Bold and bizarre sculptures hidden in the Lancashire countryside, a winding river and a working steam railway - surprise yourself as you follow this short but scenic section of the Irwell Sculpture Trail.

Stretching for 30 miles, from Salford to the Pennines, this is the largest public art scheme in the UK, including 28 large, intriguing artworks.

Ramsbottom includes two such sculptures: the heavy, permanent feeling of the bronze 'Tilted Vase' fountain is complemented by its gentle flow of water. Recalling the industrial revolution, its creator Edward Allington calls it a "monument to that past and a symbol of continuity and change for the future."

'The River', meanwhile, is an 88-metre path winding through a number of smaller works that were created by the local people, ending in a viewing platform for the steam railway. There are also poems about the river and an illustrated story about Jacob's Ladder, a local beauty spot.

Leaving the town, follow the winding river towards Irwell Vale. En route, you'll find many more sculptures intriguingly planted within the landscape.

'In the Picture' is a strangely alluring, enormous picture frame made of European larch and elmwood. As you walk around it, an ever-changing snapshot of the surrounding area and the nearby carvings is created - art and nature in a perfect balance.

Further on is 'Remnant Kings', giant ash-wood timbers resting upon semicircular steel cogs. Suggestive of the area's industrial heritage and seemingly about to move, artist Ian Randall says it's: "watching over its kingdom, waiting for its chance to scatter".

From Irwell Vale, the East Lancashire Steam Railway is a memorable way to return to Ramsbottom. Trains run on weekends but check times in advance.

The Route

Distance: 3.5 miles
Time: 1-2 hours

Turn left from Ramsbottom's East Lancashire Railway station up Bridge Street to Market Place and the amazing 'Tilted Vase' sculpture .

Return to the station and cross over the level crossing. 'The River' is on the left, at Wharf Picnic Site.

Turn left along Kenyon Street, then go through the gate and over the fields. Bear left through a gate along a track.

At Stubbins, cross Bolton Road North and then go left over the footbridge. Turn right through the recreational public gardens, then the allotments, following the river.

Turn right along the road and the track beside the river.

Cross a bridge and immediately turn left through a gate.

After the next river bend is the sculpture called 'In the Picture'.

Follow the path between the railway and Alder Bottom, with the railway to your left. 'Remnant Kings' is just before the kissing gate, up the hillside on the right.

Turn left through the subway under the railway. Turn right along the riverside. Cross the river at Lumb Bridge and then turn right along the riverbank.

At the end of Bowker Street turn right along Aitken Street and over the bridge to Irwell Vale station. Steam trains return to Ramsbottom.

If you have time in Ramsbottom, why not visit the 'Seek and You Will Find' sculptures in Nuttall Park?

Follow Railway Street south, past the station and haulage depot. Turn left, crossing the river and then going underneath the railway. Walk diagonally into Nuttall Park.

On the bandstand is a map telling you the sculptures' locations.

Lancashire sculpture walk