Dunwood Park opened on 14 September 1912. It was developed and funded by Crompton Urban District Council on land given by Captain Abram Crompton, a local land and mill owner.
The park was created in response to industrialisation and the growth of Shaw as a major mill town. Pollution, overcrowding and working conditions led to the need for accessible green space as a “breathing space” for local residents.
The original park design was created and supervised by Manchester architect Ernest Woodhouse.
How to get there
Dunwood Park is located in the north of Oldham near the Oldham/Rochdale boundary. It lies west of Milnrow Road (A663) and alongside Smallbrook Road.
Bus routes
- 181 and 182 – Rochdale to Manchester (via Milnrow Road)
- 408 – Stalybridge to Shaw (terminates at Wrens Nest, approx. 300m away)
Metrolink
The nearest stop is Shaw and Crompton.
Car parks
Main car park within the park off Smallbrook Road. Additional informal parking is available nearby, as well as on-street parking.
Toilets and refreshments
Toilets are located within the bowling pavilion.
Facilities
- Bowling green
- 3 tennis courts
- Children's play area
- Car parking
- Toilets (when gardeners are on site)
Let's go for a walk
Green Walk
Start from the car park and head down the path towards the rear of Woodend Cottages. After descending the steps, turn left and follow the path towards the former bandstand area.
This grassed area once hosted a bandstand where residents gathered to listen to brass bands.
Continue along the path parallel to the Rochdale to Victoria railway line, with wooded banking on your left.
At the cottages, turn back along the same path but continue uphill toward the bowling green. Built in 1914–15, it remains a popular feature today.
Continue past the tennis courts (built in 1922) and follow the path back to the car park.
- Steps: 2,663
- Distance: 1,860 m
- Calories: 106
- Time: 25 minutes
Blue Walk
For a more challenging route, take the left-hand path as you approach the grass plateau. Follow the path through woodland until you reach a tarmac path, then turn left.
Take the next entrance back into the woods. A steady climb and sharp left leads to steps and the steepest section of the route.
Continue climbing and enjoy views across the valley. At the top, turn left with Whitefield Farm to your right.
Follow the path as it opens onto an area near Smallbrook Road. Continue parallel to the road until you reach a path junction, then turn left.
Rejoin the tarmac path and follow it around the bowling green and tennis courts back to the start.
- Steps: 3,080
- Distance: 1,972 m
- Calories: 119
- Time: 32 minutes
Map
