The Two Lads stone monuments, which have stood on the moors of Crooked Edge Hill on Winter Hill, north of Bolton, for centuries, are set to be dismantled and rebuilt this summer. The iconic cairns, beloved by walkers and ramblers, offer panoramic views stretching to the Peak District and Yorkshire Dales.
Historical Significance and Current Condition
The landmark has been recorded on maps since 1787, with older maps showing two cairns. However, many people are familiar with just one large cairn that existed until 1970, when the second cairn was rebuilt. Currently, the site comprises one large cairn, another demolished cairn, and a third small stone construction set some distance away. Historic England Research Records describes the site as 'Two Lads', 'a confused heap of stones, seems to be the wreckage of one or more cairns'.
The Woodland Trust, which has owned the land since 2015, decided to rebuild the 'lads' to make them safer, conserve their historical significance, and preserve them for future generations. The restoration is funded by the National Lottery Heritage Fund.
Safety Concerns and Public Consultation
A Woodland Trust spokesperson said: 'The current cairn structures are unstable and unsafe, they have been vandalised and rebuilt numerous times, with a third mound recently appearing. The large cairn has been deemed unsafe and does not currently meet health and safety standards, having a temporary wooden fence around it. Action must be taken to permanently deter further vandalism and make the area safer for visitors.'
After a public consultation, a design was agreed that will introduce several changes from the current state. The trust stated: 'The restoration will not be to return to one point in history, rather we have used elements from several evolutions to decide the new iteration of Two Lads that will include beehive shaped cairns. Traditional Lancashire cairns are built in a beehive shape and this is how Two Lads was originally built. The second cairn was originally built next to the current large cairn and is marked by a pile of rubble. We will be rebuilding the second cairn in its last known position, so ‘Two Lads’ remain in the landscape.'
Construction Details and Timeline
Cement will be used internally in the reconstruction to aid stability and safety, but it will not be visible. A mounded wall in traditional Lancashire drystone style will also be built around Two Lads. The trust published an estimated timeline: the take down of the cairns will occur between July 15 and 31, involving deconstruction and preparation of the area and stone. A community archaeological dig will take place from August 3 to 14. From August 7 to October and beyond, the restoration will proceed with the help of a local dry stone waller, volunteers, and the community. The trust noted that dates may change depending on weather and bird surveys.
Access and Views
One route to the Two Lads landmark starts from Walker Fold car park, across the Smithills Estate and up to the moorland, a walk of around 1.7 miles. From the summit, visitors can spot natural wonders such as the Ribble Estuary, the Peak District, the vast expanse of the Irish Sea, and the rolling hills of the Yorkshire Dales. Also in view is the dynamic skyline of Manchester, punctuated by its towering skyscrapers, alongside the ever-expanding high-rise horizon of Salford Quays.
