Local Attractions
There’s plenty to do just a stone’s throw away, so why not make Owd Betts the perfect ending to a great day out?
East Lancashire Railway
23A Bolton St, Bury BL9 0EY • 20 minutes by car
The award-winning East Lancashire Railway is a 12-mile heritage line running steam and diesel trains through the scenic Irwell Valley between Heywood and Rawtenstall, offering seven unique station stops, family events, and the popular Bury Transport Museum.
Healey Dell Nature Reserve
Healey, Rochdale, Greater Manchester, OL12 6BG • 15 minutes by car
Just 15 minutes by car, Healey Dell Nature Reserve is a scenic wooded beauty spot in Rochdale featuring spectacular waterfalls along the River Spodden, a majestic 100-foot-high Victorian railway viaduct, and fascinating industrial heritage
Fireground
Fireground, Maclure Road, Rochdale OL11 1DN • 15 minutes by car
Fireground is an interactive museum in Rochdale in a restored art deco fire station, telling the story of Greater Manchester’s rich firefighting history with vintage fire engines and historic displays.
Rochdale Town Hall
Town Hall, The Esplanade, Rochdale OL16 1AZ • 15 minutes by car
Opened in 1871 and recently restored, Rochdale Town Hall is a Grade I-listed Gothic Revival masterpiece widely celebrated as one of the United Kingdom's finest and most ornate Victorian municipal buildings.
Rochdale Pioneers Museum
31 Toad Ln, Rochdale OL12 0NU • 10 minutes by car
Housed in the historic 1844 building on Toad Lane in Greater Manchester, the Rochdale Pioneers Museum celebrates the birthplace of the modern co-operative movement with a faithful recreation of the original cooperative store and exhibits on social reform.
Walks near Owd Betts
Owd Betts is also a popular starting point for exploring the Ashworth Moor, the Ashworth and Cheesden valleys, and the South Pennines by foot. Here are our favourite local walks…
Distances and walking times are approximate. Countryside paths can be muddy and uneven, especially after wet weather. Please wear suitable footwear, check conditions before setting off, and follow the countryside code.
Ashworth Moor Reservoir Loop
Around 1.4 miles • 30-45 minutes • Easy
A short circular walk around Ashworth Moor Reservoir, starting and finishing at Owd Betts. Mostly gentle underfoot with open views across the water and surrounding moorland, making it a good choice for a quick walk before or after food.
Cheesden Valley & Mill Ruins
Around 3.7 miles • 1¾-2 hours • Easy to moderate
Drop down into the historic Cheesden Valley, following countryside paths past Cheesden Brook, waterfalls, and the remains of old mills. A varied circular walk with plenty to see along the way, returning to Owd Betts via the surrounding hillside.
Scout Moor Circular
Around 4.6 miles • 2-2½ hours • Moderate
A longer walk climbing onto Scout Moor, with wide views across the South Pennines and Greater Manchester. The route passes through open moorland and around the Scout Moor wind farm, before descending back towards Ashworth Moor and Owd Betts.