Whether you have come to the area for an activity break or to merely relax and explore the surrounding Moorland Landscape, there are plenty of things to do, in and around the area:

Walking • Cycling & Mountain Biking • Horse Riding • Historical Trips

Walking

"The Pennine Way" national trail crosses the moorland approximately two miles distance away from the farm. You may want to try the local section, but with this walk, as well as any other moorland walks we would advice that only experienced walkers attempt these routes and that you are fully prepared.

Even in summer moorland walking can be tough going but a wonderful experience for seasoned and experienced walkers.

There are also a number of circular walks next to the farm using recognised footpaths and bridleways taking in the local reservoirs which abound in the area.

Gentle family walks can also be had around such places as Hollinworth Lake and it's adjoining country park.

For those wanting to combine their walks with a little bit of an historic feel, just a short distance away there is the famous Blackstone Edge with it's still visible Roman Road thought to have been built by the romans to link the roman fort in Manchester (Mancunium) with the fort in York (Eboracum), also nearby is the Castlleshaw Roman Fort where remains of the original roman fort can still be found

Other routes such as "The Oldham Way" are situated nearby.

Cycling & Mountain Biking

The area proudly boasts a comprehensive selection of cycling and Mountain Biking routes in the middle of the Pennine Hills.

The nearby "Pennine Bridleway" national route is open in many areas to both cyclists and Horse Riders, alike

For details on the Pennine Bridleway click here

For those interested in competitive cycling, the National Cycling Centre at Manchester Velodrome, acclaimed by those in the cycling fraternity to be one of the main contributors the "Team GB's" cycling medal success in the recent Beijing Olympics. is only 13 miles (approx 27 minutes) away.
Link: www.manchestervelodrome.com

Stuart Street
Manchester
M11 4DQ
Tel 0161 223 2244

Horse Riding and Local Bridleways

The area boasts one of the most comprehensive selections of Bridleways in the Pennines.

Your host at the farm, Fiona Schofield, a keen horse rider, would be more than happy to give you advice on routes and horse riding within the area.

For those wanting horse riding lessons, we have linked up with a local horse riding school who can offer training and lessons at very reasonable rates.

For the more ambitious, the "Pennine Bridleway" a recognised "National Trail" is almost on the doorstep for those visiting Far Wicken Hall Farm.

Historical Trips

Rochdale Pioneers Museum - In nearby Rochdale is the birthplace of the modern day Co-operative Movement founded by the Rochdale Pioneers. The Original Building in Toad Lane, Rochdale has now been converted in to a museum - Distance from Far Wicken Hall - 6 miles (16 minutes by car)

Roman History - The area has very close Roman links with such sites as Castleshaw Roman Fort and Blackstone Edge where you can still walk along parts of the original Roman Road linking Lancashire to Yorkshire