The Irwell Sculpture Trail Challenge

50km / 31 Miles

Bacup to Salford Quays

The Sunnywood Project invites you to take on an extraordinary long-distance walking challenge along the iconic Irwell Sculpture Trail: described as the UK's longest public art trail.

Stretching approximately 50km (31 miles) from the hills of Rossendale to the waters of Salford Quays, the Irwell Sculpture Trail is home to over 70 artworks, celebrating the rich industrial heritage, landscapes, people and communities that have shaped the River Irwell and its surroundings.

The Challenge: From Bacup to Salford Quays

Beginning in Bacup, our adventure will take us on an unforgettable journey through the changing landscapes of Greater Manchester and Lancashire.

We'll travel through Rawtenstall, Ramsbottom, Bury and Radcliffe, following the River Irwell and discovering fascinating artworks, historic landmarks, beautiful green spaces and the communities that have grown alongside it.

Along the way, we'll experience everything from the rolling hills and countryside of Rossendale to the industrial heritage of Bury and the increasingly urban landscapes of Manchester and Salford, before finally reaching our destination at Salford Quays.

Throughout the journey, we'll encounter many artworks that celebrate the history, creativity and character of the places we pass through, including some hidden gems you may never have known existed!

It's a unique opportunity to experience the Irwell Sculpture Trail in its entirety, connecting art, heritage, nature and physical activity in one incredible adventure.

A Challenge to Share, Not a Race to Win

This is a challenging, full-day adventure, led by a qualified leaders.

But this isn't about racing to the finish line, beating other participants or setting records.

It's about the journey, the challenge and the people you share it with.

We'll be tackling the distance together as a small group, supporting and encouraging one another as we navigate the changing landscapes, discover new places and work towards the shared achievement of completing the trail.

There'll be plenty of opportunities to appreciate our surroundings, learn about the artworks and enjoy the camaraderie that makes our Sunnywood adventures so special.

Whether you're an experienced long-distance walker looking for your next challenge or someone ready to push themselves towards a new personal achievement, this promises to be a truly memorable experience.

50 kilometres. One incredible journey. A shared sense of achievement. 

Route and Day Details

This is a demanding long-distance challenge, and participants should be confident in their ability to complete the full distance over a sustained period.

Distance: 50km / 31 miles

Elevation: Approximately 417m / 1,368 feet

Start Time: 7:00am

Estimated Finish: 8:00pm

Duration: Approximately 13 hours

Starting Point: Futures Park, Bacup

Finishing Point: Salford Quays

As this is a supportive group event accommodating a range of walking abilities, the advertised timings are estimates.

Please bear this in mind when making travel arrangements or plans following the event. The actual finishing time will depend on group pace, conditions and along the route.

Meeting Point

We'll meet at Futures Park in Bacup, ready to begin our adventure at 7:00am.

Please allow plenty of time to arrive, prepare your kit and be ready to depart promptly.

You can find the meeting location using the following links:

Google Maps – Futures Park, Bacup

Please park responsibly using available street parking or local car parks.

As this is a linear route finishing at Salford Quays, participants will need to make their own arrangements for returning from the finish to their vehicle or onward destination.

We strongly encourage car-sharing where possible. You can also connect with other participants through our friendly Sunnywood Facebook Members Group.

What's Included

• An experienced, qualified Hill and Moorland / Mountain Leaders to guide and support you throughout the challenge.

• A professionally planned, guided 50km adventure along the Irwell Sculpture Trail.

• The opportunity to discover fascinating artworks, local heritage and landscapes along the route.

• A supportive small-group experience with other like-minded adventurers.

• Aid stations providing well-stocked drinks and snacks

• A souvenir Irwell Sculpture Trail T-shirt

  
  
  
  

Kit Requirements

This is a full-day adventure covering a considerable distance across a variety of terrain, including countryside paths, riverside trails, woodland, urban walkways and potentially muddy or uneven ground.

Participants must arrive suitably equipped and prepared for changing weather conditions and an extended period outdoors.

Specific kit requirements and further information will be emailed ahead of the event.

However, you should be prepared to bring:

• Waterproof jacket and trousers

• Spare warm layer

• Hat and gloves or baseball cap, depending on conditions

• Capacity to carry at least 2 litres of water

• Fully charged mobile phone, ideally with OS Maps installed

• Suitable, well-worn trail shoes or walking boots

• Sufficient food and snacks for a full day's hiking, plus emergency provisions

• Personal first aid kit and any essential medication

• Suncream

  
  

Please note: This is a physically demanding challenge. Participants should have a good level of walking fitness, experience of sustained walking over long distances and confidence in their ability to complete the full 50km.

More Than Just a Walking Challenge

At The Sunnywood Project, we believe that the outdoors offers incredible opportunities to explore new places, learn about the world around us and grow through shared experiences.

The Irwell Sculpture Trail Challenge brings all three together.

It's an opportunity to test your endurance, discover the remarkable cultural heritage that exists along the River Irwell and experience the satisfaction of completing something genuinely challenging.

And perhaps most importantly, it's a chance to share that achievement with others.

The Sunnywood Project is an award-winning, profit-for-purpose organisation offering a wide range of youth programmes and community activities, all of which aim to utilise the outdoors to enrich people's lives.

Proceeds from many of our events help us continue this important work, including our Kindling Kids sessions, Duke of Edinburgh's Award programmes and SPACE programme supporting children with social, emotional and mental health (SEMH) needs.

So, are you ready to take on all 50 kilometres of the Irwell Sculpture Trail?

EXPLORE. LEARN. GROW.