Peers Clough Packhorses:

Mary Towneley Loop

 The Mary Towneley Loop runs through hill farms and wooded valleys, along historic          packhorse trails and across wild open scenery, giving a glimpse of a rich agricultural and industrial heritage.

                         For more information  visit www.nationaltrail.co.uk

The 5 day ride travels clockwise and is taken at a leisurely pace, although there may be some opportunities for trot and canter. This means 2 hours in the saddle before lunch, and a similar time after, covering approximately 10  miles a day. 

See booking form for available dates Sunday eve - Friday

The 4 day ride travels anti-clockwise and has three short days and one long day, available Wednesday eve- Sunday

Itinerary: 5 day ride

Day 1: Sunday  Arrival p.m; settle in,

meet ponies.

Evening meal in our cosy farmhouse

followed by briefing meeting.

Day 2: Monday    

Breakfast;  groom and tack up before departure. Ride northwards from Peers Clough through farms and moorland, stopping at the Lady Towneley memorial stone for photos .Lunch at the Ram Inn, Holme Chapel. Continue through the limestone hushings and past reservoirs to meet the ancient packhorse trail of Gorple Road. Leave ponies at livery stables and transfer for night’s accommodation  back at Peers Clough Farm.

Day 3: Tuesday

Breakfast and transfer; groom and tack up. Ride along the historic Gorple Road to Widdop reservoir. Lunch at the Pack Horse Inn or  picnic. Continue to ride east into Yorkshire along scenic bridleways.

Arrive at Badger Fields in Blackshaw Head for wonderful welcome, plentiful evening meal and comfortable overnight accommodation.

Day 4: Wednesday

Ride through woodland and stunning and dramatic scenery, past the Stoodley Pike monument to the villages of Lumbutts and Mankinholes.

Lunch at The Top Brink or picnic.

Ride on to Walsden for sumptuous evening meal and stay at beautiful“ Highlands ”

Outdoor swimming pool available! 

Day 5: Thursday

Ride a steep ascent for stunning views across Summit and then through undulating moorland to a picnic stop at Watergrove Reservoir.

After lunch you may see Fell ponies roaming wild across the moors and golf course!

Overnight stop with delicious food at lovely Hindle Pastures

Day 6: Friday

Ride through Healey Dell nature reserve and up across the ancient route and cobbled stones of Rooley Moor Road to the highest point of the ride, with fabulous views of local towns. Descend into the village of Waterfoot and return to Peers Clough for lunch.

Farewell and departure

To find out more about the Mary Towneley Loop and our accommodation providers, visit www.towneleytrailriding.co.uk