GET 2004 off to an energetic start with this exhilarating climb up to the summit masts of Winter Hill from Belmont village.

Gaining in height from the Blue Lagoon, this walk takes the short steep path up the northern scarp slope of Winter Hill from the Rivington Road then descends along a more gradual route to the Wrights Arms on the A675. If you take time to explore the summit you will also uncover the 19th century monument of the Scotsman's Stump and the plaque on the wall of the transmitter station commemorating the tragic 1950's plane crash from the Isle of Man. The walk directions can be easily reversed to provide an alternative ascent and descent. But whichever way you go, on a fine winter's day the views from the top can be breathtaking in all directions.

DISTANCE: 4 miles

START: Belmont village (OS Grid Ref. 674162) on the A675. Roadside parking on the main village street or along the Rivington Road by the Blue Lagoon (turn up the minor road in front of the Black Dog Inn).

PUBLIC TRANSPORT: regular bus services from Bolton town centre.

Use these route directions in conjunction with the relevant OS map (Explorer 287 West Pennine Moors)

START the walk at the upper end of the main village street by the Belmont Bull inn. There are streets either side of the inn, so walk along Chapel Street to the immediate right of the inn. Beyond the cottages continue straight ahead along the track and by a bench bear right to a gate and stile. The high masts of Winter Hill are revealed directly ahead. Cross the stile and continue along the grassy track with the fence on the right until a wall step stile is reached.

Cross over the wall and turn left. A moorland path is now followed straight ahead and gradually uphill for almost mile. It passes through a wall gap, becomes increasingly boggy and runs parallel to the Belmont-Rivington Road which can be seen getting closer over to your left. The road is eventually joined via a stile. Turn right along the road and continue uphill for a short distance until you reach stiles on either side of the road by a small parking area on the right hand side. This is also by the district boundary road sign.

Take the stile on the left hand side of the road here and you begin the ascent up the north side of Winter Hill along a wall side. Go straight ahead along the field boundary heading directly for the steep scarp slope which is soon reached. A distinct path then leads up the slope to the flat plateau of Winter Hill. There are rewarding good views looking north when you reach the top. Bear left on the top to join the tarmac of the mast access road and the trig point summit pillar is passed on the left. Continue past the masts and when the road kinks right (heading towards the massive IBA transmitter station), the walk continues by turning left through a gateway.

You may wish to explore Winter Hill further as the Scotsman's Stump and plane crash memorial are reached by continuing down the access road to the main transmitter. However, continue the walk by bearing left through the gateway marking the start of a track which leads diagonally downhill towards the A675 and several reservoirs below. Just follow this track downhill all the way to the road. It reaches the corner of a plantation and continues to reach the readjust to the right of the Wrights Arms. Turn left on the road and walk along the pavement downhill for about mile to return to Belmont village.