Trails

The Rooley Moor area is an ideal place to go for a walk, run, horse ride or mountain bike ride. Please keep checking as this part of the site is developed.

Responsible Use Of The Moors

Our moorland under pressure from people with leisure and mobility as never before. Unfortunately, our moorland and the livelihoods of the commoners, the people who have a right of use, is being irreparably damaged by illegal use of vehicles (bikes, 4×4’s, etc.) on the moor. If you see any incident on the moor that you are concerned about it’s important to try and report it by calling the 101 phone number. Doing so ensures the incident is recorded, it generates a log and if a Police off road bike patrol is on duty they might be able to respond.

Cyclists, please note you should NOT cycle on footpaths and we respectfully ask you to stick to the designated cycle routes and bridleways.

Walking Trails

RMNF Heritage Trail 1

PDF document you can print

Recommended Start Point: We recommend you start the walk from Catley Lane Head village on Rooley Moor Road, OL12 6BN. OS Grid Reference SD 872 158. There is ample roadside parking in and around the village, but please park with consideration for the local residents. There is also a regular bus service from Rochdale and Bury to Daniel Fold, from where it is only a short walk uphill to the village. Distance: 3.8 miles (6.2 kilometres) Walk Overview: Uncover the past and find out more about the rich history of Rooley Moor on this moderate circular walk with spectacular open moorland views. The route is hilly and uneven but there are no stiles, gates, or bridges to negotiate and no streams to cross. It is important that you wear appropriate footwear and warm waterproof clothing as some sections of the walk can be muddy and the weather can change very quickly. In poor weather the route can be encased in cloud. We suggest you take some food and a drink with you as well. The route is suitable for walkers and may also used by horse riders. Dogs are welcome but must be kept on a lead at all times. You may encounter some farm animals and farm traffic on your route as the moors are still farmed by the Commoners. There are litterbins at the top and bottom of the village – please put any rubbish in there (including from your dogs). The last page of this booklet gives you some other ideas of places to visit in the area, and we recommend you take a look at the Rooley Moor Neighbourhood Forum website (www.rmnf.org.uk) for more information about the routes and about the tremendously varied history of the area.

Distance: 3.8 miles (6.2 kilometres)

Walk Overview: Uncover the past and find out more about the rich history of Rooley Moor on this moderate circular walk with spectacular open moorland views. The route is hilly and uneven but there are no stiles, gates, or bridges to negotiate and no streams to cross. It is important that you wear appropriate footwear and warm waterproof clothing as some sections of the walk can be muddy and the weather can change very quickly. In poor weather the route can be encased in cloud. We suggest you take some food and a drink with you as well.

The route is suitable for walkers and may also be used by horse riders. Dogs are welcome but must be kept on a lead at all times. You may encounter some farm animals and farm traffic on your route as the moors are still farmed by the Commoners.

There are litterbins at the top and bottom of the village – please put any rubbish in there (including from your dogs).

Please download and print the route leaflet which can be used in conjunction with a GPS application and downloading the GPX file from the map menu below.

Rights of Way

There are over 11 miles of footpaths in our area

Nationally Renown Equestrian Routes

Part of The Mary Towneley Loop goes through our area

Cycle Routes

There are opportunities to link routes