Greenwood Trail 1: Old Hall Farm to Rusland Moss and Hay Bridge

Leave the farm on a public byway and rolling woodland tracks, passing the Colton Church turn and a northward view over the Rusland Valley. Field paths trace the remains of an old wall before quiet roads lead past Longmire Water Mill and on toward Hulleter, reaching a junction beside a stream. A simple footbridge, a gate and two plank bridges follow, along with a standing stone that has no public access. Beyond a stile at the wood edge, a path and boardwalk carry you into Rusland Moss National Nature Reserve, where a short side path reaches a moss viewpoint, the quiet high point of the day. More boardwalk and paths continue to Hay Bridge Nature Reserve and its information centre buildings. The return leaves by road past White Moss and Black Beck Tarns, crosses a small bridge, follows a wall and gates to the road, then turns into Height Spring Wood on the old Coffin Road and takes a small path along the wood edge back to the start.

Expect woodland tracks, field paths, quiet country roads, boardwalk and genuinely wet mossland, with repeated gates, stiles, a simple footbridge and plank bridges. Nothing is technical and there is no mountain exposure, but the distance, the number of barriers, soft ground and several route-finding decisions add up to a moderate day. Boots that cope with mud and standing water are sensible. Short road sections mean staying alert for occasional vehicles.

Rusland Moss is a raised mire built up over roughly 3,000 years, and its waterlogged peat suits dragonflies; red and roe deer, lizards, grass snakes and adders are recorded here. Hay Bridge is a lowland raised peat bog with woodland and wetland habitats where small birds, great spotted woodpecker and buzzards may be seen. White Moss and Black Beck Tarns support overwintering wildfowl and amphibians, while Moss Wood and Height Spring are semi ancient woodland with a history of hazel coppice. Sightings are never guaranteed, so treat wildlife as a bonus rather than the reason to come.

The route strings together Colton Church, the old Coffin Road once used between Bouth and Colton, Longmire Water Mill, and small details such as old gates and a churn stand, finishing near Bouth village.

Old Hall Farm, Bouth, LA12 8JA, is the signed start; check the marked starting access and parking arrangements onsite before setting off, as farm facilities can change. Dogs should be kept under close control throughout, particularly near livestock, ground nesting birds and sensitive peatland.

The long red route can be impassable after prolonged rain, when standing water covers the moss, so have the shorter option or another plan in reserve. A fair amount of the loop follows quiet tarmac rather than trail, the standing stone cannot be visited, and anyone hoping for summit panoramas should look to the higher fells instead. This is a walk about peat, woodland and small historical details.