Best natural monuments around North Turton are situated within the West Pennine Moors, offering diverse natural attractions. The landscape features expansive moorland, historical stone formations, and scenic reservoirs. These natural features provide opportunities for hiking, wildlife observation, and experiencing the local ecology.
Last updated: May 19, 2026
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Knowl Hill 419.6m P29.0 (1377ft) (Hill ID: 302749) [JNSA 9173] County of Lancashire Definitive List summit. South Pennines Definitive List summit. TP4301 - Knowl Moor 11121 FB Height 377.345m #975 County of Lancashire Trig Pillar List. South Pennines Trig Pillar List. TP10095 - Knowl Moor S2795 FB Height 377.345m #976 County of Lancashire Trig Pillar List. South Pennines Trig Pillar List.
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An amazing area even when covered in snow
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It’s steeper than it looked, great walk with amazing scenery
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fire fighting eqpt near 2 lads and flag stones laid down to avoid the bogs
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The walk from the road up to the two lads is VERY muddy
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North Turton, nestled within the West Pennine Moors, offers a diverse range of natural monuments. You can find expansive moorlands like Turton Moor, historical stone formations such as Two Lads' Cairn and the Noon Hill Bronze Age burial cairn, and scenic waterscapes including the Turton Reservoirs and Thithaven Lake (Italian Lake). There are also high-altitude viewpoints like Knowl Hill Trig Points offering panoramic vistas.
Yes, several natural monuments in North Turton are suitable for families. Thithaven Lake (Italian Lake) is a popular family-friendly beauty spot with scenic views. Two Lads' Cairn is also listed as family-friendly and offers a great resting spot with panoramic views. Additionally, the Turton Reservoirs, such as Jumbles Reservoir, provide well-maintained walking routes and facilities like car parks and a cafe, making them ideal for family outings.
North Turton features several natural monuments with significant historical elements. The Noon Hill Bronze Age burial cairn is a notable site, measuring twenty-one metres in diameter and containing a cremated burial. Two Lads' Cairn is a historical site commemorating two young men, serving as a navigation point for ramblers. The Hanging Stone on Turton Moor also adds a touch of ancient mystery to the landscape.
For expansive views, head to Knowl Hill Trig Points, a 419m high point known for its amazing scenery. Two Lads' Cairn also provides panoramic views of Bolton and Rivington Pike. The Turton Reservoirs offer scenic views across their waterscapes, and the Noon Hill Bronze Age burial cairn also provides nice views from its summit.
Yes, Two Lads' Cairn is explicitly listed as dog-friendly, making it a great spot for walks with your canine companion. The expansive Turton Moor and the well-maintained paths around the Turton Reservoirs are also popular choices for dog walkers, offering plenty of space and scenic routes.
The natural monuments in North Turton are excellent for various outdoor activities. You can enjoy hiking and walking on Turton Moor and around the Turton Reservoirs. For more structured routes, explore the easy hikes around North Turton, including trails around Entwistle and Wayoh Reservoirs. Mountain biking is also popular, with routes like the Rivington Pike loop available, as detailed in the MTB Trails around North Turton guide. Running trails are also abundant, such as those found in the Running Trails around North Turton guide.
Birkacre Weir was installed around 1800 to raise the water level and create a faster flowing river to power mill water wheels downstream. A fish ladder was added in 2002 to allow salmon to travel upstream for spawning. It's an interesting spot for its historical industrial connection and its role in local river ecology, and it's also considered family-friendly.
While popular spots like the Turton Reservoirs can attract visitors, exploring the wider Turton Moor, especially away from the main paths, can offer a more secluded experience. The Hanging Stone, for instance, is a feature on the moorland that might be less frequented than the more prominent viewpoints or reservoir walks, providing a sense of wild natural beauty and tranquility.
North Turton's natural monuments are primarily characterized by its moorland landscape, which is a post-industrial peat moorland. This type of terrain, exemplified by Turton Moor, showcases the geological history of the area. Features like the ancient stone formations, such as the Hanging Stone, also provide insight into the natural processes and historical uses of the local stone.
Visitors frequently praise the amazing scenery and expansive views from high points like Knowl Hill Trig Points and Two Lads' Cairn. The tranquility of the waterscapes at places like Thithaven Lake (Italian Lake) and the Turton Reservoirs is also highly appreciated. Many enjoy the opportunities for hiking and exploring the historical remnants found within the natural settings, such as the Bronze Age cairns.
Yes, Jumbles Reservoir, part of the Turton Reservoirs chain, has a cafe available, enhancing the visitor experience. While not directly adjacent to every natural monument, many popular walking routes around the reservoirs and moorlands will have access to nearby villages or country parks where refreshments can be found.
For easy walks, the trails around the Turton Reservoirs are highly recommended. These include routes like the Entwistle Reservoir – Turton and Entwistle Trail loop or the Wayoh Reservoir Dam loop. These paths are generally well-maintained and offer scenic views without significant elevation changes, making them accessible for many. You can find more options in the Easy hikes around North Turton guide.


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