Stone and Story: The Heritage of Rooley Moor through History, Architecture & Conservation

Stroll through the architectural gems of Catley Lane Head and the Prickshaw & Broadley Fold conservation areas. Walk along the Cotton Famine Road, with its breathtaking open moorland views, and honour the cotton mill workers who constructed the road whilst standing courageously for principle during the American Civil War, in support of the abolition of slavery.

Self-Guided Heritage Trails: Start your journey with one of four free heritage trail booklets, available from the waterproof box near the BBC Plaque (just before the cattle grid in Catley Lane Head village, postcode BL12 6BN). These trails offer a window into the area's rich history, architecture, and conservation. Each trail is designed to be self-guided—perfect for exploring at your own pace.
Bring food and drinks along to stay energised. Dogs are welcome but must be kept on a lead, as the routes are shared with horse riders and traverse areas with grazing sheep and cattle.

Timings & Tours

Friday 12 September:

10am to 5pm

Saturday 13 September:

10am to 5pm

Sunday 14 September:

10am to 5pm

Monday 15 September:

10am to 5pm

Tuesday 16 September:

10am to 5pm

Wednesday 17 September:

10am to 5pm

Thursday 18 September:

10am to 5pm

Friday 19 September:

10am to 5pm

Saturday 20 September:

10am to 5pm

Location & directions

Catley Lane Head Village, Rooley Moor Road, Rochdale, Greater Manchester, OL12 6BN

Directions:

Follow your sat nav to postcode OL12 6BN. There is plenty of on road car parking, but please be mindful of residents.

Contact on day:

Alan Rawsterne

Telephone number:

+447970715904

Booking information

Pre-booking requirement:

Pre-booking not required

Accessibility details

The routes are suitable for walkers and may also be used by horse riders and cyclists. Dogs are welcome but must be kept on a lead at all times. You may encounter farm animals and farm traffic on your route as the moors are still farmed by Commoners who have grazing rights. We all have a responsibility to protect the countryside now and for future generations, so make sure you don’t harm animals, birds, plants or trees and take home everything you brought with you. ‘Leave no trace of your visit’.

Additional information

Consider the local community and other people enjoying the outdoors. Remember that the countryside is a working environment and even small actions can lead to big disruption. Leave gates as you find them and take extra care to avoid the risk of starting wildfires. Unattended fires seen on the moors should be reported to the police and the nearest dwelling. Please remember barbeques and camp fires are illegal on open moorland.

Max no of people per tour:

20

Est. tour duration:

2 hour(s) 0 minute(s)

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