Lying just outside the limits of Tameside, the historic market town of Glossop is ideally situated for those looking for a more countrified setting and those wanting to be within close proximity of transport to major towns and villages in the nearby area, including many in Tameside and Manchester City Centre.
Virtually surrounded by moorland to the east, the region offers walkers, hikers, explorers, photographers and beyond plenty of things to do in Glossop and the local area.
So, if you’re thinking of hopping across the border into Derbyshire, here are a few things to do in Glossop for explorers you might want to check out:
Longdendale Trail
Formerly home to regular freight train routes which linked Manchester and Sheffield way back in 1845, the Longdendale Trail is now home to one of the most talked-about hiking and cycling trails in Derbyshire.
Many choose to begin in Glossop town centre, which is why we can include this trail on our list of things to do in Glossop for explorers, but officially the route starts out in Hadfield, just a few miles North of Glossop. Here you and your hiking partners – or just you if you’re flying solo! – will head towards the Woodhead Tunnel while being surrounded by some of the most beautiful moorland in the country.
But be careful… over the years these routes have become embroiled in ghostly legend. It has been said that the spirits of Roman Soldiers are regularly seen wandering up and down the trail, making this hiking experience a must-see attraction for lovers of the paranormal too.
Cyclists will have a particularly easy ride on the way back, though, as the slight incline walkers and cyclists tackle on the way up becomes an almost effortless ride on the way back down.
Then, as is tradition for many who take on the Longdendale trail on a regular basis, it’s time to stop off in Glossop for a crisp, cool pint and a bite to eat!
Find out more about the Londdendale Trail at the TripAdvisor page here.
Manor Park
Once home to Glossop Hall (which was deconstructed and rebuilt over the years, but ultimately demolished in the 1950’s) the appropriately titled Manor Park has been treating locals and explorers alike since 1927 when the local council reconditioned the grounds and officially opened them to visitors.
The very well-kept open gardens feature various attractive qualities that are sure to please everyone from hardened hikers to amateur joggers and even the youngest members of your clan. These include a bowling green, tennis and basketball courts, a mini golf course and mini railway and, of course, the woodland paths which make the park so appealing to walkers.
There’s even a secluded sensory garden for those of you looking to find some sense of tranquillity on your trip.
Add to this the beautiful floral displays and Manor Park is, without question, a great treat for the eyes, ears, body and soul.
You can find out more about Manor Park and plan your trip on the Manor Park Trip Advisor page here.
Glossop Town Centre
It might not be out and about in the countryside, but that doesn’t mean there aren’t plenty of things to do in Glossop Town Centre for explorers! Don’t worry, you’ll still get plenty of walking done!
Glossop Town Centre is chock full of traditional stone buildings that are hundreds of years old. This traditionalist look, along with many of the more modern developments in the town which have kept as close as possible to the classical style, is what makes Glossop a step into the past in the best way possible.
In the town centre, you’ll find a whole array of shops, pubs, café’s, bars and more, making for a great day out. And, of course, there’s the traditional indoor and outdoor markets where you can find everything you’d ever need! From clothing to arts and crafts, there’s something for everyone.
Plus, if you look closely enough, you’ll notice that many of the shops and other establishments have been built into some of the already-standing mill structures – remnants of the time when the cotton industry dominated much if not all of the nearby area.
If you’re willing to make a day of it on foot or by bike, you’ll find yourself with plenty to do and plenty to explore!
Want to know more? Check out the link here for more info on Glossop Town Centre.
Melandra Roman Fort
For the history buffs amongst you, you really can’t afford to miss this treat from a different age!
Melandra Roman Fort (or ‘Ardotalia’ if we’re using its original Latin name) is a former outpost of the Roman Military, built around the year 75 AD.
The tall grassy mound on which it was built was in an ideal position to view the surrounding area and defend from potential invaders. In fact, Ardotalia was part of a number of strategically placed forts covering much of the Peak District.
While all that remains today are the outlines from where the fort reportedly would have stood (with the grass carefully cut to match the imagined dimensions) evidence of the fort’s existence can be found in various recovered Roman documents.
With a full three hundred and sixty degree view of the surrounding moorland and towns, Melandra Roman Fort makes for an exceptional day’s walk. And, if you look carefully enough, you might still be able to find small examples of remaining Roman stonework.
To find out more about Ardotalia, click here.
Snake Pass
One of the most famous roads in the whole region, Snake Pass runs straight across the Peak District, eventually carrying the driver to Sheffield via the A57.
With glorious hill and field views on either side for miles on end, it is widely recognised as one of the most enjoyable roads to drive in the whole of the UK, including being named as one of the best roads in Britain by Auto Trader Magazine… but not in the winter!
During periods of heavy rain, snow or similar disruptive weather conditions, the road is often closed to prioritise the safety of the driver.
But cyclists often choose to venture out onto Snake Pass, too, thanks to the wondrously unique country views. It often ends up as part of the track in the world-famous Tour of Britain.
In fact, Snake Pass is so well-known and so influential that it was even praised in a Lancashire Evening Post feature all the way back in 1902!
If you want to take a trip up to Snake Pass and check out the stunning landscape, you can find it in Google Maps here.
Comments
Add a comment