Only as a viewpoint does Boulsworth Hill have something to recommend climbing it. However combined with Trawden and in particular Wycoller it becomes the focus of an excellent walk.
Wycoller is a small village with a ruined hall, a pretty stream and a reputation as one of the favourite haunts of the Bronte sisters. Now it is base for the Wycoller Country Park. The Park has some pleasant short walks and an odd metallic structure called ‘The Atom’ perched above the village. I have included the Atom in the walk but I suspect many will ignore the short but steep detour. It can be visited easily enough via a car park on the road.
The contrast between Wycoller and the moors of Boulsworth Hill is stark. The hill (a mountain is over 2,000 feet high, Boulsworth is 1,686ft) lies atop some bleak moorland. The approaches are wet and often muddy but the views are interesting. Pendle Hill is the nearest other hill of note but in the distance the Yorkshire 3 Peaks are clearly outlined on a clear day. The hill lies directly above the village of Trawden, the initial climb to the moors through pleasant farmland.
Boulsworth Hill and Wycoller are linked by a section of the Bronte Way/Pennine Bridleway. It helps make for a walk of great contrasts. I prefer starting in Trawden and climbing Boulsworth Hill first. Wycoller and its cafe then offer a pleasant near conclusion to the walk. A piece of chocolate cake will take you over the fields back to Trawden.
When it is wet underfoot it may be wise to avoid the westerly return path from the summit. Return on the dryer easterly one. Although this repeats the climb at least it avoids the worst of the mud.
The O/S maps show the paths up and down Boulsworth Hill as orange dashes. Orange dashes signify a permissive path. Although this path is on access land it is preferred people stick to the path. This is the quickest and safest way to the summit. However it is not the law that you have to stick to the obvious path, many wander off to enjoy the peace and tranquility of the moors.
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