SD8918 : Old Boundary Marker

Brown Wardle Hill

401m Elevation
51m Prominence
England Country
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SD8918 : Old Boundary Marker

D Garside Photo source

Overview

Brown Wardle Hill

Nestled in the heart of the South Pennines, Brown Wardle Hill rises to an impressive height of 413 meters, making it a notable Marilyn loved by locals and visitors alike. The hill's distinct geology, dominated by gritstone, is not just for show – it offers advanced geological enthusiasts plenty to ponder while they hike! The rugged terrain tells a story of centuries of erosion.

Hike Summary

The most popular trail, affectionately known as "The Up A Bit Trail", will take you approximately 3.2 km, which can be completed comfortably in about 1.5 hours. Hunters of the horizon will be rewarded with magnificent vistas at the summit.

Summit Features

Reaching the top is a joy, with a small stone cairn and a helpful wooden marker standing proudly at the peak. Perfect for soaking in the views or snapping that quintessential hiking selfie.

Terrain and Hazards

The terrain is a mix of grassy slopes littered with rocky outcrops, making it a moderately challenging trek. Remember, footing can get slippery, so sturdy footwear is recommended. And beware of sheep – some may have been known to attempt a photobomb!

Accessing the Hill

You can park at a small layby along Brown Wardle Road (SD905185), but do keep an eye out for the locals. Public transport is friendly with buses running to the nearby village of Wardle, followed by a delightful stroll to the trailhead.

Nearby Attractions

If you've got the energy to spare, neighbouring summits like Nont Sarah's Hill and Thorny Edge are perfect side quests.

Facilities and Refreshments

Though the hill itself lacks facilities, the charming village of Wardle is home to a handful of cafes that can quench your thirst and satisfy your appetite after a vigorous climb.

Historical Significance

Brown Wardle’s name harks back to Old English, describing both its earthy hue and its stature as a hill. Its place in local culture is steeped in history and community lore, making the hill not just a hike, but a journey through time.

Put on those boots, grab your walking stick, and enjoy one of the best hill hikes in the South Pennines. It’s bound to be a memorable outing!

Explore routes near Brown Wardle Hill

Walks starting near this hill. Open a route to check its map, distance and full itinerary.

Rochdale Walk with Men Walking & Talking

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Thieveley Pike, The Singing Ringing Tree loop from Holme Chapel

9.5 km ~3h Moderate

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Hardcastle Crags Estate Track to Gibson Mill

3.7 km ~1h 20m Easy

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Scammonden Reservoir Circuit

5 km ~2h Moderate

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Route planning notes

These notes describe possible approaches. Check a route's map and access information when planning your walk.

The Up A Bit Trail

A straightforward ascent from the nearest parking area, suitable for most hikers. This route weaves through grassy patches and offers a few exhilarating scrambles near the summit.

3.2 km ~1.5 hours Moderate
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Hill facts and local notes

Classifications

400-499m hill

Elevation

401m

1,316 ft

Prominence

51m

Coordinates

53.6647, -2.1555

SD898186

OS Map

109

Explorer: OL21S

At the Summit

At the summit, you'll find a small stone cairn and a wooden post marking the high point, offering a perfect photo op for adventurers. The wind might playfully toss your hat around, so hold on tight!

Terrain & Geology

Grassy with rocky outcrops and occasional muddy patches especially after rain. Expect a bit of heaven mixed with a touch of hassle!

Primarily composed of gritstone, with some areas of shale and sandstone, Brown Wardle Hill is a testament to the region's dramatic geological history. The hill features some fascinating rock formations and rugged terrain, providing a glimpse into the geological processes that shaped this part of the UK.

Views & Scenery

From the summit, you can enjoy sweeping panoramas of the South Pennines, including views of Hollingworth Lake and the distant peaks of the Peak District. Watch out for the odd sheep photobombing your pictures.

History & Heritage

Name Origin

The name 'Brown Wardle' likely derives from the Old English words for 'brown', indicating the colour of the soil or rock, and 'wardle', possibly meaning a hill or raised land.

Historical Significance

This hill has been a popular spot for local hikers for generations, steeped in local lore and traditions. Its simple charm attracts adventurers and educators alike.

Getting There & Facilities

Parking

There's a small layby on Brown Wardle Road (SD905185) where you can park your car, but be mindful of the local residents – space is tight!

Public Transport

You can take a bus to the nearby village of Wardle, with services from Rochdale. From there, it's a short walk to the trailhead.

Nearby Facilities

Although there are no facilities directly on the hill, you'll find a couple of delightful cafes in Wardle for a post-hike treat.

Safety Information

Known Hazards

  • The path can be slippery when wet, particularly in the grassy and rocky areas. Also, keep an eye out for low flying sheep!

General Safety Tips

  • Check weather conditions before setting out
  • Carry appropriate clothing and equipment
  • Let someone know your planned route
  • Take a map, compass, and GPS device
  • Carry emergency supplies: food, water, first aid kit, torch

Hills

Some common questions about the hills answered

Are there group walks up Brown Wardle Hill?

Many walkers use Walkmates to join or organise walks with others. You can check for group walks around Brown Wardle Hill through the maps

Are there other walkers around Brown Wardle Hill?

Activity varies by location and time, but Walkmates lets you see whether others have shared walks or shown interest in this area. Find other people through the walking friends search walking friends for Brown Wardle Hill search or of course create your own walk for Brown Wardle Hill

Can I organise a walk to Brown Wardle Hill?

Yes. If there aren’t any walks listed already, you can create a walk and make it available for others to join.

If you're signed up to Walkmates, you can create a walk to Brown Wardle Hill.

How do I find a walk up this hill?

There are often multiple ways to walk this hill, depending on experience and route preference. Walkmates helps you explore walks and routes that others have shared.

Can I suggest a new route up Brown Wardle Hill?

Yes. You can suggest or create routes to share with others. Walkmates focuses on the social side of walking, so routes are used to help people organise walks and explore areas together, rather than as detailed navigation tools or route libraries.

Other uses really appreciate knowledgeable walkers sharing their routes. Share your favourite route to Brown Wardle Hill here

The is an error or something incorrect about this hill. How do I let you know?

We always strive to keep the information on Walkmates as accurate as possible. If you find an error, please let us know through the contact form and we'll aim to correct it as quickly as possible

Location

Brown Wardle Hill location map

Grid reference: SD898186

View on OpenStreetMap

Opens a map in a new tab, centred on the hill.

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