Right of Way at Rochdale Way in Middleton to be reinstated

The Right of Way over a section of the Rochdale Way in Middleton is to be reinstated following resolution of a four year dispute.

Julie Simpson RMBC Rights of Way Officer, the landowner, and John Oliver, Footpath Secretary with the Rochdale Countrywide Holidays Association (CHA) Rambling Club, walked and agreed the line of the footpath claimed back in December 2013.

Roy Thorniley, Footpath and Countryside Secretary for Rochdale Ramblers said: “The footpath will follow the line set out in the Ministry of Transport's Side Road Order dated 4 November 1966.

“Rochdale Council will reinstate a one metre wide footpath, which is about 300 metres long, without any stiles or gates.

“The landowner will remain responsible for maintaining the footpath fence in good order.

“All that remains to be done is the legal work before the footpath is put in place.”

The Rochdale Way is a circular 45-mile (72 km) walking route around the borough of Rochdale, which takes in the best scenery and interesting buildings of the area, over moorland and through wooded valleys and passing historic urban sites. Blackstone Edge, Healey Dell, Knowl Hill, Queens Park, Tandle Hill and Piethorne Valley are visited along the Way.