Nature reserves
Healey Dell Nature Reserve
Healey Dell is a beauty
spot and wildlife sanctuary rich in industrial archaeology, two
miles from Rochdale town centre on the way to Whitworth and
Bacup.
The reserve is signposted from the A671 Rochdale-Bacup Road and
from the B6377 opposite Healey Hotel. Car parking is
available at Broadley Wood Lodge, off Station Road and
at the visitor centre.
The River Spodden has carved its way through the woodlands down
the thousands of years, creating delightful scenery and spectacular
waterfalls which once powered ancient corn, wool and cotton
mills.
A disused 1800s railway line is now a nature trail with
magnificent views from a 100-foot high viaduct.
The visitor centre has a permanent exhibition on the industrial
heritage of the reserve and details of guided walks and trails.
Please check for visitor centre opening hours.
Alkrington Woods, Middleton
Parking and access from Manchester Old Road A576. Tel: 01706
373421
Ashworth and Naden Valleys
Access via Bury Old Road, Simpson Clough or from A680 opposite
Owd Betts. Tel: 01706 350459
Blackstone Edge and Roman Road
A58 Halifax Road. Tel: 01706 373421
Hopwood Clough, Middleton
Access from Rochdale Road A664
Piethorne Valley
Rangers Office, Waterworks Road, Ogden, Newhey. Tel: 01706
881049
Rochdale Canal
Recreational opportunities across the Borough include delightful
towpath walks, fishing and canoeing.
Summit Gorge
A6033 Todmorden Road. Parking at Summit Quarry, behind Summit
Inn. Tel: 01706 373421
Three Owls Bird Sanctuary
Hutchinson Road, Norden, off the A680 Blackburn Road at
Edenfield Road Bus Terminus. Tel: 01706 642162
Watergrove Reservoir
Trapp Farm Car Park, Ramsden Road, Wardle. Tel: 01706 379060