When most Mancs think of going for a walk around a reservoir, their minds will leap to Dovestones on the edge of the Peak District, or maybe Rivington, or even Ladybower Reservoir just off Snake Pass.
But to anyone who has yet to venture to one of Rochdale’s finest bodies of water, you’re really missing out.
Greenbooth Reservoir is one of Greater Manchester’s most underrated country walks, and it’s got a bit of everything.
There’s the water – obviously – but also a hidden waterfall, easy-to-follow walking routes, and incredible views all the way to Manchester in the distance.
At this time of year, the leaves on the trees burn in a hundred shades of orange, yellow and red, and the golden hour light reflects beautifully off the water.
ADVERTISEMENT
Along the walk, you’ll encounter sheep, huge wind turbines, and staggering vistas.
The site is actually made up of four reservoirs – Naden Higher, Naden Middle, Naden Lower and Greenbooth reservoir – sandwiched in the Naden Valley above Norden.
ADVERTISEMENT
The working reservoirs are under the care of United Utilities, and there’s a free-of-charge car park for visitors to take advantage of.
From the car park, you can walk in a clockwise or anti-clockwise direction – either walking through the trees to the southern-most point of Greenbooth Reservoir, or heading to the point where the Lower and Middle Naden reservoirs meet.
The biggest loop here goes around all four expanses of water, with the footpath essentially carved into the hillside in places and small footbridges leaping over streams.
ADVERTISEMENT
In the south-western tip of Greenbooth Reservoir, where there now stands an estate of huge houses, is a waterfall that cascades down the rocks into the water below.
You can see it from the footpath and from the bridges around, but be careful of trying to get too close – it can get a bit muddy and treacherous.
You’ll need to take similar care if you fancy your chances with the sloping patch of grass leading up to Naden Higher, which can get seriously slippy when it’s been raining.
There are secrets hiding beneath the surface of the water too – a sunken 1950s village, which before it was flooded was made up of around 80 cottages, a sweet shop, a Co-op store and a school.
Greenbooth village was abandoned and mostly demolished to make way for the reservoir, which was needed for the booming population in Rochdale.
ADVERTISEMENT
If you’re keen to head out for some fresh air, this AllTrails map will help you find your way.
Featured image: The Manc Group
News
Northern is hiring hundreds of new train drivers and conductors with ‘no previous experience’ needed
Emily Sergeant
Northern has just launched another massive recruitment drive, and is looking to hire hundreds of new train drivers and conductors.
The best bit? You don’t even need any previous rail experience to apply.
The train operator says it is looking to recruit as many as 300 drivers and conductors across right the north of England this year – with the new recruits all set to form part of the team that is responsible for running the over 2,500 services Northern provides to more that 500 stations throughout the region each day.
Northern says both its driver and conductor roles “require no previous rail industry experience”, as full paid-for training will be provided at its academies in Manchester and Leeds.
The company wants to welcome 108 new train drivers and 198 conductors in 2024.
Northern is hiring hundreds of new train drivers and conductors across the region / Credit: Northern
The train driver roles – which will be advertised in the coming months in Manchester, as well as other nearby locations like Blackburn, Blackpool, Leeds, Liverpool, Sheffield, and more – come with a starting salary of £23,000 a year, which eventually rises to £54,500 after completing a 64-week training course.
The conductor roles, on the other hand – many of which will also be advertised in Manchester too – come with starting salaries of £22,000 that rise to £29,000 on completion of 16-weeks of training.
Northern says its 2024 recruitment drive is part of a “normal and ongoing recruitment process” across the region, and comes as a handful of its other team members retire, earn promotion, or move on to the next stage of their career.
No previous rail experience is required for the roles / Credit: Northern
“We have a range of rewarding roles for anyone who wants to become part of a dedicated team,” commented Tricia Williams, who is the Chief Operating Officer at Northern, as the recruitment drive launched this week.
“We are looking for customer-focused people with excellent communication skills, who thrive in a dynamic environment and may not have considered a career in rail before. We want our workforce to reflect the communities we serve, and we’re proud to include people from all walks of life in our team, from military veterans and ex-police officers, to former office workers, and stay-at-home parents.”
Ms Williams said the rail operator will be recruiting all throughout 2024, and is encouraging hopeful candidates to register for job alerts on the Northern website so they don’t miss out.
You can find out more information and apply for roles here.
Featured Image – Northern
News
Tribute paid to Beswick man who died while ‘trying to stop his car being stolen’
Daisy Jackson
The family of a man who was killed in Beswick on Saturday morning have paid an emotional tribute to a ‘loved and devoted family man’.
Christopher Hanley, 57, was killed in broad daylight while trying to ‘stop his car from being stolen’.
He was found unresponsive by members of the public on Olympic Street shortly before 11am on 16 March, and was tragically pronounced dead at the scene despite the efforts of emergency services.
GMP has launched a murder investigation and two men have been arrested in connection with the tragic incident.
Paying tribute to him, Chris’s family said: “As a family we are heartbroken and shocked at the sudden loss of Chris.
“A loved and devoted family man who adored his grandchildren, tragically and unfairly, taken way too soon.
“At this time, we as a family ask for privacy to show respect for Chris and his memory.”
Detective Chief Inspector Rachel Smith from GMP’s Major Incident Team said: “This has come as devastating news to Chris’s loved ones, and I would like to echo their request for privacy at this time.
“We have already made two arrests in connection with Chris’s death, but we continue to work diligently to ensure we apprehend all those responsible.
“I would urge anyone with information to come forward so that we can get justice for Chris and his family.”
Any details should be passed via the LiveChat function on gmp.police.uk or by calling 101 quoting incident number 1172 of 16/3/24.