BWOAS is a community walking group of volunteers, friends, acquaintances and other members of the public based in the West Pennine Moors area.
We are a friendly, inclusive and supportive bunch providing a safe environment for allto enjoy nature, casual exercise, socialising and a positive atmosphere.
Over the years, hundreds of people have been able to enjoy different walks by joining the walking group. It is currently more popular than ever, with a pool of around 300 "regular" members who make up this very special community. New walkers are always very welcome.
There are FREE outings every Monday and Wednesday evenings that take place anywhere around the Bolton and South Lancashire area, and into Greater Manchester.
For insurance purposes, it is required that participants book a space in advance of any activity via the Ticket Tailor platform.
Participants are very welcome to propose future routes that can then be "reccied" and risk assessed before being added to the schedule of upcoming outings.
If you would like to learn more about the group walks organised by Bolton Walking and Outdoors Appreciation Society, please have a look through the website.
Bolton Walking Group
Bolton Outdoors
Bolton Hiking
Bolton
Walking
Hiking
Horwich walks
Rivington walks
Rivington Pike
Winter Hill
Tockholes
Belmont walks
Tockholes walks
Darcy Lever walks
Heaton walks
Halliwell walks
Westhoughton walks
Rambling
Hiking
Bolton Rambling
A word from the Committee Chairperson, Colin Liptrot.
It's Colin here - I have organised walks alongside the other volunteers while lending my advice and experience with BWOAS now for fifteen years.
More recently, I was appointed the Committee Chairperson of the group.
I am also a qualified Mountain Leader and operate professionally in the Lake District, the Peak District and the West Pennine Moors outside of BWOAS.
I am proud to give up my free time once a week to organise and assist with the Wednesday walks, and to have a seat on the committee. It is very rewarding to be a part of something that helps others to improve their physical fitness, mental well being or general lifestyle, and also provides a way for people to make new likeminded friends.
To learn more about my separate professional guiding services across the north west region of the UK, please click onto www.moorstomountains.co.uk.
Come and join a BWOAS Monday or Wednesday outing.
You can easily browse and sign up to any upcoming walks below.
Full details of what to expect for each are published on Facebook and the Ticket Tailor platform.
You can also click onto the ROUTES & VENUES to read specific details about particular routes.
It is possible to book onto Monday Mooches from the previous Thursday at 18:00.
Wednesdays can be booked from the previous Sunday at 18:00.
Please familiarise yourself with the BWOAS SAFETY GUIDE and PRIVACY POLICY before booking.
BWOAS COMMITTEE MEMBERS
CHAIRPERSON - COLIN
"Ey up you lot, hope you're all reet!"
One of the original founding members of BWOAS back in 2011, it has been an absolute privilege to have shared the journey so far with so many wonderful people. I live and breathe the outdoors and am fully committed to the longevity of this unique community group.
I like to think I bring some positive energy and enthusiasm to the table, as well as fifteen years of experience organising and leading walks across the UK.
As mentioned elsewhere on the site, I am also a qualified Mountain Leader and provide professional outdoor services under the guise of Moors to Mountains - Guided Adventures.
I look forward to meeting any new participants on upcoming BWOAS walks.
SECRETARY - GRAHAM
Hi all! When we moved to Bolton back in late 2022, we looked for some new adventures and in June 2023 came across the BWOAS Facebook page and have been an active member of the walking group ever since.
I’ve been Club secretary since June 2025 and help organise not only the committee but currently half of the Monday mooches in collaboration with Noggy. Usually seen walking with one of our rescue dogs ‘Mav’ who has also become an active member of the walking group and definitely enjoys treats in the pub afterwards whilst the walkers sup real ale.
BWOAS has certainly changed Jenni (my long suffering wife) and my life since we moved to Bolton. We could not have dreamed to have found a more welcoming community and we have made some great friendships along the way and now socialise with many of these friends away from the walks.
TREASURER - KAREN
Boots laced up, ready to go!
I stumbled into BWOAS in January 2024, with nothing more than a vague idea of exploring a few new footpaths for my ever-growing list. Fast forward two years, and I’m now the Club Treasurer.
With over thirty years in Finance (though I’m no accountant), spreadsheets and colour-coded budgets are my happy place. I’ve got a knack for staying organised, minding the details and making sure things run smoothly.
Colin’s built something really special here, and I’m genuinely excited to give back to this fantastic community - even if it means keeping an eye on the pennies while the rest of you are out dancing in puddles, climbing through brambles, being chased by cows, or hunting down trig points!
VICE TREASURER - TATTY
For those who don’t know me, I’m Tatty, a regular on our group walks - usually the one grinning at the top of the hill…and slightly out of breath.
In my day job I work in Compliance, which means I spend a lot of time making sure things are done by the book. I bring a sharp eye for detail, a love of spreadsheets and an uncanny ability to spot a misplaced decimal at twenty paces - useful skills when it comes to keeping our club’s finances on track.
