It is possible that Mesolithic hunting camps existed on the moors but evidence is rare. The area was then covered … See more

The underlying geology is the Millstone Grit series with sandstones and coarse gritstones separated by bands of shale. The area was covered by ice during the Ice Age and boulder clay deposited as the ice retreated. T… See more

Valleys on the moors were flooded in the mid-19th century to provide water first for local industry and later to guarantee clean water for the surrounding towns and Liverpool. There are several chains that contribute t… See more

In 1896, a mass trespass took place on the moors following the sale of land to Colonel Ainsworth for shooting. He tried to prevent members of the public from using the public rights of way. Reports claim a crowd of 10,000 peo… See more

The main mast at Winter Hill transmitting station on Winter Hill extends to a height of 1,014 feet (309 m) and is owned by Arqiva. It carries analogue and digital radio transmissions and digital television transmissio… See more

The West Pennine Moors and surrounding farmland have a rich and often undervalued level of biodiversity.
On the unenclosed moorland, there are extensive areas of blanket bog on deep peat soils. Altho… See more