“WILL YO COME O’ SUNDAY MORNING”
Kinder Mass Trespass occurred 75 years ago, but did you know Bolton had its own mass trespass 36 years before. On Sunday 6th September 1896 there was a march to reclaim an ancient right of way over Winter Hill. Colonel Ainsworth, land and factory owner decided that Coalpit Road was his private road to allow him to go grouse shooting on Smithills Moor and hence he closed it. Solomon Partington and Joseph Shufflebotham organised a mass trespass setting off from Bolton town centre to Coalpit Road and the track, that now had a gate erected, that led over Winter Hill. It was said that 1,000 people had started the walk and by the time it reached Coalpit Road the number had grown to 10,000 all led by a brass band. The following Sunday a further march with 12,000 people took place, and though the leaders were prosecuted and fined, the right of way was established.
Today things have improved somewhat, but Bolton Ramblers continuously monitor the footpaths in our area to see that they remain unhindered. We have established a good relationship with Bolton MBC through the Footpath Liaison Group. Sue Stephenson and her team of Footpath Inspectors report problems such as obstructions, and planning applications, which may affect footpaths are checked by Jackie Roberts so that rights of access are maintained. We also respond when members of the general public report that paths are blocked or stiles damaged. When necessary, Bolton MBC approaches the landowners to rectify the deficiencies in the paths. With the anticipated council cut backs we can see the onus will fall more heavily on the Ramblers to monitor issues of concern in our area.
On the October Footpath walk the route down from Winter Hill will follow the route taken on the Mass tresspass past the monument in the picture.
Frank Jones / photo: Andy Smith