Scenic wonders along the A664 Manchester to Rochdale

Misty sunset over Salford from Collyhurst 2001

Here’s my editorial and photos that appeared in the Manchester Evening News on Thursday 17 September 2015. Recently I’ve been tutoring at a company in Castleton, the town that lies in the Borough of Rochdale to the north of Manchester. It’s not a tourist spot and yet it’s a very interesting place. I used to travel to the assignment by train but I switched to the number 17 bus, operated by FirstBus, as it’s cheaper and more frequent. I became interested in the sights along the way, and came up with the idea of an article showcasing the interesting sights along the way. I realised a sunset photo I took back in 2001 would be ideal for the piece, and presented it alongside some old and newly taken images.

Like spokes on a wheel, the main roads around Manchester extend to the surrounding towns. I like to ride on the top deck of the bus, observing landmarks along the way. This week I feature the A664 from Shudehill to Rochdale, around 10 miles along the 17 bus route. People may not think of Collyhurst as scenic, but this misty Salford sunset from Rochdale Rd railway bridge proves otherwise. Past Harpurhey on the left is a quaint Victorian post box, and down the hill on the right, mysterious Boggart Hole Clough. After Middleton Town Centre, look out for St Leonard’s Church on the top of the hill. The Rochdale Canal crosses under the A664 in Castleton, a town with a fascinating hidden heritage. Hopefully soon the East Lancs Railway will be extended to Castleton Station. As we approach Rochdale, we see Broadfield park, restored to its original glory a few years ago. Other attractions include the newly uncovered bridge and the Pioneers Museum. People need to open their eyes to the hidden attractions all around. Photography is a good way of doing it. Why not come on a 3 hr photo walk around the city centre? £25 for MEN readers, standard price £35. www.aidan.co.uk

Victorian post box Harpurhey Manchester

Gates to mysterious Boggart Hole Clough, Manchester

Middleton St Leonard;s Church

Rochdale Blue Pits Highest Locks no 51

Rochdale Broadfield Park and town hall clock tower

Here’s how the article looked in the Manchester Evening News, dated Thursday 17 December 2015. The headline reads ‘Bus journeys – A window to our worlds’. The headline, introduction and layout are done by staff at the Manchester Evening News.