Ashworth Valley
This circular walk explores the Ashworth Valley area of Rochdale. On the route you'll enjoy riverside paths, woodland trails, attractive countryside and hill climbs with fine views over Manchester.
The walk starts in Norden on the western fringes of Rochdale. Here you can pick up the Rochdale Way and follow it south along the Naden Brook through Ashworth Wood. You continue through Carr Wood where you will pass a pretty waterfall and lots of bluebells in the spring.
The route continues south through Gelder Wood and Bamford Wood before coming to Simpson Clough. Here you turn north west to follow the pretty Cheesden Brook to Heywood's Farm and Greengate Hill. This section climbs high above the valley to expose you to some fine, far reaching views over the surrounding area.
At Greengate Hill the route then turns east along the Rochdale Way to return you to Norden where the walk finishes.
It's easy to extend the walk if you have time. You could head a short distance north of Norden to visit Greenbooth Reservoir or follow the Rochdale Way north west to Ashworth Moor Reservoir. Here you'll find the 18th century Owd Betts pub which is a great place for refreshments after your walk.
Ashworth Valley Ordnance Survey Map 
- view and print off detailed OS map
Ashworth Valley Open Street Map 
- view and print off detailed map
Ashworth Valley OS Map 
- Mobile GPS OS Map with Location tracking
Ashworth Valley Open Street Map 
- Mobile GPS Map with Location tracking
Pubs/Cafes
On the walk you could enjoy a pit stop at the Brew Box at The Stables. They sell Coffees and teas, cold drinks, snacks and other refreshments. They are open Fri-Sun 9am-2pm and are right by the waterfall on Waterloo Farm with postcode OL11 5UT for your sat navs.
Further Information and Other Local Ideas
For a longer circular walk in the area see the Cheesden Valley Walk. This starts from Ashworth Reservoir and explores the Cheesden Brook and the photogenic ruins of the old Lumb Mill.
Cycle Routes and Walking Routes Nearby
Photos
Naden Brook passing through Norden. Taken just South of The A680 Edenfield Road
Shepherd Mill Bridge and Naden Brook, Norden. Shepherd Mill Bridge carries the busy A680 Edenfield Road over Naden Brook at Norden. This view was taken from the west bank of the brook
Waterfall at Carr Wood.
Ashworth Fold. A picturesque corner of this small hamlet on Ashworth Road between the Naden Brook and Cheesden Brook valleys.
Ashworth Valley Woods. After heavy rain the bluebells seem fresher than ever!
Cheesden Brook. Looking down towards Castleton and Rochdale, Cheesden Brook carves its path off the hills towards the river Roch.
Cheesden Brook
Doctor Dam, Norden near Rochdale, Lancashire