The Irwell Sculpture Trail Tour

Ramsbottom Adventure

Discover hidden artworks, fascinating heritage and beautiful riverside landscapes on a guided adventure through Ramsbottom!

The Sunnywood Project has teamed up with Culture Bury to bring you four adventures along and around the iconic Irwell Sculpture Trail – described as the UK's largest sculpture trail!

Stretching approximately 33 miles from the hills of Rossendale to the waters of Salford Quays, the Irwell Sculpture Trail features over 70 artworks, including 16 sculptures directly on the main route and many more waiting to be discovered nearby.

Week 4: Discover Ramsbottom

Our fourth and final adventure takes us to Ramsbottom, a town renowned for its rich industrial heritage, beautiful surrounding countryside and picturesque setting along the River Irwell.

This adventure offers a wonderful opportunity to discover a different side of Ramsbottom, exploring its fascinating collection of outdoor artworks whilst enjoying some of the area's most beautiful green spaces and riverside scenery.

Along the way, we'll explore four sculpture locations, each with its own story to tell.

From the intriguing Tilted Vase and Remnant Kings to The River, we'll discover how artists have drawn inspiration from the landscape, local history and the relationship between people and the natural environment.

We'll also visit the former location of In the Picture, an artwork that was sadly washed away during the devastating Boxing Day floods of 2015: a poignant reminder of the power of the River Irwell and the changing landscapes through which it flows.

As we explore, we'll uncover connections to Ramsbottom's industrial past, discover some of the stories behind the sculptures and enjoy the opportunity to experience this wonderful town from a completely different perspective.

And, as with all our Sunnywood adventures, it's about much more than simply discovering artwork!

We'll embrace the fresh air, explore beautiful green spaces, enjoy some gentle exercise and share the experience with other like-minded adventurers.

Whether you're joining us to get active, learn something new or simply enjoy a sociable morning outdoors, this is an adventure for everyone who loves discovering something different! 

Please arrive with enough time to find the meeting point and be ready to depart promptly at 9:30am. Unfortunately, we are unable to wait for late arrivals.

Explore All Four Adventures

Each week, we'll explore a different section of the Irwell Sculpture Trail, discovering new artworks, local history and green spaces.

Week 1: Sunday 22nd November – Bury, starting at Burrs Country Park

Week 2: Sunday 29th November – Radcliffe

Week 3: Sunday 6th December – Whitefield

Week 4: Sunday 13th December – Ramsbottom

Please note: Booking this event reserves your place for the Ramsbottom adventure only. Each of the four adventures requires a separate booking.

Explore the Route

Want a sneak peek at where we'll be exploring?

View the Ramsbottom Irwell Sculpture Trail Route on OS Maps

Come and discover the incredible outdoor art, heritage and landscapes right on our doorstep!

Kit Requirements

For the majority of events, it may be necessary to bring the following:

• Waterproof jacket

• Spare warm layer

• Fully charged mobile phone

• Suitable trail shoes or boots

• Personal snacks and drink\

  
  

Route

Each route will cover approximately 4–5 miles across a variety of terrain. Some areas may be muddy, boggy or uneven underfoot.

Any specific requirements for the event will be emailed prior to the adventure. However, please get in touch via email if you have any questions in advance of booking.

Supporting The Sunnywood Project

With thanks to Culture Bury, this is a FREE event. However, a suggested donation of £5 would be greatly appreciated.

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.

By donating towards this event, you'll be helping us cover the costs of our Kindling Kids sessions, Duke of Edinburgh's Award programmes, SPACE programme supporting children with social, emotional and mental health (SEMH) needs, and much more!

Thank you so much for joining us. 💚

EXPLORE. LEARN. GROW.