05/09/2026
25 people along with Past President Christopher, turned up today to commemorate 130 years since the Mass Trespass by 10,000 men over the Bolton Moors. Massive thanks to Tony Greenwood of Woodland Trust - Smithills Estate for the incredibly interesting talks on the way round.
The Mass Trespass aimed to install right of access over the moors for members of the public when Col Ainsworth who owned the land at the time wanted it closed off for his shooting and hunting pursuits. Closing access meant much inconvenience for commuters between Blackburn and Bolton and for locals wanting to enjoy the outdoors.
Thanks to the right of way, it now forms one of the highest points above sea level and incredible views along the Rotary Way Bolton which Rotary Bolton created in 2005.
โWill yo' come o' Sunday mornin'
For a walk o'er Winter Hill?
Ten thousand went last Sunday
But there's room for thousands still!
O the moors are rare an' bonny
An' the heather's sweet an' fine
An' the road across the hill tops
Is the public's - yours and mineโ