If you’re ever driving through Rossendale at night and think you’ve spotted a UFO on the hillside – don’t fret – chances are you’ve just spotted the Haslingden Halo.
Residing on top of the valley above the quaint town of Haslingden, this peculiar steel-crafted structure has long captured the imagination of residents & visitors alike.
Best seen via one of the various local trails which pass by the otherworldly sculpture, visit during the day and you’d perhaps mistake it as some kind of odd industrial contraption rather than an artistic piece.
Catch the Halo after sunset however and it really starts to light up (literally and figuratively!)
Interested in learning more about this structure and seeing it for yourself? Then let’s get to it 👇👇
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What is the Haslingden Halo?
Designed by: John Kennedy, LandLab
A steel crafted sculpture located on the hillside above the small mill town of Haslingden, the Haslingden Halo spans 18 metres in diameter & uncannily resembles the shape of a flying saucer.
Propped up by a 5-metre-high tripod to make it visible for miles around, the ‘Halo’ utilises low energy LED technology to glow a vibrant sky-blue from sunset; creating the illusion that a UFO is hovering above the town!
Well-known as one of the Panopticons – a series of artistic sculptures built to liven up the East Lancashire countryside – chances are you’ve also heard of the Halo’s famed sibling; the Singing Ringing Tree.
When was Haslingden Halo built?
The Haslingden Halo was actually the last Panopticon to be built in East Lancashire, not officially opening to the public until September 2007.
Where is the Haslingden Halo?
Address: Cribden End Ln, Rossendale BB4 5AD
As the name suggests, the Haslingden Halo is nestled on the hills above the town of Haslingden in the picturesque Rossendale valley.
Built atop the re-landscaped ground at ‘Top o’ Slate’ – an old quarry and landfill site – it is possible to simply drive directly up to the Halo if you so wish.
With only a handful of parking spots available however, your safest bet would be to instead park on a side street in town and take the short 15 minute stroll up to the site.
Haslingden Halo walk routes
The easiest and most direct walk to the Haslingden Halo is from the centre of Haslingden, which is a gentle 1-kilometre incline up the hillside.
Simply make your way up Higher Lane, followed by taking the first right turning onto Cribden End Lane.
For those of you who’d like a hike with a bit more substance to it however, fret not!
The Rossendale valley is full of cracking walks, and there are several longer trails up to the Halo that’ll surely satisfy your rambling needs.
Haslingden Halo Circular Walk (from Rawtenstall)
Perhaps my favourite Haslingden Halo walk is this 6.4-kilometre circular trail starting from the nearby village of Rawtenstall.
Taking you past Bribden Clough and through Whittaker Park in addition to the Halo, finishing the walk back in Rawtenstall also means you can recoup with some well deserved grub at the local food market.
With so many fantastic stalls on offer, it’s absolutely ideal when you’ve worked up an appetite!
What time does the Haslingden Halo turn on?
The Haslingden Halo’s lights are programmed to switch on at dusk, so the exact timing will depend on the time of year you’re planning on visiting.
In simple terms – if the sun is down, then the lights will likely be up & running! Just be sure to bring along a head torch.
Haslingden Halo & other Panopticons
If you’ve time, it’s also certainly worth checking the other Panopticons dotted around the local landscape.
Just 9 miles from the Haslingden Halo resides the Singing Ringing Tree sculpture (ranked as one of the world’s weirdest instrumentals), while over in Wycoller Country Park you can also find The Atom – a contemporary shelter & viewing point which overlooks the idyllic Pendle landscape.
More resources
For other great treks in the local area, why not head on over to our ‘8 Of The Best Walks in Lancashire’ post?
Likewise, if you’re after more outdoor wonder in Haslingden, then you MUST give the Haslingden Grane Trail a try.
A scenic 10-kilometre ramble incorporating quarries, reservoirs and scattered remains of the long forgotten Haslingden Grane Village; this really is not a walk to be missed!
Happy walking 🚶🚶