Cowhill Moss

Downs, Moorland in Lancashire Hyndburn

England

Cowhill Moss

Church of St. Peter & St. Paul, Rishton Credit: Nigel Thompson

Cowhill Moss is a vast expanse of moorland located in Lancashire, England. Situated near the village of Cowhill, it covers an area of approximately 500 acres and is surrounded by picturesque hills and valleys. The moss is known for its diverse and unique ecosystem, making it a popular destination for nature enthusiasts and wildlife photographers.

The landscape of Cowhill Moss is characterized by rolling hills and heather-covered moorland. The area is home to a variety of plant species, including cotton grass, bilberry, and heath milkwort. These plants thrive in the acidic and nutrient-poor soil that is typical of mosses.

The moss also serves as an important habitat for a range of animal species. Visitors to Cowhill Moss may spot birds such as curlews, lapwings, and red grouse. The moorland is also home to small mammals like voles and shrews, as well as reptiles like common lizards and adders.

The open landscape of Cowhill Moss allows for stunning views in all directions. On a clear day, visitors can enjoy panoramic vistas of the surrounding hills and valleys. The area is crisscrossed by footpaths and trails, making it an ideal location for hiking and walking.

Cowhill Moss is protected as a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) due to its ecological significance. The moss is carefully managed to conserve its unique habitat and biodiversity. Visitors are encouraged to respect the fragile ecosystem and follow any guidelines provided to ensure the long-term preservation of this beautiful moorland.

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Cowhill Moss Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 53.753344/-2.4272265 or Grid Reference SD7128. Thanks to Geograph Open Source API. All images are credited.

Church of St. Peter & St. Paul, Rishton

Nigel Thompson

Leeds & Liverpool Canal

The Leeds and Liverpool Canal is the longest canal in Northern England at 127 miles long. The first of the trans-Pennine canals it took 46 years to build at a cost of five times the original budget, mainly because of the length and complexity of the route. It passes through 91 locks with a summit level of 487 feet at Foulridge near Nelson and Colne. It was originally conceived in the 18th century to carry woollen goods from Leeds and Bradford and limestone from Skipton but in its 19th century heyday it carried stone, coal and many other goods. The impact of the railways was not as great as with other canals and commercial traffic continued along the main canal until 1964. Regular work stopped in 1972 when the movement of coal to Wigan Power Station ceased. In the latter part of the 20th century the leisure potential of the canal was developed and it is now a popular destination for cruising, fishing, walking and cycling. See Link

for detailed information.

Peter McDermott

Leeds and Liverpool Canal

View from the bridge on Hermitage Street

Kevin Waterhouse

Rishton railway station, Lancashire

Opened in 1853 by the East Lancashire Railway, later part of the Lancashire & Yorkshire Railway, on the line from Blackburn to Burnley. There may have also been a station open here for a few months in 1848. View east, towards Church & Oswaldtwistle and Accrington. The station building and goods shed were formerly on the platform to the left and unusually, a goods siding ran where the houses on the far left now are, meaning that the footbridge was longer as it had to cross that as well. New waiting shelters have been provided since SD7229 : Rishton railway station, Lancashire was taken on the left-hand platform.

Nigel Thompson

Rishton

Petre Crescent in Rishton, seen from the Leeds & Liverpool Canal.

Peter McDermott

Leeds & Liverpool Canal

The Leeds & Liverpool Canal at Whitebirk.

Peter McDermott

Whitebirk Moss Farm

Whitebirk Moss Farm alongside the Leeds & Liverpool Canal.

Peter McDermott

Imperial Mill

Imperial Mill seen from the Leeds & Liverpool Canal. See also SD7028 : Imperial Mill and SD6928 : Imperial Mill.

Peter McDermott

Imperial Mill

Imperial Mill seen from the Leeds & Liverpool Canal. See also SD7028 : Imperial Mill and SD6928 : Imperial Mill.

Peter McDermott

Aspen Colliery

Remains of the coke ovens at the Aspen Colliery.

Peter McDermott

Foxhill Bank Bridge No.111

Across the Leeds and Liverpool Canal and appearing to be sealed off and unused

Kevin Waterhouse

New Barn Bridge No.109

Across the Leeds and Liverpool Canal

Kevin Waterhouse

Leeds and Liverpool Canal south of Rishton

Viewed from the railway, on a frosty morning. For a similar view from towpath level, see SD7328 : Towpath along the Leeds and Liverpool Canal.

Stephen Craven

Canal bridge south of Rishton

In the centre is New Barn Bridge SD7329 : New Barn Bridge No.109. Nearer and to the right is a localised widening of the canal, which is shown on maps from over 100 years ago, but with no obvious purpose - it's not near any lock or wharf. In the distance, 14km away, is Pendle.

Stephen Craven

Rishton Reservoir

The reservoir serves the Leeds and Liverpool canal, and was built in 1828. Compare this early winter view of a full reservoir, with a spring one when it was drawn down SD7129 : Rishton Reservoir.

Stephen Craven

Field east of the canal at Whitebirk

The Leeds and Liverpool canal passes in front of the buildings in the distance, and at this point acts as the boundary between Blackburn unitary authority in which the buildings lie, and Lancashire county this side.

Stephen Craven