Rochdale circular

Train based walk

Leader: Mary S

Meet Point: Near the ticket barriers, or on the platform at Manchester Victoria Station. Alternatively, meet the group on the train, or at the Walk Start at Rochdale Station.

Transport to Walk Start: 09:36 train from Manchester Victoria to Rochdale.

Suggested Ticket: Off-Peak Day Return to Rochdale. £8.20

Walk Start: At Rochdale Station at 10:00

Waypoints: St Chad's Parish Church yard, Rochdale Town Hall, Pioneers Museum, Seven Sisters towers, Falinge Park, Cronkeyshaw, Polly Green, Syke, Fanny Brook, Lousy Hillock, Brown House wham Reservoir, Rossendale Way, Lobden Golf Club, Pennine Bridleway, Broadley, Healey Dell Nature Reserve, Spodden River Path, College Bank Way, Holodomor memorial

Return Services: 2/3 trains an hour back to Manchester

Extra: There may be public toilets in Rochdale town centre for us to use. Optional drinks at the end of the walk. Please do not bring your dog (apart from assistance dogs).

Saturday, 21 November 2026
Start time: 10:00 am
Estimated finish time: 3:30 pm
Difficulty: Moderate
Distance: 14.5km / 9.0mi
Ascent: 275m / 902ft
Type: circular

This circular walk from Rochdale railway station offers beautiful, panoramic views of the countryside including the River Roch, Blackstone Edge, Saddleworth Moor and the South Pennines, and Healey Dell.

The route can be uneven, undulating and depending on the weather, may be muddy in parts. There will be ascents and descents on exposed moorland and hills on the route and fields with livestock (sheep, cows, horses); but mostly the route is along established, well-maintained paths and quiet roads.

There will be no opportunity to purchase food/water at the walk start. Please ensure that you bring with you enough food and water to sustain you for the duration of the walk.

It is essential for your own safety and comfort, to wear suitable footwear/walking boots for uneven, muddy, wet grass terrain.