SPRINGFIELD PARK
Marland, OL11 4RE There is some parking within the park itself
Have you visited Springfield Park since the new playground was built? There is a pirate themed area for the little ones, including a ship and a slide. There’s also an area for older children, with some interesting climbing apparatus! For those who like to take bikes and scooters to the park, there is a nice flat path around the tennis courts and the “duck” pond (which is actually dominated by very hungry geese) and one big hill for the daredevils! In April the miniature railway will open again, and trains will run on a Sunday afternoon, 1-4pm.
THE PLUNGE
Edenfield, BL0 0RB
The award for the waterfall with the best name definitely goes to… THE PLUNGE!! To find it, walk along the aptly named Plunge Road, which turns into a path, and simply turn right when you hear the sound of spouting water. Or carry straight along the path to a lovely clearing in the trees, complete with a stone picnic table and the gently flowing, shallow Dearden Brook (you know what for...!).
ASHWORTH VALLEY
Spanning between Norden, Bamford and Birtle There are various places to enter Ashworth Valley, but we usually choose Blackpits Road (OL11 5NG)
There’s so much to discover in this peaceful wooded valley, and reading about the history of the place is fascinating! Its industrial past is still apparent in the form of eerily beautiful ruins, my favourites being Ashworth Mill with the adjacent waterfall, and Coal Bank Mill with its little bridge. Naden Brook babbles through the valley, occasionally allowing for splashing and stone throwing, and even Pooh sticks (beware of steep drops if visiting with young children). I often find it hard to get my bearings in Ashworth Valley (it’s so big), so I would recommend following an established route.
Catherine Aspinall, a local mum of two lively children and an equally energetic pug, shares her top family day out ideas. With a love for exploring and the outdoors, Catherine and her family are always out and about, having fun adventures in Rochdale & the North West. Follow on Facebook & Instagram @wherewegoingmummy HOPWOOD WOODS
Near Middleton We parked near Hopwood Hall College, in a lay-by at M24 6XH, but there are various different access points
Hopwood Woods are a lovely place to explore in all seasons, but even more so now that they are home to the GRUFFALO!! The woods are so much bigger than you would expect from the road, and there are streams to throw stones in, bridges to run across, tree stumps to climb on and logs to balance along… you could easily spend a good couple of hours exploring. Although some of the paths are pram-able, to get the most from your visit I would take a carrier, as some parts are very uneven and steep. Whilst searching for the Gruffalo you might also see some other impressive wood carvings, including an owl, a rabbit, a squirrel, a kingfisher and a woodpecker! Will you find them all? If all of your exploring builds up an appetitekeep your eyes peeled for the gorgeous carved picnic table for a rest and a snack. Or, if it leaves you eager for more, then you could head across the road to Boarshaw Clough. 16 | Rochdale Style
