Blackleach Country Park
Blackleach Country Park is a green haven within the city where you can enjoy the countryside on your doorstep.
Just half a mile north of Walkden town centre, the 50 hectare site has been reclaimed from its industrial past as a result of a community campaign.
Officially designated as a Local Nature Reserve in 2004, this site also received the prestigious Green Flag award in 2005, 2006 and 2007.
The country park is an ideal place to take a stroll, enjoy a picnic, go cycling or fishing, feed the ducks or watch out for wildlife. The site is easily accessible by car or bus from the A57 and the visitor centre provides leaflets and information on the walks, the local history and the wildlife of the area.
Blackleach is a key site within the Red Rose Forest and links can be made to other countryside areas via the network of former railway lines which have been developed as safe, off-road footpath and cycle routes.
The Blackleach Country Park Map (pdf, 704Kb) is available to view and print.
The site and visitor centre are managed by an active group of local people in conjunction with the Salford Ranger Team who together provide an exciting programme of activities. Blackleach has a lot to explore and discover, this includes:
- Education programmes for schools
- Kids' activities
- Volunteer opportunities
- Walks and talks
- Health walks
- Wildlife
- Fishing
- Orienteering
- Leaflets
Schools and community groups are welcome to use the site and activities can be organised to suit different needs. Contact the visitor centre for more information.
Access for People with Disabilities
There are hard surfaced paths around the reservoir and perimeter of the nature reserve; the gradients are generally slight although some slopes may cause difficulties for some users. Circular stiles designed to deter motorcycle access are in place at both car park entrances however motorised wheel chair users may experience problems in using these. Motorised wheel chair users are advised to access the country park from the main car park where 'A' frame access controls are in place.
Two parking bays for disabled users are available in the main car park these are close to the visitor centre which is fully accessible. The visitor centre also has toilet facilities for disabled users.
Car Parking
The country park has two car parks both of which can be accessed via the A575, Bolton Road. The main car park which has disabled parking bays and direct access to the visitor centre is off Hill Top Road with the second being accessed off Harcourt Street. Both car parks are clearly sign posted off the main road.
Both car parks are open from 9am until 9:30pm during the summer and 9am until 5pm during the winter. The country park has 24 hour pedestrian access and when the car park is closed road side parking is available.
Visitor Centre
The Visitor Centre has toilet facilities for users and is kindly manned by volunteers most days of the week. All events and activities at the country park unless stated otherwise will start from here.
Opening times vary, please call the visitor centre for further information.
Who to contact
- Name
- Blackleach Country Park
- Address
- John Street
Walkden
SALFORD
M28 3QQ - Telephone
- 0161-790 7746
- blackleach.countrypark@salford.gov.uk
This page was last updated on 06 August 2007
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