Summerseat is situated in the Irwell Valley beneath Holcombe Hill which rises an impressive 1100 feet above sea level. The hill is topped by Peel Tower, a monument commemorating Bury born Sir Robert Peel, Prime Minister of Britain between 1841 and 1846 and founder of the modern police force.

The 128 foot high tower which was completed in 1852 can be seen from miles around and provides stunning views across Lancashire, Yorkshire, Greater Manchester, Cheshire and North Wales. It’s claimed you can even see Blackpool Tower on a clear day and a flag is flown on days when the tower is open to the public who can climb the 150 steps to the top.

Holcombe Moor is part of the West Pennine Moors which cover 90 square miles of Lancashire and contain many reservoirs which serve the county and adjacent Greater Manchester. In the summer you can occasionally see wild cotton growing on the moorland which 'escaped' from the area's numerous but long gone mills. Holcombe Moor is also home to an army and TA training camp.

Directly beneath the hill lies Holcombe village, a small parish of nearby town Ramsbottom. The village is dominated by Emmanuel Church where a wedding was taking place this afternoon. The bride and groom must have been overjoyed at the fine but unseasonal weather they had for their big day.

Moor Road is actually just a track which provides access to local farms and leads down from the hill to Holcombe village where many walkers take advantage of the conveniently situated Shoulder of Mutton pub.