Journey to the haunted Well House at Hollinshead Hall

We visit a haunted Well House and share a ghostly tale. The history of Hollinshead Hall is explored to understand the connections within the landscape.

The journey begins at Roddlesworth Information (just over the hill from Darwen Tower) which has ample parking and a good cafe for nourishment to start or celebrate the finish of the walk. Entering Roddlesworth Woods we aim for the north side of the Upper Roddlesworth Reservoir. This walk provides a great outdoor feast for the eyes as we experience the scenic trail alongside the flowing streams and sights of the waters edge.

These reservoirs are feeder waters for the Rivington Reservoirs and therefore we know they were built around 1852 by the Liverpool Water Corporation. This is further explain in my previous video, Liverpool's Castle and Water published 26th January 2021.

We then descend the grassy slope of the dam wall we can seek out an old Victorian iron bridge where we can experience the view of the overflow weir from Upper to Lower Roddlesworth Reservoir. When the weather has been kind in sharing plentiful water the force of the overflow and the noise can create a sense of fear and wonder.

We then continue the journey on the eastern side of the reservoir, experience the woods and following the feeder river which has a plentiful supply of rapids and waterfalls. Eventually, we cross a bridge and head in a northern direction up a hill. Over the brow of the hill and a short distance further will bring us to the ruins of Hollinshead Hall.

I describe the history of the house from when it was built and explore the layout of the buildings. We then visit the haunted Well House and I provide an insight of the structure and then complete the visit by sharing a ghost story from the twentieth century.

The walk is about five and half miles and is generally flat with underfoot conditions that are generally good even in the extremes of weather.

If you enjoy the great outdoors and appreciate the views of the countryside with a curiosity as to the development and history of the structures within the landscape, this video is for you.