South Pennines

Oldham's best kept secret is its glorious countryside.

Walkers, cyclists and horse riders will be in their element in the South Pennines. The Pennine Way and Pennine Bridleway just two of the amazing routes through this diverse and beautiful landscape.

For a more leisurely look at the area, explore the South Pennines by train with a pint and a pub lunch, on the Huddersfield to Manchester Victoria line Rail Ale Trail. Featuring many pubs along the canal train line, the trail takes in real ale pubs, a rich history and stunning scenery all without having to set foot in a car.

The South Pennines forms one of the official Natural areas in England and is a haven for wildlife. Birdwatchers will be interested to know that the area is of international importance for populations of birds such as Merlin, peregrine, short eared owl, golden plover, curlew, lapwing, dunlin, snipe, redshank, skylark and twite.  The South Pennine’s reservoirs provide a valuable habitat for wildfowl and waders.