Healey Dell

This circular walk explores a lovely little nature reserve in Whitworth. At the site you can explore lots of nice footpaths through a densley wooded valley.... There's the rushing water of the River Spodden with pretty waterfalls and lots of wildlife to look out for. The site also includes water mills, picnic areas and the impressive 1867 Healey Dell Viaduct. The reserve has good facilities with a visitor centre providing lots of helpful information and a nice cafe.
The reserve is in a great location for extending your walking in the area as there are number of waymarked footpaths to pick up. If you head west you can climb to Hunger Hill and Forsyth Brow before coming to Greenbooth Reservoir. The Rochdale Way and Pennine Bridleway pass the reserve so you can follow these paths across the surrounding Pennine Moors.
Postcode: OL12 6BG
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At the site you'll find the excellent Healy Dell Heritage Centre and Tea Rooms. Inside there's a lovely Edwardian themed tea room where you can enjoy a lovely afternoon tea. The associated heritage centre includes permanent heritage information on display and local information to take away with you. There is a wealth of information on the area's history, local wildlife, trees and plants. You will also find details on the munitions factory which remains to this day.
Head south into Rochdale and you could enjoy another easy waterside walk along the towpath of the Rochdale Canal.
The Hail Storm Hill and Scout Moor Wind Farm Walk starts off from the reserve. The area is notable as the highest point of the Rossendale Valley and the location of the second largest onshore wind farm in England. Just to the west of the hill you could also visit Waugh's Well. The structure was created to commemorate local poet Edwin Waugh who is known locally as "the Lancashire Burns". There is also a small reservoir and more excellent views from this interesting spot.
For more walking ideas in the area see the Greater Manchester Walks page.

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Nearby Routes

Greenbooth Reservoir Rochdale Way Pennine Bridleway Rochdale Canal Hail Storm Hill Waugh's Well

Photos

Fairies Chapel, Healey Dell

Wild deer at the reserve

Healey Dell Viaduct. Built in 1867, it carried the Lancashire & Yorkshire railway Company's Bacup branch line over the River Spodden north of Rochdale. Closure of the line came gradually in the 1950s and early 60s.

River Spodden in the reserve

Autumn down in the Dell. The River Spodden flowing down to join the River Roche.

Th' Owd Mill I'th Thrutch.

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Healey Dell.gpx