The Pennine Way from Haigh Gutter, Denshaw on the A640 is being upgraded by Oldham Council with funding from Natural England and the Pennine National Trails Partnership.
£43,173 worth of improvements will see the existing eroded pathway being replaced with a new gritstone surface making it much easier to walk along, there will also be improved drainage to help stop further erosion of the path and landscaping work will also be carriedout.
Construction will last for four weeks, weather permitting. The path will remain open throughout the works.
Natural England consent was given for the improvements because the site is designated as an SSSI (Site of Special Scientific Interest) and is of national significance for the wildlife found here.
This part of the Pennine Way is one of of England’s oldest National Trails. Starting in the Peak District and stretching north to the Scottish Borders, it is one of the most challenging but rewarding long-distance walking routes and is steeped in history.
Pennine National Trail Partnership Manager Jo McAllister said: “This is the largest and final stage of a series of projects to improve the condition of the Pennine Way National Trail in the Oldham area. We’re delighted that the work has been made possible and that walkers will be able to enjoy a much better experience on the trail. We hope more people will now be encouraged to use this part of the trail to experience the beautiful landscape here.”
Descriptions of the seven different sections of the Oldham Way, along with information on distance, terrain, difficulty and more are available at https://www.oldham.gov.uk/oldhamwaywalks
More information about the Pennine Way can found at www.nationaltrail.co.uk/pennineway
