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
Ealees
PRETTY PLACES TO PADDLE With the weather set to hot up, here are a few places nearby where you can cool off with a little paddle… EALEES • Pay and display parking at OL15 0AQ (Littleborough) Instead of walking up to Hollingworth Lake from the car park (which is what everyone tends to do), why not walk in the other direction and head into Ealees? Next to a small wood, with loads of wildlife to spot, you will find a pond and a few picnic benches. If you then follow the path you will come across a small stream with plenty of places to paddle and throw stones.
Iron Waters
Cheesden Valley
IRON WATERS • Park at the top of Dewhirst Road (OL12 0AG) in Syke (being mindful of residents), or park on Rydings Road (OL12 9PS) and follow the marked footpath across the fields This is a teeny, tiny stream, but that makes it great (and safe) for the teeny, tiny people we want to entertain! There are also trees to climb, hills to scramble up and roll down and sometimes horses to see… CHEESDEN VALLEY • Park on the lay-by close to Owd Betts pub (OL12 7TY) If you head away from Owd Betts towards Edenfield, you will see a small opening (and a stile) in the wall on your left. If you follow the path down you will stumble across the ruins of a mill, a waterfall and a little brook running through the valley… such a hidden delight!
Ealees Iron Waters 18 | Rochdale Style
Cheesden Valley