Getting There
Eastbound route only
Leave the M60 at Junction 20 and turn left, signed A644 Middleton.
Enter Middleton.
At the next two roundabouts take the 1 st exit, signed A576 Bury.
The official car park for Alkrington Woods is signed on the left hand side, but this was locked on the day we were there. There is alternative parking in a lay-by a little further on the left hand side, and this also has a direct access into the woods.
Return to M60 Eastbound
Turn right out of the car park to return along the A576.
At the roundabout continue on the A576 signed Oldham .
At the next roundabout take the 3 rd exit, signed A664 Manchester. Drive over a motorway and at the traffic lights turn left, signed A6104 Oldham/M60.
At the next roundabout take the 3 rd exit, signed M60/A6104. Enter Chadderton. Turn left at the traffic lights, signed M60/Rochdale. Continue in the right hand lane to turn right onto the M60 where signed.
Alkrington Woods
Alkrington Woods is a local nature reserve occupying the grounds of the former Alkrington Hall Estate. There is a choice of clearly marked and graded trails through the woodland.
There are two ‘easy' all-access 1.5 mile routes marked with white or blue poles, a ‘medium' 1.5 mile route marked with yellow poles, and a 3.5 mile route marked in red. Following these colour coded poles will take you on meandering routes through the woodland, and briefly along the banks of the River Irk.
Water-loving dogs will relish a swim in the Rhodes lakes, but may need to be restrained if fishermen are in action.
There's good walking here over a pleasant mix of grass and woodland with plenty of space for dogs to really enjoy themselves.
Facilities
Free car parking. Information board giving details of marked trails. Picnic tables.