Two Brooks Valley lies deep within Hawshaw valley between Turton Road and Bolton Road. In the 18 and 19 centuries, the valley sustained a community in itself, with a number of mills, works, farms and several groups of cottages. The remains of many of these can still be seen within the valley, and the network of public paths in the area is evidence of the previous acitivity.
These paths, once busy links for horses, carts and workers, now provide the opportunity for a leisurely stroll in the delightful setting of woods, brooks, lodges and fields, or for a more depth exploration of the wildlife, industrial and architectural interest of the valley.
Two Brooks Mill
Until industry came to the area in the 1700s the whole of the Tottington, Greenmount and Hawkshaw area was little more than a collection of hamlets scattered around the hill sides and valley bottoms. The industrial revolution brought some of the larger textile manufacturers of the time to the area, making use of the damp atmosphere and the plentiful supply of soft water and they in turn attracted bleaching and calico printing companies. The population grew rapidly and in 1891 had nearly 17,000 residents. Many of these lived and worked in the Two Brooks area.
The Whowell family bought Two Brooks Mill in 1850 and continued the bleaching business which had been established in the mill. A stroll through the remains of Two Brooks Mill no longer gives the impression of the scale of the former enterprise, where up to 200 people were employed at its peak. Closer investigation of the many overgrown remains which are still visible on site in the form of stone walls, slabs, channels and lodges will, however, give some clues as to the extent of former activity.
Two Brooks Chimney
The mill chimney still stands on the hill side at some distance from the works itself, and was served by a flue which ran underground from the boiler house in the valley bottom. The chimney is the only visual remainder of the working history of the locality.
The construction of the chimney is random coursed sandstone. Having fallen into disrepair over the years, the chimney has now undergone major restoration works which have secured its long term structural integrity. Local businessman, Tom Baldwin, owner of Toms Cattery, bought the chimnney, which is situated next to his land in order to preserve the Chimney. Following a lengthly restoration period with secured funding from Tom Baldwin, Pilsworth Environmental Company and Greening Greater Manchester and Bury Council, the Chimney was officially opened by Bill Johnson MBE who has been involved in preserving this historical chimney.
Wildlife
The Valley has a great variety of wildlife habitats including grasslands, heath, open water and marsh. Species-rich ancient oak woodland occurs on some slopes, with thriving populations of bluebells, violets and golden saxifrage. Woodlands with these characteristics are ideal habitats for a variety of birds including the great spotted woodpecker and tawny owl.
Certain parts of the Valley have been officially recognised and protected as Sites of Biological Importance (SBI), these are Hawkshaw Brook (containing the former Two Brooks Mill area) and Bottoms Wood.
Many of the paths are well signposted, and waymarking improvements are being constantly undertaken, but remember that most of them do cross private land, so please respect the landowners in the area. Public footpaths are open for use to all, but please keep to these paths, use stiles and crossings, close gates, and remember to follow the country code.
For further information, pick up the Two Brooks Valley leaflet from Tourist Information.
Useful Links
Sites of Biological Importance (SBI)
