52) Hollingworth Country Park & Lake, Littleborough, Oldham, OL15 0AZ.

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Distance:

My route is approx 3.2 miles in length - involving a circular route around the lake.

There are little off shoots off from the main route that look to be worth exploring - but I haven't as yet.

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Terrain:

The route is on paths, tarmac tracks, all the route detailed is on hard standing and so its perfect for wet and icy weather. The route is fairly flat with only a slight hill if you stay on the lakeside footpath.

Suitable for any type of mobility equipment inc manual wheelchairs.

No gates or restrictions anywhere.

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Facilities on site:

I parked at the main car park - here there are ample blue badge and general car parking. No entrance fee and free parking if you have a blue badge.  Good visitor facilities, toilets and refreshments available.

Half way around the lake there is another cafe. Also midway there is an additional cafe with toilets at the Country Park Visitor Centre.

A third of the way on the route is a bird hide that overlooks the lake- sadly this is badly designed with very difficult access for someone using a mobility device or wheelchair. (e mail sent to try to get this improved).

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http://www.rochdale.gov.uk/leisure-and-culture/Pages/hollingworth-lake.aspx

 

I can vouch for the bacon baps/butties and latte! at the halfway point cafe, also the prices are very reasonable. 

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~Dogs are allowed everywhere except inside the cafe buildings (unless your dog is a guide or assistance dog-wearing a jacket).

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Route:

From the main carpark near the Beach area, you can either go left or right as the route is circular. I went left and followed the footpath. This takes you along the side of the lake - then follow the route skirting the lake. Soon you come to a sign and entrance on your left for the country park-here is another cafe, toilets and children's play area. I spent a bit of time here and found much wildlife around. The track leads off into the valley so this could be worth exploring more. Back onto the main route - left from the Country Park excursion and follow the lake (on your right), soon you come to a turning on your right - with a no traffic barrier - here as the side is an ample width gap for you to pass. Keep on this lane, you will pass a bird hide on your right but sadly the access for a wheelchair has not been considered? Stay on the lane,

at the split in the track stay next to the lake and you arrive at the midway cafe and picnic area.

From here follow the wide track and this takes you to the bottom of the lake, past the Adventure Centre, bear right and keep to the well made and wide path. Follow this and it takes you back to the main carpark where you started.

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What will you see?

Lots of different fowl, Grebes, Merganser, Mallard, Coot, gulls, Canada geese, many types of other geese, Wren, Robin, Blackbird, Jay.

Look out for stoats, deer and other mammals. 

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A lovely location and excellent as a wet weather choice due to the excellent paths.

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