Glorious Gorse Hall: A Great Place to Take a Healthy Walk

WALKING is just about the easiest way to get active. It’s free and can help make your heart healthier, build stamina and burn off some calories.

Fortunately, Tameside has some great places to talk a brisk walk, among them Gorse Hall Country Park on Stalybridge’s border with Dukinfield. It’s historic, picturesque and offers some expansive views.

“Glorious Gorse Hall” is a calming new heritage and nature audio walk for adults and families which encourages you to slow down and make time for your own wellbeing while enjoying some fresh air and exercise.

It offers a chance to relax and unwind on a walk around the estate, taking in the natural surroundings and learning about Gorse Hall’s fascinating history as well as some of the trees, plants and wildlife that can be found there.

“Glorious Gorse Hall” has been created by Dukinfield-based 2 Boards & A Passion Theatre Company with support from the Friends of Gorse Hall Park and Tameside Historical Society.

To download the audio and accompanying maps visit www.2baap.co.uk/glorious-gorse-hall

Gorse Hall Country Park, which the council runs in partnership with the Friends of Gorse Hall, was once home to medieval Old Gorse Hall, demolished in 1958, and the better-known Gorse Hall (1835 – 1910) which was home to ill-fated mill-owner George Harry Storrs and a place where Peter Rabbit author Beatrix Potter took childhood holidays.

‍‍Cllr Eleanor Wills, Tameside Council’s executive member for population health and wellbeing, said: “As a councillor for Dukinfield – Stalybridge ward in which Gorse Hall Country Park is situated, “I’m only too well aware of all it brings to our local community, not least throughout Covid lockdown, with such stunning views over the moors it is a place that many have admired and visited.”

“Walking is a great way to keep fit. It’s free and the whole family can join in. Covering just a relatively short distance can have a beneficial effect on your health as a whole – mental as well as physical.

“While Gorse Hall is very convenient for people living in and around Stalybridge, there are other trails in all parts of the borough which take in our beautiful countryside. They can be found on the Tameside website.”

Boards around the country park give more information about its history. There is also a trim trail with exercise stations, an orienteering course and a nature trail.

For Tameside’s other trails visit: www.tameside.gov.uk/walking/walksandtrails