Things to do in Bolster Moor

Walking: There are many delightful walks around the area to suit all ages and abilities. From an easy stroll round the lanes, to muddy boots walks on well defined footpaths. There is a network of paths around the Pole Moor radio masts, which afford sweeping vistas of the surrounding countryside. Some of the tracks are also suitable for mountain biking, while the hilly nature of the roads provides challenging cycling routes. For people who enjoy baking or wine making, there are a number of wild raspberry patches in the area, which usually ripen in July, whilst in late Summer, there are blackberries and bilberries in abundance, all free for the picking.

Bird watching: The area is home to a variety of different bird species, look out for robins, bluetits, great tits, coal tits, sparrows, chaffinches,nuthatches and dunnocks. Kestrels can often be seen hovering high above fields. Blackbirds and magpies are common sights in the field, along with crows and gulls. Occasionally the sound woodpeckers and owls can be heard. In late Spring Swallows arrive – take an evening stroll up Mellor Brook and admire the flight skills of these amazing birds as they wheel and dive in search of flying insects.

Photography: The surrounding countryside and the ever changing sky and weather conditions provide both the amateur and more experienced photographer  with a wealth of stunning material. Take a walk up to Rochdale road which opens up far reaching views of the Colne Valley, or head up Halifax road via Slaithwaite Gate and look down on the fields

and stone cottages that make up Bolster Moor. Other vantage points popular with local photographers include the spot where Drummer Lane meets Meeting House Lane, and outside Westwood Christian Centre; both locations afford extensive valley views towards Slaithwaite and Marsden.

Dining out / local produce: Enjoy the light and airy surroundings in Bolster Moor Farm Shop Cafe. Open all day, seven days a week, the cafe does delicious all day breakfasts, morning coffee, lunches and light teas. The shop adjacent to the cafe sells home produced quality meat and baked goods, in addition to fruit, vegetables and a range of quality artisan produce.

Another popular venue for lunches and evening meals is the Golcar Lily Public House and restaurant on Slades Road. The pub caters for appetites large and small, and includes vegetarian and gluten free dishes. See directory entry for further details.

 

Volunteering: There are a number of opportunities for volunteering in Bolster Moor. The Bolster Moor Community Association (BMCA) welcomes everyone in the area to the monthly meetings at the Golcar Lily. Help with articles in the news letter and delivering  are always welcome, as well as joining in with litter picking, bulb planting, volunteering at  community events, or leading a walk round the area. We also like to hear from anyone with fund raising ideas or expertise.

The local primary school also has a reading friends scheme which operates with volunteers, whilst the playgroup, which is based in the Old Chapel, has lots of opportunities for willing workers.

The Westwood Christian Centre would also like to hear from anyone who could offer help with their garden on a regular or occasional basis.