Countryside Health Walks in Oldham and Tameside

Uppermill: The Huddersfield Narrow Canal At Brownhill

Length: A very short there and back walk of 500 metres, with the option of visiting a wildlife garden (adding 300 metres to the walk).

You could also extend the walk if you wish, to suit your ability, by going south along the canal for (say) a few hundred metres and returning.

If walking in the countryside is new to you, to get the best out this walk why not go with your partner or a friend?

Walk Summary

A very easy walk linking the car park at Wool Road with the Brownhill Countryside Centre along the canal towpath, with an optional visit to the nearby wildlife garden. The only uphill section is the easy ramp from the wildlife garden.

Landscape

Interesting canal architecture in a wooded setting above the River Tame. A visit to the Brownhill Nature Garden gives an introduction to a variety of habitats.

How to get to the start

The walk begins at the Wool Road car park on the left of the A670 a kilometre north of the centre of Uppermill. Buses from Ashton-under-Lyne and Oldham pass the car park entrance.

Toilets

There are toilets at the Brownhill Countryside Centre during opening hours. These are (1998) Wednesday, Thursday and Friday, 11.00 a.m. to 4.00 p.m., and Saturday, Sunday and Bank Holidays from 10.30 a.m. to 5.00 p.m.

Refreshments

There are plenty of public houses and cafes in Uppermill.

Map

Directions

1. There are seats between the car park and canal if you want to rest at the very start. Leave the car park at its far end and go along the Huddersfield Narrow Canal.
2. In 200 metres go under the bridge and past the back of the Brownhill Countryside Centre. For the short walk return to the start the way you came.
3. To Visit The Wildlife Garden (open during Countryside Centre opening hours), turn off the canal immediately at the end of the Countryside Centre, to its car park. Go out of the car park and left on the road to the junction.
4. Turn left along Dobcross New Road (A6052) and across the bridge. Immediately beyond go through the gate on the left and down the winding ramp into the garden. Stroll through the garden at your leisure, then return up the ramp, back to the Countryside Centre and canal, and along the canal to the start.
5. From Brownhill Countryside Centre you could also follow the canal under the viaduct for a distance to suit yourself, remembering you will need to return the way you came.

If you have any comments about this walk please contact:

Strinesdale Centre
Oldham Countryside Service, Strinesdale Centre, Holgate Street, Waterhead, Oldham, OL4 2JJ 0161 620 8202

or

Brownhill Countryside Centre
01457 872598