ROCHDALE has some spectacular natural scenery to explore ...

HOLLINGWORTH LAKE:

Built to supply water to the Rochdale Canal, the lake now forms part of a wonderful country park, great for walkers and cyclists. There's also boating, guided walks, play and picnic areas as well as a nature reserve and special events at the visitor centre. See the families section for children's activities during the holidays. Open Monday-Sunday 10.30am-6pm (April to September), Monday-Friday 11am-4pm and weekends 10.30am-5pm (October to March) Rakewood Road, Littleborough, OL15 0AQ. Ring 01706 373421.

The water activity centre offer tuition in boating and windsurfing as well as trips around the lake on the Lady Alice. Open Monday-Sunday 9am-9pm (March to November), Monday-Friday 9am-4pm (December to February) The Boathouse, Lakebank, Littleborough, OL15 0DQ. Ring 01706 370499, email holwac@link4life.org, website www.link4life.org/holwac

BLACKSTONE EDGE:

This dramatic escarpment of dark grit stone rock has panoramic views to the valleys below. An ancient trackway from Roman times climbs the edge. A58 Halifax Road, Littleborough. Ring 01706 373421, website www.visitrochdale.com

HEALEY DELL:

This tranquil nature reserve has delightful scenery and spectacular waterfalls. A disused 1800s rail line and 106ft viaduct form a nature trail with great views. Healey Corner, off Whitworth Road, Healey. Ring 01706 350459, email healey.dell@rochdale.gov.uk, website www.healeydell.org.uk

WATERGROVE RESERVOIR:

High in the Pennines above Wardle village trails offer spectacular views and good bird-watching country as well as a link to the Pennine Bridleway. Trapp Farm Car Park, Ramsden Road, Wardle, OL12 9EN. Ring 01706 881049

PIETHORNE VALLEY:

Six reservoirs surrounded by open moorland, with fishing allowed in two lakes. Rangers office, Waterworks Road, Newhey, OL16 5BQ. Ring 01706 881049

ROCHDALE WAY:

A 50-mile circular route takes walkers through wooded valleys in the south of the area to high open moorland in the north