Nestling on the edge of the Pennines, just 3 miles from Rochdale town centre, 1 mile from The Gallows and junction 21on the M62, Hollingworth Lake provides a surprising haven for wildlife and excitement and entertainment for the young and the not so young.

Built to supply water to the recently re-opened Rochdale Canal, the Lake has always been a popular destination. In its heyday it boasted dance halls, a skating rink and steamboats. Today there is a nature reserve, visitor centre, and water sports facility.                                                                                    
Easy walking around the lake can be extended by following the trails into the surrounding countryside. The events programmes are packed full of ideas for the pleasure and enjoyment of everyone. Facilities in the area include caravan and camping sites, craft shops, and several pubs (The Gallows), cafes and restaurants.

At Ellenroad Engine House is the only surviving, complete working example of a genuine steam cotton-mill engine together with its original steam-raising plant.

Inside the buildings, erected in 1892, are the 3000 horse-power steam engines Victoria and Alexandra, a coal-fired Lancashire boiler and other steam-powered artifacts.

Here also is the"Whitelees" beam engine built in 1842 and demonstrated in steam at Ellenroad.
See the other pages on our web site for more information on prime movers in the Lancashire Cotton Industry. The pictures on this page are the links - try them.