Outside of the office, I find balance (and plenty of fresh air) hiking across moor and mountain. I’m genuinely passionate about our walking community - it’s not just the miles we cover, but the conversations, the camaraderie and the shared laughter along the way. I’m honoured to be able to support the group behind the scenes as well as on the trail.
FIRST AID AND WELFARE - CATHERINE
I’m Catherine, I’ve been walking with this brilliant bunch for over two and half years, and it’s been an uphill journey - in the best way.
Known as “the eyes” of the group (because I can’t hear), I’ve got a knack for spotting trouble before it cracks. With over twenty years’ experience as a nurse, I know how to take things in stride, even if it’s a rocky situation.
I’ve always got a first aid kit in my pack and a smile tucked somewhere between the snacks and survival blanket. I may not hear every word, but I read the terrain pretty well and I’m always on hand if someone takes a tumble.
I enjoy sharing my knowledge on the First Aid and Welfare role - it’s about looking out for others, and that’s right up my trail.
ADMIN AND PLANNING - DAVID "NOGGY"
Since early 2024, I’ve been happily pounding pavements and muddy trails with this fantastic walking group. What started as Monday evening dog strolls turned into the legendary Monday Mooches (co-founded with fellow trailblazers Tom and Catherine) – and we’ve been mooching from strength to strength ever since!
When I’m not planning walks or chatting to cows, you’ll find me volunteering at the magical Rivington Terraced Gardens with the Heritage Trust, organising Chorley Whippet Walks (yes, the dogs are as fast as the gossip), and leading the charge as a Beaver Scout Leader – badges, biscuits and all.
Basically, if it involves walking boots, community spirit, or a head torch, I’m in!
SAFEGUARDING AND WELFARE - LORRAINE
Hi, I’m Lorraine. I absolutely love being part of this lively, welcoming bunch. You’ll often find me volunteering on walks, or somewhere in the middle of the group untangling both conversations and my hair.
I’m passionate about keeping everyone safe and supported, and I’m keen to play an active role on the committee, particularly in safeguarding and safety matters. Outside of walking adventures, I work as a Nurse in a busy paediatric A&E department. I’m trained in Immediate Life Support, Advanced Paediatric Life Support, and Minor Injuries – and I also serve as a Safeguarding Champion in my role.
I’d like to think of myself as friendly, approachable, and a good listener – just don’t ask me for hair tips unless you’re going for the windswept look!
SAFEGUARDING AND WELFARE - MATTHEW
I’ve been walking with the group since April 2025 and have found it to be a very inclusive and supportive community.
I’m approachable and always happy to chat, whether someone is new to the group or just a chat on the walk. I can also be found debating the choice of real ale at the bar.
BWOAS DOCUMENTS AND POLICIES
BWOAS SAFETY GUIDE - CLICK TO OPEN
BWOAS
CLUB
CONSTITUTION
CLICK TO OPEN
BWOAS
HEALTH & SAFETY
POLICY
COMING SOON
BWOAS SAFEGUARDING POLICY
COMING SOON
BWOAS
PRIVACY & GDPR
POLICY
CLICK TO OPEN
FAQ's and INFO
Thinking of joining a BWOAS walk? Here are some pointers
based on questions that are regularly asked by new participants 👇
✅ Anybody with good mobility is welcome to attend.
Required fitness will depend on the route, which is always well advertised.
✅ Walks are always FREE to attend, but booking is required via
https://www.tickettailor.com/events/boltonwalkingandoutdoorsappreciationsociety.
👥 Group sizes are limited to 54 walkers. This allows for a general safe operation of 1:8 volunteer
to participant ratio, and never exceeding 1:12 in the event that the group may have to split.
We endeavour to minimise environmental impact by sticking to a sensible number of walkers.
🕖 Participants and volunteers generally gather at our chosen venue from 18:30 for a 19:00 start.
⏱️ Routes are usually around 7km (depending on terrain) and designed to take around 2 hours.
⛰️ There are a wide range of different routes and difficulty level is always well advertised.
ℹ️ Full details for each walk are shared via Facebook and Ticket Tailor before booking opens.
🚌 Most BWOAS activities are accessible via public transport. We also fully encourage
car pooling to minimise environmental impact caused by participants attending walks.
.👣 Good to know:
🙌 There is no membership subscription – just book your place and attend as and when.
👋 Coming solo? You won’t be the only one! There is a very friendly and welcoming
core of regulars who help to promote a supportive and inclusive environment for all.
You'll be made to feel right at home and make new friends in no time.
💬 There is an active WhatsApp community for walk updates, photos & social chat.
🐶 We love dogs! But all four-legged participants must be kept on a lead and under close control at all times.
Some routes have stiles where dogs may need lifting over.
