Horrocks Wood

Visitor information

Set within the foothills of Winter Hill, on clear days Horrocks Wood has views to Jodrell Bank Observatory and beyond

A number of paths link together areas of open grassland and young woodland across this hillside site.

The young trees provide incredible displays in autumn, and at dusk you may well see hunting barn owls.

At a glance

  • Walking trails

Things to do

Walking in the woodland is the perfect way to get some fresh air and explore Lancashire's most beautiful landscapes.

Horrocks Wood has a range of open access paths that run through the woodland where you will get panoramic views as far as Staffordshire and even into Wales!

Nearby forests

field with rocks

As a former coal mine, Colliers Wood forms an interconnected area of woodlands and grassland surrounding Higher Folds. The various footpaths offer quite a lot of opportunity for exploration and discovery.

There has been recent planting near Cooling Lane which is now coming into fruition. From Queensway, there is access to an area once used by bird watchers.

Colliers Wood is located approximately ten miles west of Manchester. 

Grassland

Popular with walkers, cyclists and wildlife watchers, there is a network of over 5km of trails around the woodland, and visitors can enjoy the striking wooden viewpoint created by artist Richard Caink.

Part of the Abram Flashes Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) and the Flashes of Wigan and Leigh National Nature Reserve, Viridor Wood features a mix of woodland, grassland and fishing lakes.

Lakeside path at Drinkwater Path

Situated in Greater Manchester, Drinkwater Park is home to a diverse mix of native woodland, open meadows and borders the River Irwell. It is connected by a superb network of paths making it the perfect location for a leisurely stroll, blood-pumping run or if you just want to escape the hustle and bustle of the city. 

Shaded forest woodland walk

Rochdale Woodland is a wildlife haven. Woodpeckers, dippers and kingfishers are regulars, along with many other species and wet grassland areas, providing a fantastic habitat for frogs, toads and insects.

With mature broadleaf trees and coppiced willow, Rochdale also supports a healthy population of woodland birds.

Meadowfields (off Albert Royd Street) is a mix of woodland and expansive open grassland on the banks of the River Roch.

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