Trail Running Planet · Greater Manchester · Rochdale
Rochdale Norden Moors and Watergrove Reservoir
Raw, atmospheric Pennine scenery at its most uncompromising- Walk a section of the historic Cotton Famine Road, hand-built in the 1860s by unemployed weavers- Big views west into Lancashire and east into Yorkshire from the ridgeline- Quieter than many Pennine routes - you will often have the moor to yourself
Distance
19.5 km
Ascent
390 m
Descent
389 m
Max elevation
430 m
Route type
Loop
Est. time
2h 25m – 3h 15m
Grade
Very Hard
Navigation
straightforward
Parking
OL12 6BN
Dogs
Welcome
Best seasons
spring, summer, autumn
About this route
A demanding moorland traverse on the Lancashire-Yorkshire border, crossing exposed Pennine ridges, following the historic Cotton Famine Road and dipping past dark gritstone reservoirs.
Hazards & notes
- Navigation is difficult in mist on the high moorland - OS map and compass essential - Exposed ridgeline; weather can change quickly; wind chill significant in winter - Some boggy sections on the Cotton Famine Road are unavoidable in wet conditions - Limited escape routes from the high moor
Emergency
Call 999 or 112 → ask for Police → request Mountain Rescue. Register Emergency SMS: text "register" to 999.
Full route, GPX download & live conditions:
https://trailrunningplanet.com/routes/england/greater-manchester/rochdale/rochdale-norden-moor-and-watergrove-reservoir
trailrunningplanet.com