🚶♀️BWOAS walks are very much a social occasion and undertaken at a pace suitable for the terrain
and mixed ability of participants. It is not a race - there are regular regrouping points and
volunteers are posted throughout the group to assist where necessary.
🥾 Appropriate, sturdy footwear is always required. Trails can be uneven, muddy or boggy.
🔦 ALWAYS bring a torch, water and dress appropriately for the weather. Poles are encouraged.
💨 Please be mindful with vaping as it can upset other participants.
Any vapers are asked to respect others by limiting use to regrouping points away from the rest of the group.
🦺 All routes are "reccied" and risk assessed by volunteers within the group.
📡 Group support on every walk is provided by volunteers with two-way radios, first aid supplies and mapping.
Any volunteers give up their free time to help out and are not offering qualified instruction,
nor personally liable for any injuries or damage to/loss of personal property.
⚠️ BWOAS has a community sports club policy with PROTECTIVITY that covers individual
participants in the case of personal injury and loss or damage to personal property.
⏰ Booking times:
🔵 Monday walks → open from the previous Thursday at 18:00
🟢 Wednesday walks → open from the previous Sunday at 18:00.
It is advisable to set an alarm to book your space as walks often hit full capacity quickly.
BWOAS Walk Difficulty guide.
GET IN TOUCH WITH BWOAS
You can find information about all upcoming BWOAS activities from social media and Ticket Tailor website.
Please use the contact form for specific enquiries, or emails can be directed to:
boltonwalkingandoutdoors@yahoo.com
Committee members are very busy with multiple commitments but will reply as soon as possible.
There is a WhatsApp community where participants and volunteers are able to organise walks, discuss different route ideas and a whole host of other social chats including walks that take place outside of BWOAS.
Please email to be added.
OTHER WALKING GROUPS AND COMMUNITY ORGANISATIONS THAT WE SUPPORT
Please CLICK THE ICONS to visit the individual web pages.
Rivington Heritage Trust is a registered charity and holds the lease for Rivington Terraced gardens. The organisation has completed some absolutely amazing work up there in recent years in clearing paths and restoring the ruined structures.
A number of BWOAS participants and volunteers help out with the charity and take part in the monthly maintenance days.
Operation Step Outdoors by Inner Peak Wellbeing is a veteran-led wellbeing programme funded by Sport England and The National Lottery.
There are free weekly walks across Lancashire every Sunday and walk-to-run sessions every Wednesday, supporting both the veteran community and the wider public.
The aim is to encourage people to step outdoors, stay active and improve their mental wellbeing.
Quite a lot of our BWOAS participants and volunteers join the weekend walks!
Chorley Whippet Walks.
All whippet owners welcome within the area. Organisers aim to meet up on the last weekend of each month in various places, and are open to suggestions.
BWOAS Committee Member David "Noggy" is a walk organiser for the group.
Bolton Holiday Fellowship Walking Group.
Comprised of members who share a love of walking and the countryside. Many walks end at a pub or tea room with a friendly chat. There are local walks and several coach trips, rail rambles and some using local bus routes.
The committee puts together a varied and interesting programme of outings.
Ramblers' Association - Bolton Branch.
Promoting the activities and the philosophy of the Ramblers Association within our local community for over FIFTY years.
Walks are designed to encourage and inspire the public and members of the Ramblers to enjoy the countryside. These walks include weekly Thursday, mid-week and monthly weekend walks and range in length all around the local area. Coach rambles provide three levels of walks around northern England.
Also organises a small group of volunteers to carry out monthly maintenance and clearance work of the network of local footpaths.
Bolton CHA Rambling Club.
Bolton CHA Rambling Club was founded in 1905, organising trips intended to improve the lives of working people. CHA stood for "Co-Operative Holiday Association". In 1964, the name was changed to The Countrywide Holidays Association, thereby keeping the same initials.
Bolton CHA Rambling Club remains very active and welcome and encourage new members to join us and enjoy the simple pleasure of walking in the beautiful Lancashire countryside and beyond.
Ramsbottom Running Club.
Based over the hill in "Rammy", RRC is a friendly, inclusive, and social running club offering a variety of running opportunities for all abilities, with a focus on community and support.
Several BWOAS "regulars" head out running with RRC on a regular basis.
The Pike Snack Shack at Dudley's is a well stocked provisions stop for any walkers on their way up to Rivington Pike, Two Lads and beyond from George's Lane on the Horwich side of Winter Hill.
The best place for a "brew with a view" around, it's ace looking out over the Lancashire Plain out towards North Wales and the Peak District while enjoying a pastie, flapjack or a hot chocolate.
Leoni, Andy and staff have always been keen supporters of BWOAS and sometimes open especially for us when the evening walk routes are passing. Make sure you stop by and say "hello" next time your up on the moors.