Waterfalls around Wheelton offer a variety of natural and historical attractions within Lancashire, England. The area is known for its tranquil woodlands and the presence of both natural cascades and man-made weirs. These features provide picturesque scenery and accessible walking routes for visitors. The region's landscape is shaped by its natural watercourses and historical industrial past.
Last updated: June 30, 2026
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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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Pretty waterfall set in woodland within Bold Venture Park.
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Bold Venture Park is a wonderful little park with waterfall sculptures. Although cycling is not permitted throughout the park, it's still nice to visit. I pushed my bike along, which is fine.
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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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This is a spectacular section of the River Darwen, where a picturesque sandstone gorge leads to a tumbling weir and the 108-foot (33 m) high Hoghton Bottoms Viaduct towers above. Great photo opportunities abound, as both the weir and the viaduct are undoubtedly spectacular. Bear in mind that trails around here can be very boggy following rainfall and in the winter months, so I'd highly recommend sturdy hiking boots.
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Memorial to Occupants of a Wellington Bomber which crashed on the moors 12th November 1943
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Around Wheelton, you'll find a mix of natural cascades and man-made weirs, often set within tranquil woodlands or areas with industrial heritage. For example, you can visit the impressive Hoghton Bottoms Weir and Viaduct on the River Darwen, or explore the natural beauty of Hatch Brook Waterfall nestled in Brinscall Woods.
Yes, several spots are great for families. Yarrow Valley Country Park offers beautiful lakes, waterfalls, and various routes suitable for children and dog walkers. Bold Venture Park also features a pretty waterfall set in woodland, ideal for a family outing. Hatch Brook Waterfall in Brinscall Woods has an easy 2.4-mile loop walk.
The area is rich in history. Lead Mine Clough is an old mining area featuring several waterfalls and paths for exploration, offering a glimpse into the region's industrial past. Yarrow Valley Country Park is the site of former cloth mills and dyeing works, with interesting traces remaining.
For the most impressive views of the waterfalls, especially natural cascades like Hatch Brook Waterfall, it's best to visit after rainfall when the water flow is more substantial. During extended dry periods, the flow may diminish. Trails can be boggy in wet conditions, so sturdy hiking boots are recommended.
Yes, for those seeking a bit more adventure, the trails around Waterfalls at Limestone Brook can be challenging, with uneven and slippery paths, especially closer to the falls. Lead Mine Clough also offers intermediate to challenging paths through its old mining area.
Many areas around Wheelton's waterfalls are dog-friendly, such as Yarrow Valley Country Park. When visiting natural areas like Brinscall Woods near Hatch Brook Waterfall, it's advised to keep dogs on leads due to free-roaming wildlife and farm animals.
Beyond waterfall walks, Wheelton offers a variety of outdoor activities. You can find numerous easy hiking routes, such as the Brinscall Lake loop, or explore more challenging mountain biking trails like the Tacklers Trail. For cycling, there are routes along the Leeds & Liverpool Canal. You can find more details on these activities in the easy hikes, MTB trails, and cycling guides for Wheelton.
Given that trails can be very boggy, especially after rainfall or during winter months, sturdy hiking boots are highly recommended. Some paths, particularly closer to the base of waterfalls, can be slippery. Layered clothing is also advisable to adapt to changing weather conditions.
While not entirely hidden, Waterfalls at Limestone Brook offers a series of cascades that require a bit more navigation to find the best views, making it feel like a discovery. The route through the woods can be less obvious, adding to the sense of adventure.
Specific parking information varies by location. For popular spots like Yarrow Valley Country Park, there is usually dedicated parking available. For other areas, such as accessing Hatch Brook Waterfall in Brinscall Woods, parking might be available in nearby village areas like Wheelton or Brinscall, often requiring a short walk to the trailheads.
Yes, you can find amenities near some waterfall locations. Yarrow Valley Country Park has a cafe and information centre on site. Additionally, the villages surrounding the waterfall areas, such as Wheelton and Brinscall, offer local pubs and cafes where you can stop for refreshments after your walk.


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