Irwell Sculpture Trail
A 30-mile long-distance walk in Greater Manchester and Lancashire linking public works of art from regional, national, and international artists. With map, statistics, and GPX route file.
Statistics and Files
Grid Ref: SJ 833 976
Distance: 30 miles (48 km)
Time: 11–14 hours
Duration: 1–2 days
Ordnance Survey Explorer Maps (1:25,000):
OL21 South Pennines – Burnley, Hebden Bridge, Keighley and Todmorden
277 Manchester and Salford
287 West Pennine Moors, Blackburn, Darwen, Accrington and Bolton North
Summary
The Irwell Sculpture Trail is the largest public art scheme in England, commissioning regional, national, and international artists. The trail includes 28 art pieces and follows a well-established 30-mile footpath stretching from Salford Quays through Bury into Rossendale and up to the Pennines above Bacup. The route makes use of a former railway line, follows the former Bolton and Bury Canal, and passes through Bury, Ramsbottom, and Rawtenstall to the finish near Irwell Spring, featuring works by both local and international artists.