The River Irwell runs from the hills above Ramsbottom through Summerseat and on to Manchester where it eventually joins the Ship Canal. As the river approaches the villlage it enters Gollinrod Gorge, a little known beauty spot enclosed by heavily wooded cliffs.
The river at the mouth of the gorge is spanned by The Waterside pub an old part of the Brooksbottoms Mill complex. The Waterside closed last year and has still not reopened.
The footbridge above was built in 1897 and although there seems to be little purpose to it there's lots of evidence of stonework from old mill buildings adjacent to the river. The bridge is fenced off now as it's apparently unsafe for pedestrians.
The woods which line the gorge are currently carpeted with bluebells and its possible to walk from Summerseat to Ramsbottom following the route of the river.
The Gorge is generally unknown to anyone other than locals and you will often have the whole area to yourself. A word of warning - some of the paths are steep in places.
The above photo shows the rear of The Spinnings apartments which were converted from the former Hoyles Mill which closed down in the Seventies.
I think the cliffs are made of limestone and huge eroded slabs of this line the riverbed. When the water level is low its possible to step across and sit on flat, stone 'islands'. The river's also a great place to keep a bottle of wine chilled in the Summer!
