Leaders
Malcolm & John
Description
The walk is about 5 miles long, all on good paths and tracks with occasional mud, puddles and stoney sections and a couple of gentle ascents. [There is a possible shortcut to the finish for those who want something easier]. The varied scenery includes: wooded Healey Dell [including The Fairies Chapel] where the river Spodden has cut a spectacular gorge; the small “highland” glen where Hopwood Hall is situated; Manstone Edge with Pennine views; and the conservation area of Whitworth Square, home to the renowned Whitworth Doctors.
Bring a packed lunch, nothing en route.
The Red Lion Inn [1679] almost at the end in Whitworth Square has some outside seating, serves food all day and has cask ale – Black Sheep and Old Slapper last time!
Start Point and Time
Hall Street, Whitworth at 12.30pm
Directions to Start
To reach Whitworth leave the M62 at J.20 heading for Rochdale. From the A58 Littleborough/Todmorden road near the centre of Rochdale, get onto the A671 towards Bacup/Burnley for about 3 miles. In Whitworth you will see on the right a large white ex-pub, now Basil’s restaurant. Hall Street and the TATTOO studio are immediately on the left. Turn into Hall Street where there is on-street parking especially on Massy Croft [1st on the left off Hall Street] by the old folks’ home.
Postcode OL12 8TL G.R. 885177
Contact
On the day, contact Malcolm on 07986778024
Google Map