Waterfoot Estate Agents

Living in Waterfoot

Waterfoot sits in the Rossendale valley between Rawtenstall and Bacup, on the River Irwell. Steep hillsides rise on either side, lined with stone terraces, and the road to Burnley climbs north through the narrow gorge known as the Glen. It has a Rossendale (BB4) postcode, with Rawtenstall a short drive to the west.

Waterfoot grew with the felt-making and then the slipper and footwear trade. J W Rothwell started making slippers here in 1874, and Henry Trickett's Gaghills works employed more than 1,000 people by 1900. Trickett also built the Arcade, also known as Victoria Parade, which opened in 1899 and still stands at the heart of the village. Rossendale Council published a new conservation area appraisal for Waterfoot in July 2026.

Most homes in Waterfoot are stone terraced houses built for mill workers, many with long views across the valley, alongside some larger Victorian houses and newer homes on the edges. The village has its own shops, cafes and pubs along Bacup Road.

Schools and getting around

Primary schools include Waterfoot Primary School, St Peter's RC Primary School in Newchurch and Newchurch St Nicholas CE Primary School. Bacup and Rawtenstall Grammar School is on Glen Road in Waterfoot, and other Rossendale secondary schools are close by. Buses run along Bacup Road between Rawtenstall and Bacup, and Rawtenstall gives access to the A56 and M66 towards Bury and Manchester.

Things to do

The Glen, or Thrutch Gorge, is a striking place for a walk. The railway once ran through it in tunnels built in 1852 and 1881, before the line closed in 1966. Paths lead up onto the moors on both sides of the valley, and Rawtenstall and Bacup are close by for shopping, the East Lancashire Railway and Bacup's museum.

Selling a house in Waterfoot

Waterfoot's stone terraces suit first-time buyers and anyone who wants valley views at a sensible price, and its larger houses attract families. We can help you reach the right buyers for your home. To book a free, no-obligation valuation, call 01706 310171 or email sales@bowmanestatesltd.com.