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Healey Dell, Whitworth
May 11
Walk leader : Malcolm C
Grading of walk : Moderate
Walk details : This moderate walk of about 5 miles all on good paths and tracks (occasional mud, puddles and stony sections) with a couple of short, fairly gentle ascents and descents. The very varied scenery includes: a riverside walk; wooded Healey Dell nature reserve including the Fairies’ Chapel where the river Spodden has cut a spectacular gorge; the small “Scottish Glen” where Hopwood Hall is located; Man Stone Edge with Pennine views; and the conservation area of Whitworth village square, home of the renowned 19th century Whitworth Doctors.
(The first was a blacksmith who treated a cat’s broken leg by putting tin around it. They became famous as bone-setters with patients – including a duchess, a bishop and army officers-from far and wide. There were several lodging houses in the town. Also supplied were a variety of medicines ,pills ,salves and snuffs. The last of the 16 doctors passed exams for the College of Surgeons. He died in 1876 and his marble obelisk is in the churchyard).
Bring a packed lunch as there is nothing en route. Our lunch stop will be at about 1.30. The Red Lion Inn (1679 date stone) in Whitworth Square near the end of the walk has outside seating, and has cask ales.
There are public conveniences about half way round the walk.
Risk assessment : A risk assessment was carried out 4/5/2025. A summary of identified risks is below:
Most of the walk is on well-used tracks and paths with a few sections of road including a busy one to cross at a bend and junction. Crossing the busy main road at Healey Corner junction requires great care and individual attention. There are a few stretches of quiet narrow minor roads without pavements. One footpath is fairly narrow on a steep bank above the river (but this is on an optional detour).We will warn the group to take extra care here.
In The Dell the paths are rocky in places and there are some flights of stone steps which can be slippery.
On the OPTIONAL loop under the viaduct the path is narrow and slightly exposed above the river. I will advise less confident people against attempting this route.
The Man Stone Edge track is rather open to the elements. Wind and waterproof gear may be needed, depending on the weather.
Start time and meeting point : Meet at 12.00 in Whitworth on Massey Croft left off Hall Street (Tattoo Studio). Postcode OL12 8TL and Grid ref. 885177
Directions to the start : To reach Whitworth leave the M62 at J20 and follow the A627(M) heading for Rochdale. Continue on to Edinburgh Way (A664) then right on to the A58 towards Littleborough/Todmorden. After 1.0 mile turn left into Spotland Rd (A680) and then follow B6377 towards Bacup and Burnley.
After 1.5 miles turn left into Market St (A671 Bacup/Burnley). Continue for another 1.5 miles to Whitworth, where you will see on the right, Panchi restaurant.
The tattoo studio and Hall St. are immediately on the left. Turn left into Hall St.
Parking: There is plenty of on-street parking especially on Massey Croft by the old folks’ home.
what/three/words : ///losses.toned.beam
Public transport : There is no public transport available for this walk. Please consider car sharing and offering lifts to other walkers.
Contact number on the day : Malcolm 07734191247 or 07538137508 . If you need to cancel your place on this walk then please use this number to send a message to the walk leader.
Booking : Book your walk here
Changes and cancellation : Very occasionally, due to severe weather or another serious event, a walk may be cancelled. In these instances, a note will be added to the website at least TWO HOURS before the start time. So, do check the website before you set out, and if in doubt use the walk leader’s mobile contact number. Every effort will be made to contact you should a walk be cancelled.