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TOURISM AND RECREATION
Longdendale Valley provides a variety of recreation activities, including a sailing club on Torside reservoir; water skiing and fishing on Bottoms reservoir; horseriding, cycling and walking on the Longdendale Trail , (also suitable for people with disabilities); camping at Crowden and climbing at three different sites. There are two official car parks - Crowden and Torside - and a picnic area and information point at Torside.
One of the main roads from Manchester to Sheffield (the A628) runs right through the valley, alongside the reservoirs and the traffic passing through the area is heavy.
Where do visitors come from?
A visitor survey undertaken in 1995 found that the largest proportion (19%) came from the Stockport and South Manchester areas with 16% coming from the local Glossop and Hadfield areas.
The vast majority (over 90%) come by car. There are summer bus services but not many people (around 10-20%) knew about them.
Many visitors on foot are following part of the 250 mile Pennine Way which crosses the valley at Torside Reservoir. Those on horseback or bicycle will soon be able to use the new Pennine Bridleway.
What do visitors do?
The table shows the activities of the total number of visitors sampled over four separate days in August/September.
| Activity | No. of visitors |
| Stroll | 147 |
| Walk 2+miles | 128 |
| Cycle | 68 |
| Meal/Snack | 83 |
| Picnic | 129 |
| Sightsee | 97 |
| Nature study | 34 |
| Horse riding | 2 |
| Other | 73 |
MANAGEMEMENT PLAN
In 1981 a plan ‘Longdendale Today and Tomorrow’ was published which provided the basis for a programme of changes in the valley. A committee was drawn from the National Park Authority, North West Water and other relevant groups, to co-ordinate action through partnership.
- The Longdendale Trail
A major achievement has been the development of this hard surfaced path. The trail follows the disused Woodhead railway line from Hadfield station to the Woodhead tunnels and continues over the moorland tracks via Salters Brook to Yorkshire.
The Longdendale Trail forms part of the Trans Pennine Trail which will run from coast to coast - from Liverpool to Hull.
In July 1996, the Trail became an extension to Euroroute E8 which runs from Holland to northern Turkey - some 2,000 miles!
Top & right: The Longdendale Trail
Above: Torside Information Centre
- Torside Visitor Centre has been established with parking for 100 cars (plus overspill parking for a further 80-90), a toilet block, information room, picnic area and wheelchair access to Torside reservoir and the Longdendale Trail.
- Information for the public has been greatly improved with a guide called ‘10 Walks around Longdendale’, a free leaflet ‘Upper Longdendale - Visitors Guide’, and a leaflet on the ‘Longdendale Trail’. Provision of information boards at a number of key sites helps people enjoy their visit.
- Crowden has been expanded to provide a small public campsite, Youth Hostel, car park and toilets.
- Further paths and bridleways have been established and a circular walking route around Torside reservoir provided.
- The Ranger Service has been expanded in the Longdendale valley with extra funding from North West Water. National Park Rangers now manage the Longdendale Trail, as well as organising conservation projects and assisting the public.
- Conservation work on historic sites and on moorland and woodland areas, has also been undertaken as part of the Management Plan.
- A role for education
Further projects under discussion at the moment include the provision of an environmental education centre - run as a partnership between the Peak District National Park and North West Water. Here interested groups of all types will be able to find out more about the special qualities of the area, the importance of water and its impact on the landscape.
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