Waterfalls near Wrightington offer diverse natural features for outdoor exploration. The area, situated in a region with varied landscapes, provides opportunities to discover several waterfalls formed by local brooks and rivers. These natural attractions are often integrated into country parks and woodland areas, making them accessible for various activities. Visitors can find walking trails Wrightington that lead to these water features, providing a blend of natural beauty and recreational paths.
Last updated: May 2, 2026
Highlight • Rest Area
Tip by
Highlight • Viewpoint
Tip by
Sign up now to discover places like this
Get recommendations on the best single tracks, peaks, & plenty of other exciting outdoor places.
Sign up for free
Highlight • Forest
Tip by
Highlight • Historical Site
Tip by
Highlight • Waterfall
Tip by
Start today with a free account
Your next adventure awaits.
Login or Signup
Yarrow Valley Country Park was first established in 1987 on land previously used for bleaching, dyeing, calico printing, and mining. Once industrial activity had ended, the site lay derelict for 30 years until the late 1980's when Chorley Council acquired the site. Yarrow Valley Country Park, a 700-acre facility run by Chorley Council, includes a café (treeface) built using Heritage Lottery funds. There is a play area for children, with a dog protection order, and also an angling agreement at Yarrow Valley Country Park, which gives the fishing rights at Birkacre to Wigan & District Angling Association (WDAA). Yarrow Valley Country Park has been awarded Green Flag status since 2004. The 'park' is used by (dog) walkers, runners & cyclists. Share with care :)
0
0
Green route, make sure follow the map as we didn’t and got lost
0
0
This park has so much to offer beautiful lakes waterfalls many different routes which is great for the kids and dog walkers
7
0
Beautiful park and lakes lovely place for a stop. Some of the path can be gravel so take care if on road wheels
7
0
The land here that now forms Yarrow Valley Country Park was acquired by Chorley Council in the early 1980's. It's the site of the former cloth mills, then dyeing works and more recently a small colliery. None of the industry remains but there are interesting traces left including some of the foundation stones of the coal mines, the mill ponds and some machinery. There is a cafe and information centre on site.
0
0
Fairy Glen is a small area of recreation land that follows the Spodley Brook upstream through ancient broadleaf woodland. There are several waterfalls where the brook has cut into the bedrock over time. It's a popular family and dog walking area which becomes busy at weekends in good weather.
2
0
Yes, several waterfalls in the area are suitable for families. Fairy Glen Waterfalls is a popular spot with gentle walks through ancient broadleaf woodland. Yarrow Valley Country Park also offers diverse landscapes and paths ideal for walks with children, alongside lakes and a cafe.
Absolutely. Both Fairy Glen Waterfalls and Yarrow Valley Country Park are very popular with dog walkers. You'll find plenty of scenic routes to explore with your canine companion.
The waterfalls around Wrightington are often set within rich natural environments. At Fairy Glen, you'll find cascades formed by Spodley Brook cutting through ancient broadleaf woodland. Yarrow Valley Country Park features lakes, diverse landscapes, and woodland trails alongside its waterfalls. Lead Mine Clough offers waterfalls within a gorge setting.
Yes, the area has some interesting historical connections. Lead Mine Clough is an old mining area with several waterfalls and traces of its industrial past, including a memorial. Yarrow Valley Country Park is also built on the site of former cloth mills, dyeing works, and a small colliery, with some foundation stones and machinery remaining.
The trails vary in difficulty. Fairy Glen Waterfalls offers generally easy and gentle walks suitable for families. However, locations like Waterfalls at Limestone Brook and Lead Mine Clough feature intermediate to challenging paths, with uneven and sometimes slippery terrain, especially near the river.
Beyond enjoying the waterfalls, you can explore various outdoor activities. There are numerous hiking trails, including routes like 'The Leeds & Liverpool Canal & Fairy Glen loop from Appley Bridge' and 'Fairy Glen Waterfalls – Canal Walk Near Parbold'. For cycling enthusiasts, options range from easy to moderate routes along the Leeds and Liverpool Canal. You can find more details on these activities in the hiking, cycling, and gravel biking guides for Wrightington.
Yes, many of the waterfall locations themselves offer scenic viewpoints. Fairy Glen Waterfalls is specifically listed as a viewpoint, showcasing several cascades. Similarly, Yarrow Valley Country Park and Lead Mine Clough provide picturesque spots to observe the water features and surrounding landscapes.
The waterfalls are beautiful year-round, but spring and autumn often offer the most vibrant scenery with lush greenery or colorful foliage. After rainfall, the water flow is typically more impressive. Weekdays or early mornings are recommended for popular spots like Fairy Glen Waterfalls to avoid crowds, especially on good weather weekends.
Yes, Yarrow Valley Country Park is well-equipped with a cafe and an information center on site, making it a convenient stop for visitors. Other locations might have amenities in nearby villages.
Given the varied terrain, it's advisable to wear sturdy, waterproof hiking boots, especially as paths can be uneven and slippery, particularly near the water. Dress in layers to adapt to changing weather conditions, and consider bringing waterproof outerwear. For more challenging routes like those at Waterfalls at Limestone Brook, good grip is essential.
Parking is generally available at the main access points for popular locations. For instance, Yarrow Valley Country Park has dedicated parking facilities. For other spots like Fairy Glen Waterfalls, parking can be found in nearby areas, though it can get busy on weekends.
Yes, many of the trails leading to waterfalls are part of circular routes. For example, the 'Fairy Glen Waterfalls – Canal Walk Near Parbold loop' is a moderate 9.3 km hike. These loops allow you to experience the waterfalls as part of a longer, scenic journey. You can explore more options in the hiking guide for Wrightington.

