Page 39 - Real Rochdale Issue 05 Summer 2019

TAKE A WALK IN HEALEY DELL wooden gate and back under
the viaduct.

Follow the path down
with the river on your left.
There’s plenty of great photo
Keen photographer and walker Ste Walton takes mills can still be seen. opportunities here.
us on a tour of one of his favourite local walks...
The area was also a munitions factory used to Continuing down the path you
This walking route follows public footpaths fill bombs and shells during WW2, from 1941 to will cross a little stream flowing
through a wood and the river Spodden in the 1943. into the river. Cross over the
Spodden Valley. stream and head up the steps
Plenty of free car parking is available at the (ignore the path on the right).
The walk is easy/medium difficulty and does have beginning of this walk, at Broadly Wood Lodge, a
steps in the walk, some very steep. short drive down Station Road off Market Street. Head up hill keeping the river
on your left. At the end of
The walk takes roughly an hour but may take The walk begins by heading out of the car park the path go up the steps onto
longer depending how often you stop to take and through an entrance in the wall directly Station Road, go straight across
in the history, surroundings and abundance of facing you, down a few steps onto the path at the the road onto the path on the
wildlife. Keep an eye out for the kingfishers, bottom. other side.
sparrow hawks and mink.
From the bottom of the steps turn immediately Keep following the path, you will
Walking boots or similar are recommended, also right, head down the path with the bridge in approach a bridge on your left
suitable for dogs but would recommend on the front of you, under the bridge and then across and some black pipe overhead.
lead due to steep drops into the river. the viaduct taking in the view from the top. Go under the pipe keeping on
the path and the river on your
The area is now a nature reserve, but was once At the end of the viaduct, on your left, take the left, passing a nice pond on your
full of cotton mills, and an old railway from entrance through the wall and down the steps right.
the 1800s with a single platform. Part of the onto Dell Road - across the road to your left
platform still stands and the 100ft high viaduct you will see an information board. Head for the At the other end of the pond
that is crossed during the walk. Parts of the old board and take the path down to the right of the cross the bridge into a meadow.
This is a great place to sit and
watch the dippers up and down
the river. Follow the path round
to the right. Now with the river
on your right until you reach
some new timber decking, go
onto the decking up to the track
above and then turn left.

Follow the track until you reach the steps you came down from the car park at the beginning of the
walk.

If you fancy a drink and a cake, try Healey Dell Heritage Centre & Tea Rooms. Set within the reserve,
enter and be transported back in time and enjoy Edwardian themed surroundings, with speciality
beverages and lovely food. The centre has wheelchair access and ground floor facilities. An all year-
round heritage display and the work of local photographers and artists is on show. Dogs are also
welcome on the ground floor heritage tea room.

Healey Dell Heritage Centre & Tea Rooms
Dell Road, Rochdale OL12 6BG
01706 350459
Thursday - Sunday & Bank Holidays
10.00am to 4.30pm

39 REAL ROCHDALE - Summmer 2019