Cotton Famine Heritage Trail

The first Heritage Trail for the Cotton Famine Road has been produced by The Rooley Moor Neighbourhood Forum (RMNF).

The circular 3.8-mile trail begins at Catley Lane Head, taking you through the village to Whimsey Hill, passing the original site of the Black Dog pub, the former site of the Catley Lane Head Chapel, Syke Barn Farm, and the cobbles of Rooley Moor Road.

The route is hilly and uneven but there are no stiles, gates, or bridges to negotiate and no streams to cross. Appropriate footwear and warm waterproof clothing is advised as some sections of the walk can be muddy and the weather can change very quickly.

From Whimsey Hill, the trail stretches to Cat Stones before taking you to the ruins of the Moorcock Inn, the highest point on the trail with picturesque views of rolling moorland, Knowl Hill, the Scout Moor Wind Farm and the Naden Valley with its four reservoirs spanning the valley.

The trail then descends to Reddyshore Top, which can be very muddy, before experiencing the stillness of Forsyth Brow. The last leg of the trail follows the route to Hunger Hill, where you can see Jodrell Bank on a clear day, before returning back to Catley Lane Head where the trail begins.

The route is suitable for walkers and cyclists and is also used by horse riders. Dogs are welcome but must be kept on a lead at all times. You may encounter some farm animals and farm traffic on the route. There are litterbins at the top and bottom of the village for any rubbish, including dog waste.

Printed copies of the first trail can be found at Littleborough Heritage Centre, The Library at No. 1 Riverside, Spotland Library, Touchstones Museum, Rochdale Town Hall, Rochdale Connections Trust, Healey Dell Heritage Centre and Tea Rooms, Hollingworth Lake Visitor Centre and the Pioneers Museum.

Three additional routes are also set to be documented.

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