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United Kingdom
England
North West England

North Turton

Top 19 Natural Monuments around North Turton

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.

Best natural monuments around North Turton

  • The most popular natural monument is Knowl Hill Trig Points, a summit and viewpoint that is a visible landmark topped by an Ordnance Survey concrete triangulation pillar. This 419m high point…

Last updated: May 19, 2026

Knowl Hill Trig Points

Highlight • Natural Monument

Knowl Hill near Rochdale is a visible landmark that can be seen for several miles around.and, for the people of that town. The sugar-loaf (conical-shaped) hill has a flat summit …

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Two Lads' Cairn

Highlight • Viewpoint

Built on what is thought to be an Anglo-Saxon site, "Two Lads" was constructed over a period of nearly two years by Robin Smith. The two cairns commemorate the tragic …

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Birkacre Weir

Highlight • Natural Monument

Birkacre Weir was installed around 1800 to rise the water level and create a faster flowing river to turn the mill water wheels downstream. The fish ladder was installed in 2002 to allow salmon upstream to spawn.

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Noon Hill Bronze Age burial cairn

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On the edge of the summit of Noon Hill stands a Bronze Age burial cairn. Measuring some twenty-one metres in diameter, it is bounded by a stone kerb which encircles …

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Thithaven Lake (Italian Lake)

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Italian lake - one of many beauty spots in this area once owned by Lord Lever and his family. Stair cases lead up to the Pigeon tower, closest parking would be top two car parks Rivington

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Popular around North Turton

Witton Weavers Way — Wonderful walking in the wild West Pennines

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Witton Weavers Way — Wonderful walking in the wild West Pennines

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Alex Foxfield

Tips from the Community

Midlife Cyclist
April 27, 2026, Birkacre Weir

Apparently fish jump up the weir

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Ronnie
February 15, 2026, Knowl Hill Trig Points

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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Double Trig - it’s windy up top

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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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Debbie
March 29, 2024, Two Lads Cairn

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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Frequently Asked Questions

What types of natural monuments can I explore in North Turton?

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.

Are there family-friendly natural monuments in North Turton?

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.

What historical natural monuments can I visit in the area?

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.

Where can I find the best viewpoints among North Turton's natural monuments?

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.

Are there any dog-friendly natural monuments or walks in North Turton?

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.

What outdoor activities can I do near the natural monuments in North Turton?

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.

What is Birkacre Weir and what makes it interesting?

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.

Are there any natural monuments that are less crowded in North Turton?

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.

What geological features can be observed among North Turton's natural monuments?

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.

What do visitors enjoy most about the natural monuments in North Turton?

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.

Can I find cafes or refreshments near the natural monuments?

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.

What are the best easy walks to natural monuments in North Turton?

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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