Set beneath hills and wild moorland at the edge of the Pennines, the beautiful landscape of the Pennines Township of Rochdale Borough, is dissected by tranquil waterways and lakes where you can explore a world of adventure and history. The area covers Littleborough, Milnrow, Newhey and Wardle.
If outdoors is your thing Littleborough and the Pennines is the top destination for you. Some of the North West’s finest countryside, all sweeping hillsides and rolling hills, are right on their doorstep providing fabulous settings for walking, cycling or horse-riding. With plenty of canals and reservoirs those who find the water their home won’t be disappointed.
You can experience some of England’s oldest traditions first hand in the Pennine villages, with Littleborough's rushbearing weekend drawing in the crowds every summer.
With its beautiful preserved stone buildings, Littleborough and Milnrow, and the enchanting villages of the Pennines are well worth a visit. Whether it's a walk in the countryside, a farmer's market or a visit to a local coffee shop or independent store, there's something for everyone in this beautiful part of our borough.
History of Littleborough and the Pennine villages
The Pennines area includes Littleborough, Milnrow and Newhey and Wardle, each retaining their distinct identities today. They all show signs of occupation by early man, followed by waves of Celtic, Roman, Saxon and Danish occupation. In 1898 a round barrow was found on Hades Hill, complete with a 2-tier funeral urn. A Celtic torque (a neck ornament) was found in Calderbrook (near Littleborough) in 1832, and the right hand and arm of a silver statue to Victory (Roman) was unearthed at Tunshill quarry (Milnrow) in 1793. Rising in a straight line over Blackstone Edge is a paved road believed by many people to be Roman too.
More things to do in Littleborough and the Pennine villages
There are lots of activites and places to visit in Littleborough and the Pennine villages. Use the search function above to find things to do in the area, such as what's on, shopping and more.
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