Crompton Moor covers around 160 acres and offers a wide variety of walking experiences. Despite its natural appearance, the site has an industrial past, including sandstone quarrying and coal mining.
Brushes Clough Reservoir was constructed in the 19th century using stone from local quarries.
Woodland planting in the 1970s changed the character of the landscape, and many paths now run alongside these wooded areas.
Today the moor is used by walkers, cyclists and horse riders, and ongoing improvements aim to encourage greater use by the local community.
How to get there
Crompton Moor is located in the north east of Oldham, between Shaw and Denshaw. It is bordered by Buckstones Road (B6197) and Rochdale Road (A640).
Bus routes
408 Stalybridge – Shaw (stops along Buckstones Road between Milnrow Road and Hillside Avenue)
Metrolink
The closest stop is Shaw and Crompton.
Car parks
There is a refurbished car park at Pingot Quarry. Additional off-road parking is available on Rochdale Road, though this involves a steep walk.
Lets go for a walk
Blue Walk
Start from the main car park at Pingot Quarry. Follow the steps to the left and walk up along the edge of the quarry, where there are views across Oldham, Manchester and Rochdale.
At the junction, leave the quarry edge and follow a diagonal path between drystone walls, with woodland on your right.
Continue along the path, keeping the woodland to your left until you rejoin the main route. You will pass below the communications mast at Crow Knowl, the highest point of the moor.
Follow the stoned path as it curves and eventually leads to views of Brushes Clough Reservoir. Continue along the reservoir edge, with opportunities to walk down to the water.
The route then descends downhill to the road. Turn right to return to the car park.
Near the end, you can explore the old sandstone quarry or follow paths leading to Crompton Waterfall, which eventually connects to the River Beal.
- Steps: 4,100
- Distance: 2,318 m
- Calories: 160
- Time: 40 minutes
Map
Managing Crompton Moor
Woodland management
Tree thinning allows remaining trees to grow in size, strength and health. It encourages different tree species, and enhances the habitat for a variety of flora and fauna. Tree management work is supported by the Forestry Commission.
The tree thinning work on site is ongoing, and has been phased over several years to ensure there is always some 'undisturbed' woodland for wildlife.
Heathland management
The heather on the moor has been flailed (cut) several times in the last decade or so. Flailing usually takes place in Autumn every three years, outside bird nesting season. Areas of the heath have been cut with the aim of encouraging the heather to regenerate over a wider area, producing a patchwork of heather of different ages. This work is ongoing and benefits ground nesting birds that favour a mosaic of heather habitat to nest.