Glodwick Lows is Oldham’s first, and currently only, Local Nature Reserve (LNR). It is located just 2km from Oldham town centre and covers around 17 hectares, making it one of the largest open spaces within the urban area.
The reserve contains the nationally important Lowside Brickworks Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI), noted for its Middle Carboniferous fossils.
The site has a long and varied history, having seen Iron Age, Roman and Viking activity, as well as medieval settlers, coal miners, quarry workers, hermits and even motorcyclists.
How to get there
Glodwick Lows is located to the south east of Oldham town centre, near Alexandra Park. It is bordered by Abbey Hills Road, Glodwick Road and Roundthorn Road.
Bus routes
- 408 – Stalybridge to Shaw
- 425 – Fitton Hill to Holts
Metrolink
The nearest stop is Oldham Central.
Car parks
Street parking only.
View in a map
Let's go for a walk
Blue Walk
The walk starts at the site entrance board on Abbey Hills Road, opposite Tate Street.
Follow the main access track, which begins with a slight incline before levelling out. Pass woodland on your right and continue to the top of the site, where there are wide views across Oldham and beyond.
Continue along the track through areas of woodland and grassland, with views toward Hartshead Pike. The path eventually narrows and descends into a wooded area.
At the bottom, turn right to begin the return journey. Follow the path as it rises gently through grassland, keeping left past a hawthorn hedge and through a small wooden stile.
Continue along the path running parallel to houses on Abbey Hills Road until you reach a small grassy hollow. Follow the path around and back to the starting point.
- Steps: 1,965
- Distance: 1,280 m
- Calories: 60
- Time: 30 minutes
Map
