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TAKE A WALK IN ASHWORTH VALLEY

Keen photographer and walker Ste Walton If you like watching or taking pictures of birds, Continue through the field
takes us on another tour of his favourite place you will love this walk. along the path and eventually
in Rochdale. you will reach a kissing gate. Go
There is car parking available on Saturdays through the gate, continuing
This walking route follows public footpaths and and Sundays at Simpson Clough Paper Mill on along the path, and be careful
country roads through a part of Ashworth Valley, Ashworth Road, close to the junction of Bury & of the steep drop on your right.
following Cheesden Brook and Naden Brook. Rochdale Old Road, or during the week, there is
a lay-by after the paper mill going up Ashworth Eventually you will reach a fork
The duration of the walk is about one hour and Road. in the footpath; take the
30 minutes, and the difficulty is easy/medium. right-hand fork and begin
Begin by walking up Ashworth Road, away from dropping down into the valley.
The route can be muddy and slippery in parts, so Bury & Rochdale Old Road.
walking boots or good footwear are a must. Stay on the path until you come
There is a public footpath on the left-hand side of to the steel bridge in Dobb
It is a popular route with dog walkers, but I would Ashworth Road, about 200 yards after the paper Wood.
advise keeping dogs on a lead because there are mill. It is marked with a wooden public footpath
some steep drops down into the Cheesden sign and a white sign warning of steep cliffs. Cross over the bridge and
Valley along the first and third sections of the take the path that leads you up
walk. There are also steep drops into the Naden The path will take you up through the woods and and out of the valley into
Valley along the last section. into a big field above Simpson Clough. another field.

Stay with the path until you
reach a gate and stile.

If the gate is closed, go over the
stile onto Ashworth Road, turn
left and you will pass through
the hamlet of Ashworth Fold.

You will find a public footpath
signposted to the right near the
other end of the hamlet.

Turn right along that lane and follow the path
down into Carr Wood.

Follow the path to the right and stay on it until
you reach the gate in Gelder Wood.

Go through the gate into the caravan park and
back out onto Ashworth Road, turn left and you
will end up back where you started.

If you fancy a pint or a brew afterwards and a
bite to eat, head to the Hare & Hounds,
865 Bury Road, Bamford, Rochdale, OL11 4AA.
It is open 7 days a week with food served from
12noon every day.