Strinesdale is owned and managed by United Utilities. The site was landscaped in the 1990s after the drinking water reservoirs were decommissioned.
Two smaller lakes were created along with woodland, wildflower meadows and a range of informal recreation facilities.
Today the area is a haven for wildlife and a popular place for walking.
Facilities
- Car park
- Fishing areas
- Information point
- Orienteering course
- Picnic areas (no toilet faciliities at present)
How to get there
Strinesdale is located in the Medlock Valley, approximately 1.5 miles from Oldham town centre.
Bus routes
- 410 – Oldham to Higginshaw Circular
- 411 – Oldham to Roxbury Circular
Metrolink
The nearest stop is Derker.
Car parks
Parking is available near the Countryside Centre.
Toilets
Toilets are available at the Countryside Centre.
Let's go for a walk
Green Walk
Start from the car park and go through the gate, heading up a short hill until the reservoir is in front of you. Turn right and follow the path around the reservoir.
At the far end, turn left onto the bridle path, cross the bridge over the River Medlock, then turn left again to follow the path along the opposite side of the reservoir.
Continue along the path until you return to the starting point.
- Steps: 1,462
- Distance: 964 m
- Calories: 80
- Time: 20 minutes
Blue Walk
From the car park, take the path to the left near the barrier and follow it past the “golden steps” (the overflow channel from the reservoir) until you reach the service road for the water treatment works.
Continue along the road, then bear left through a gate and follow the path through woodland.
At the end of the woodland, go straight on and then turn left near a gate across a track leading to a farm. Follow the walled path to a kissing gate and continue across the field.
After passing through a squeeze stile, turn left over a bridge and then sharply left again, almost doubling back. The path then follows the River Medlock and continues along an old access road through woodland.
This area offers views over the upper reservoir, which is an important habitat for wetland birds. Continue until you reach Waterworks House, then turn left and follow the path down to the lower reservoir and back to the car park.
- Steps: 3,531
- Distance: 2,330 m
- Calories: 186
- Time: 40 minutes
Map
