Things to do at the Stubbins Estate and Holcombe Moor

Heather growing on Dunkery Hill, Holnicote Estate, Devon — Heather growing at Stubbins Estate and Holcombe Moor | © National Trust Images/Lis Ford

Stubbins Estate, Holcombe Moor and the Peel Tower are part of the West Pennine Moors, much loved by walkers from nearby Bury and Greater Manchester. There are acres of wooded hillside, farmland and Pennine moorland ready for you to explore, with views reaching as far as Wales on a clear day.

Please don't light fires or use barbecues

We ask that you don't use barbecues or light fires anywhere on the estate. A single spark can cause a lot of damage to this special place and put others at risk. To keep everyone safe and protect nature, please follow the Countryside Code.

A Site of Special Scientific Interest

The Stubbins Estate and Holcombe Moor is a designated Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI). It was gifted to the National Trust by Colonel Austin Townsend Porritt for public access and pleasure. Explore the permissive paths across the estate and spot large flocks of birds such as golden plovers and dunlins.

Valley views

Across the Stubbins Estate there are glorious views of the surrounding countryside, towns and moorland. Stop at the Millennium Bench on Holcombe Hill where you can admire the best view of the valley. If it’s clear, you’ll be rewarded with a glimpse of Wales.

Rolling fields going down into a valley and Holcombe Hill in the distance, with Peel Tower standing tall on its plateau — A view of Holcombe Moor with Peel Tower visible | © National Trust/Madelaine Nash

The Peel Tower

Look out for the distinctive Peel Tower on Holcombe Hill. It was built in 1852 and commemorates Sir Robert Peel, Prime Minister of Britain (1841–1846) and founder of the modern police force.

It’s the perfect place to stop and admire magnificent views in every direction. The building is opened occasionally throughout the year.

Find out more about Peel Tower by visiting the Bury tourist information centre website.

Give the Bury tourist information centre team a call on 0161 523 5111 to check opening days.

The Tentering Tower

The Tentering Tower is a listed building that was built in 1866. Imagine what it once looked like with cloth manufactured from a nearby mill stretched around it on wooden frames hanging out to dry.

Today it stands as a partial ruin, but you can enter the ground floor to see a fascinating part of Ramsbottom’s industrial past up close as you pass it on your walk.