GM Ringway 17 Leigh - Irlam 2024

Stage 17 of the GM Ringway - Greater Manchester's long-distance trail - links Leigh and Irlam via the Wigan and Salford mosslands. This peaceful area of peatland has benefited from extensive regeneration efforts and is home to more than 150 bird species, rare mammals, amphibians, dragonflies, butterflies and plants.

Highlights of the route include:

- Hope Carr Nature Reserve, which boasts a complex array of wetland habitats
- Footpaths along the valley of the peaceful River Glaze (or Glazebrook)
- Views of three historic country homes (Light Oaks Hall, Little Woolden Hall and Great Woolden Hall)
- The 115-hectare Little Woolden Moss nature reserve, restored by Lancashire Wildlife Trust and now home to plant species such as sphagnum moss and cottongrass, birds of prey and ground-nesting birds, and animals such as the common lizard and rare bog bush cricket
- Irlam Station, with its delightful linear park, restored signal box and friendly cafe.

Note that particular care should be taken when crossing the East Lancs Road (A580) at the Greyhound roundabout southeast of Leigh. Those who wish to avoid this crossing are advised to follow the longer diversionary route indicated on the map.

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