GPS Cycle and Walking Routescycle iconwalk icon

Alkrington Woods

1.2 miles (2 km)

Ordnance Survey Map Open Streetmap This walk visits the pretty Alkrington Woods Nature Reserve in Middleton, Greater Manchester.
The woods have some pleasant trails with paths along the River Irk and a number of small lakes to see. It's also great for wildlife with Geese, Swans, Kingfishers and Cormorants to look out for.
On the eastern side of the reserve there's also the 18th century Alkrington Hall which is now a private residence.
The Rochdale Way passes through the reserve so there is scope for continuing your walk along this waymarked footpath. Following it north would take you toward Heywood and Rochdale itself.
Another good option is to head a couple of miles west to visit Heaton Park in Prestwich. The expansive park includes many attractions including a boating lake, an animal farm, woodlands and ornamental gardens.

Postcode

M24 4EA - Please note: Postcode may be approximate for some rural locations

Please click here for more information

Alkrington Woods OS Map Ordnance survey map - Mobile GPS OS Map with Location tracking

Alkrington Woods Open Street Map Open Streetmap - Mobile GPS Map with Location tracking

Dog Walking

As you'd expect the woods are ideal for dog walking. You'll probably meet a few other owners on your visit.

Further Information and Other Local Ideas

Just a few miles to the north east you'll find Tandle Hill Country Park. There's some excellent views over the Manchester Plain and the Pennine Hills from this elevated park. The long distance Oldham Way can also be picked up here.
Just a couple of miles to the south there's the noteworthy Boggart Hole Clough. This attractive park includes some impressive steep ravines, a boating lake, a visitor centre, bike hire and good surfaced paths for cyclists.

Photos

River Irk, Rhodes near Middleton - geograph.org.uk - 6194

River Irk, Rhodes near Middleton

River Irk, Alkrington Woods Nature Reserve - geograph.org.uk - 1820520

River Irk, Alkrington Woods Nature Reserve

Weir on River Irk, Alkrington Woods Nature Reserve - geograph.org.uk - 1820542

Weir on River Irk,

Alkrington Hall - geograph.org.uk - 63019

Alkrington Hall. The northern elevation of Alkrington Hall, seen here, looks out over the Irk Valley towards Middleton. 

Lever Bridge, Alkrington Woods Nature Reserve - geograph.org.uk - 1821385

Lever Bridge, Alkrington Woods Nature Reserve

Rhodes Lodges - geograph.org.uk - 1820467

Rhodes Lodges

Video

GPS Files

GPX File

Alkrington Woods.gpx (On Desktop:Right Click>Save As. On Ipad/Iphone:Click and hold>Download Linked File)