Extending over 33 miles through Salford, Bury and Rossendale, this is the largest sculpture route in the UK, connecting local heritage, the landscape and communities. The trail also links a host of cultural attractions from art galleries and museums to the East Lancashire Railway. Whether you are on foot, on a bike or simply walking the dog, the trail provides a fascinating backdrop to the local landscape. You don’t have to do all 33 miles, the trail is split into bite-size clusters.
Ramsbottom lies right in the middle of the Irwell Sculpture Trail. From the Old Mill Hotel head south and follow the trail. The North Trail is an 8.4 mile route from Ramsbottom, through to Irwell Vale, Rawtenstall, Stacksteads and Bacup. The South Trail totals 14.2 miles as you walk from Ramsbottom to Burrs Country Park and then on to Bury, Close Park, Radcliffe, Whitefield, Outwood Country Park, Clifton Country Park, Chapel Street, Ordsall Hall (Salford) and finally to Salford Quays. In Ramsbottom, artwork pieces include ‘Tilted Vase’ located in the town centre, and ‘The River’, an 88m stainless steel path inscribed with poetry.