For a family walk that’s packed with history, but not too taxing on the legs, Barrow Bridge is hard to beat. Nestled within the expansive Smithills Estate – the largest Woodland Trust site in England – picturesque Barrow Bridge is a charming destination for an excursion. Its story began with John and Robert Lord, who established a cotton mill powered by the Dean Brook's waters.
Barrow Bridge Their innovation led to the construction of 13 cottages for their workers. By 1830, industrialists Thomas Bazley and Richard Gardner had acquired the site, demolishing the old mill and replacing it with the impressive Dean Mills—twin six-storey steam-powered structures located at the village entrance. Bazley and Gardner transformed Barrow Bridge into a model village.
They built rows of cottages, a shop, and an educational institute on the hilltop, accessible by a flight of stone steps. Managers' houses were constructed nearby, overlooking the brook, adding to the village's structured layout. Despite the mill's closure in 1877 and eventual demolition in 1913, many of these historical buildings still stand today, offering a fascinating window into the past.
Today, visitors can enjoy a variety of scenic walks through its historical landscape. One of the most popular features are the famous 63 steps, which mill workers once climbed daily to reach their jobs. Today, these steps lead walkers up to the stunning West Pennine Moors, providing breathtaking views and a rewarding climb.
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