Walks you can reach from Walsden by train

Todmorden Station to Hebden Bridge Station (Lancashire)

3m direct from Walsden.

A very enjoyable, direct and straightforward canal walk, almost entirely along the Rochdale Canal towpath following national cycle route 66. The terrain is nearly all level with a mostly gravel surface, though bridges and slopes past locks have cobbles and canal overflows run over cobbles across the towpath in several places. Tree cover gives a green-tunnel feel. Follows national cycle route 66 along the Rochdale Canal. Canalside interest: locks, houseboats, mileposts and stone bridges.

Easy: 7km, moderate ascents.

Canal overflows run over cobbles across the towpath in several places, with a raised plank alongside to keep feet dry.

Lunch: Refreshment opportunities along the canalside towards Hebden Bridge.

Documented by Slow Ways — download GPX route

Todmorden Station to Littleborough Station (Lancashire)

3m direct from Walsden.

The scenery was very pretty. Almost entirely along the Rochdale Canal towpath, crossing the Pennine summit, on pretty Millstone Grit bridges and lock walls. The towpath has puddles and a few cobbled, cambered or planked sections, plus a wooded and muddy final stretch to Todmorden station. Follows the Rochdale Canal (including its summit) and is part of the National Cycle Network. Waterfalls tumble down the hills either side of the canal; an air vent for the railway Summit Tunnel can be spotted.

Easy: 9km, moderate ascents.

One tricky stretch of towpath under the A58 Halifax Road and up the side of Durn Lock is cambered, sloping and cobbled. The wooded final section to Todmorden station can be muddy with planks across it.

Lunch stop: the Summit Inn.

Documented by Slow Ways — download GPX route

Littleborough Station to Marsden Station (Lancashire)

6m direct from Walsden.

Tough: steep ascents. 16km.

Documented by Slow Ways — download GPX route

Kearsley Station to Swinton (Manchester) Station (Lancashire)

45m direct from Walsden.

a magnificent view from meccano bridge at Nob End. A great walk that winds downhill from Swinton into a lush country park created from former mining land, contrasting natural beauty with industrial monoliths and past a lake and marina. There is one short steep climb to a fine viewpoint near the end. Starts near the birthplace of L S Lowry. The route can be extended to Ringley to see the bridge and the River Irwell, and to Nob End for the viewpoint.

Easy: 6km, moderate ascents.

A field on the route often contains horses; an alternative around it is suggested. Part of the published route uses a private road.

Lunch: A cafe at Clifton Country Park, mid-route.

End-of-walk reward: the Horseshoe.

Documented by Slow Ways — download GPX route

Salford Crescent Station to Manchester Oxford Road Station (Lancashire)

45m direct from Walsden.

A largely off-road, well-paved city walk through Peel Park and a lengthy stretch following the River Irwell, before climbing into central Manchester via ginnels, squares and pedestrianised streets. Surfaces are tarmac or tightly packed throughout and but several flights of steps make it a foot-only route. Heron and cormorant can be seen along the Irwell. Peel Park is claimed to be the world's first public park.

0km.

Multiple flights of steps. Some passages (notably the gated, glass-atrium passage near the Central Library) are closed at night, so it's best done in daylight. Continual city-centre building works can impede progress.

Documented by Slow Ways — download GPX route

Swinton (Manchester) Station to Eccles Station (Lancashire)

45m direct from Walsden.

A quick, direct route from one high street to another and mixing estate streets and public footpaths with a large newly-laid path through a park. The rough footpath surfaces are well lit and reasonably safe.

Easy: 3km, moderate ascents.

Where the route reaches the busy A580 East Lancs Road, a well-lit underpass a short distance away is a safer crossing than the route as drawn.

Documented by Slow Ways — download GPX route

Rochdale Station to Littleborough Station (Lancashire)

6m direct from Walsden.

excellent views across the Pennines. A direct, mostly traffic-free canal walk: a short stretch of main road and degraded-tarmac path, then over 60% along the Rochdale Canal towpath running alongside the railway. The Sustrans path can be muddy and slightly overgrown and a few steps and a fairly steep slope lead down to the canal. Follows the Rochdale Canal and National Cycle Network Route 66. Smithy Bridge station is near the route, so it can be shortened. Clegg Hall, a restored old manor house with a row of old weavers' cottages, sits on the opposite bank.

Easy: 6km, moderate ascents.

The Sustrans path can be muddy and overgrown, so good shoes and nettle protection are advised. A few steps at the canal access point mean it is not step-free.

Littleborough is a pleasant market town with plenty of cafes.

Documented by Slow Ways — download GPX route

Swinton (Manchester) Station to Salford Crescent Station (Lancashire)

45m direct from Walsden.

A largely green urban route on pavements, paved paths, alleyways and park tracks, all on hard surfaces. Steers away from the busier roads where possible and using safe underpasses to cross the A580. Includes a pleasant stretch through Buile Hill Park.

6km.

Take care crossing Wellington Road, where sight lines along Swinton Hall Road are blocked by a house on the corner.

Documented by Slow Ways — download GPX route

Eccles Station to Salford Crescent Station (Lancashire)

45m direct from Walsden.

A decent urban route, mostly on pavement past shops, with a gradual uphill section and a stretch through Buile Hill Park on wide tarmac paths. Generally accessible and though pavement parking and informal crossings can hamper passage.

Easy: 5km, moderate ascents.

Lunch: Many shops along the way.

Documented by Slow Ways — download GPX route

Walkden Station to Swinton (Manchester) Station (Lancashire)

45m direct from Walsden.

A pleasant, largely urban route that makes the most of green spaces, starting on a smooth wide woodland cycle track (the Roe Green Loopline), then a footpath parallel to the motorway, more woodland and fields and before crossing a pedestrian bridge over the A580 and finishing through residential streets and Moorside Park. Steps and a cycle barrier on the loopline section. Uses the Roe Green Loopline cycle track. Crosses two major roads (M60 and A580) but has a surprising amount of green space.

5km.

Steps at both ends of the cycle-track section and a cycle barrier; the A580 footbridge has shallow sloping steps.

Documented by Slow Ways — download GPX route