also offers routes suitable for dogs. Always ensure your dog is under control and respect local signage regarding leads.
Absolutely! Hoghton Bottoms Weir and Viaduct offers spectacular photo opportunities with its picturesque sandstone gorge and towering viaduct. The natural cascades at Fairy Glen Waterfalls within ancient broadleaf woodland also provide beautiful scenery.
You'll experience diverse landscapes including ancient broadleaf woodlands at Fairy Glen Waterfalls, picturesque sandstone gorges at Hoghton Bottoms Weir and Viaduct, and river systems with forests and lakes within Yarrow Valley Country Park. The nearby moors also feature picturesque waterfalls like Roddlesworth Waterfall.
Beyond exploring the waterfalls, the area offers various outdoor activities. You can find easy hikes, cycling routes, and mountain biking trails. For more detailed information on routes, check out the easy hikes around Astley Village, cycling around Astley Village, and MTB trails around Astley Village guides.
Yes, for popular spots like Yarrow Valley Country Park, there are facilities including parking. For other areas, parking might be available in designated car parks or roadside spots, but it's always advisable to check local information before your visit.
Yes, Yarrow Valley Country Park has a cafe and an information centre on site, making it a convenient stop for refreshments and local insights. For other waterfall locations, you might find cafes or pubs in nearby villages.
Given the varied terrain and potential for boggy conditions, especially after rain or in winter, sturdy hiking boots with good grip are highly recommended. Layers of clothing are also advisable to adapt to changing weather, and waterproofs can be useful.


Happy to travel a little further afield? Then browse these guides for the best waterfalls around Astley Village: