One of the great things about living in Rochdale is it's close proximity to the countryside. So one of the best hobbies and ways of keeping fit is cycling. I am lucky that I live close to an area called Healey Dell, the nature reserve. This has what used to be the old train track now turned into a track for walking, running and cycling. Click for map. This track begins on Fieldhouse Road in Syke and has now been extended all the way up to Brittania, which for those who don't know is the other side of Whitworth just before the 'New Line' Road. You only touch on a couple of real roads on this route so most of it is on the gravel track and from the Rochdale end it is a gradual incline towards Whitworth. You come off at Market Street for about 200 metres then back on it again. There is one quite steep part but if I can manage it on my ClaudButler Hybrid bike, it'll be no problem to somebody with a mountain bike. In fact a road bike would make it along this track, unless it has been raining, in which case the mud and puddles might make it a bit difficult! |
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 This is the entrance to the second part of the track, off Market Street, Whitworth.  The route approaching Britannia. On the right the chimney is from the old railway. Down to the right is Market Street.  If you cycle up Dell Road and then take a left through the concrete blocks, you go down the hill and can see the old Turner Brothers Asbestos site. You can't tell on these photos but it is well fenced off due to 'hazardous' materials. i.e Asbestos! |
 Part of the cycle track, again on the second and most recently opened part.  This is the end of the line as 'Metallica' would say. The stone in front says Britannia. The track is about 5.5 miles long and a great ride. I carry on from here, down New line, and round Bacup and back up again. Don't do it if you don't like hills though.  May 16th 2010 and it was time for the 'Over the Edge' bike ride. This consists of 3 different length routes for the BHF, which all entail cycling up Blackstone Edge. Phew!! Anyway, I did the Bronze route which is a mere 23 miles, but hope to go back next year for more. (silver hopefully.) The photo shows some of the riders at the lake visitors centre, before the start. |
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