From the top of Winter Hill radiate a network of stone built water conduits and wells of an indeterminate age that certainly pre-date the large scale reservoir building period of the mid 19th century.

Although now disused and un-maintained by the water authority some of the system is still functional, particularly following heavy rainfall. Other sections such as the tunnel shown here, have been isolated and remain dry apart from general damp.

The tunnel system can be found in many locations on the top of Winter Hill and locations near Horwich and Belmont have also been identified. The tunnels may be contemporary with the early small reservoirs and seem to have been made to transport water from the hill to the major population centres of the time. No water tunnels have so far been found in the northern half of Winter Hill.

Constructed entirely from stone with massive stone slabs forming the roof the miles of tunnels represent a massive architectural and labour intensive work, yet little is known about their initial construction or purpose. With this in mind we are left to examine the system as it remains today.