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Home » Gtr Manchester

Gtr Manchester

Greater Manchester is a metropolitan county and combined authority area in the North West of England with a population of roughly 2.8 million, making it the third largest in England after Greater London and the West Midlands.

The Greater Manchester region is made up of 10 metropolitan boroughs: Bolton, Bury, Oldham, Rochdale, Stockport, Tameside, Trafford, Wigan, and the cities of Manchester and Salford. Greater Manchester was established on 1 April 1974, as a result of the Local Government Act 1972. 

The wider regions that make up the area have much to discover regarding history and heritage. For instance, the remains of 1st-century forts at Castlefield in Manchester, and Castleshaw Roman fort in Saddleworth, are evidence of Roman occupation. Manchester was founded during Roman times as a fort and was originally known as Mamucium. The region has known history of Iron Age and Celtic Brigantes tribe settlements. There’s grand architecture dating from all ages, including Shambles Square and grand buildings from the Victorian era. 

When the canals from Liverpool were constructed, a boom in the cotton industry occured, and Manchester rushed to the forefront in industry and technology at the time. Manchester is the birthplace of the industrial revolution, and with it, the city’s population exploded. In the 1800s it boasted one of the world’s first omnibus services, as well as the world’s first passenger railway station.

Greater Manchester covers a great deal of countryside in the surrounding areas, including an area on the edge of the Pennines, Hartshead Pike, which overlooks Manchester city and from which you can see for miles around. Dove Stone Reservoir and the hills surrounding it is a magical place for hiking and walks of all kinds with stunning views over the moors from the highest points overlooking the reservoir and calm gentle walks around the reservoir itself. There are plentiful reservoirs in the Greater Manchester area, such as Ogden, Kitcliffe and Piethorne Reservoirs, all of which make wonderful walks. The Strines area, too, has many reservoirs and beautiful countryside to explore 

Within such a large diverse area, there’s leisure activities aplenty. Rocky and rugged places to hike or rock climb, and cycling routes well worth the effort are dotted throughout the area, some of which have featured in the Tour de UK. Depending on your activity level, there are plenty of flat walking routes which allow you to take in beautiful rivers and canals, as well.

Peel Tower of Holcombe Hill, Ramsbottom

Peel Tower of Holcombe Hill, Ramsbottom

ByCath Hebdon Updated23 February 2022

Peel Tower, also known as Peel Monument, sits high on Holcombe Hill above Ramsbottom. The tower is a memorial to Sir Rober Peel and erected in 1852. Walk with me on my journey up to…

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Besom Hill to Bishop’s Park – In Search Of Fossils and Fairies

Besom Hill to Bishop’s Park – In Search Of Fossils and Fairies

ByCath Hebdon Updated7 July 2021

From our kitchen window we can see Besom Hill quite clearly in the distance. Therefore, we have done this little walk quite a few times and especially over the last 12 months or so. Route…

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Castleshaw – Oldham’s Roman Fort

Castleshaw – Oldham’s Roman Fort

ByCath Hebdon Updated18 May 2021

The small hamlet of Castleshaw is situated in Saddleworth which is one of the parishes of Oldham, Greater Manchester, England. It is set amongst the Pennines, north of Uppermill and west, south-west of Marsden, West…

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Tandle Hill Country Park – Royton, Oldham

Tandle Hill Country Park – Royton, Oldham

ByCath Hebdon Updated3 February 2021

Tandle Hills of ‘Tangs’ as it is sometimes affectionately known is a recommended park to visit if you live in the Oldham area. It has been a firm favourite in our family for many years,…

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A Winter Walk Above Dove Stone Reservoir, Saddleworth

A Winter Walk Above Dove Stone Reservoir, Saddleworth

ByPaul Steele Updated11 February 2021

Dove Stone Reservoir and the hills surrounding is a magical place that for me holds many memories. Being from Oldham it is where I cut my hiking teeth so to say, taken on wanders galore…

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Ogden, Kitcliffe and Piethorne Reservior Walks

Ogden, Kitcliffe and Piethorne Reservior Walks

ByCath Hebdon Updated27 August 2020

Three reservoirs situated between the towns of Oldham and Rochdale, Greater Manchester, above the village of Milnrow. A super walking escape that is not far to travel to, for the many who live in the…

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A Family Walk Up Standedge – Overlooking Saddleworth

A Family Walk Up Standedge – Overlooking Saddleworth

ByPaul Steele Updated22 March 2021

Where Yorkshire meets Greater Manchester, Standedge is a rocky outcrop that I have wandered up to many times since I was a young boy. A perfect spot, whatever the weather to look out over Saddleworth,…

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A Walk Over Blackstone Edge and Views Beyond Rochdale

A Walk Over Blackstone Edge and Views Beyond Rochdale

ByPaul Steele Updated27 August 2020

Blackstone Edge and the walks along the Pennines around it are a favourite haunt of mine. In pages past I have explained how coming from Oldham, the hills in this area mean a lot to…

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Hollingworth Lake, Rochdale – A Wintry Walk Around A Local Gem

Hollingworth Lake, Rochdale – A Wintry Walk Around A Local Gem

ByCath Hebdon Updated27 August 2020

My daughter and I recently had a stroll around one of our favourite local tourist spots. It’s really is a pleasure in any weather ! Hollingworth Lake, Littleborough near Rochdale. This day was no exception…

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Pots and Pans, Saddleworth – A Memorable Walk

Pots and Pans, Saddleworth – A Memorable Walk

ByPaul Steele Updated18 February 2021

This must be one of the very first walks my father took me when a young child. I am Oldham born and bred and if you have ever passed through Saddleworth you will perhaps not…

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Walks On Crompton Moor (High Moor), Oldham

Walks On Crompton Moor (High Moor), Oldham

ByCath Hebdon Updated7 February 2021

Spanning approximately 160 acres and is one of the largest open spaces run by Oldham Countryside Service and is a registered common in Greater Manchester. It has also been a site of biological importance from…

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Running The Manchester Marathon

Running The Manchester Marathon

ByMel Sykes Updated20 November 2019

My intention was never to run a marathon this year but having been trying to get back into some running before I do some triathlons later this year I decided to go and run it…

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