Werneth Low Country Park

‘To be kept forever as an open space’ – The Dedication of 1921

Werneth Low Country Park is minutes from where I live I am very lucky to be so close to the park.

A beautiful escape just a stone’s throw away from the city of Manchester and offers visitors a peaceful haven that is filled with stunning landscapes, wildlife, and history. The park spans 80 hectares (200 acres) across the Northern and Western slopes and provides breathtaking panoramic views that stretch beyond Manchester and Liverpool. On a clear day, you can even spot the hills of the Pennines and the Welsh mountains on the horizon. Werneth Low is the perfect place to reconnect with nature and is just 9.5 miles from Manchester city centre.

Respecting Nature and Wildlife

It’s essential to respect the environment as you explore the park and follow the Countryside Code. It’s important to note that dogs must be kept under control at all times, especially during the bird nesting season from mid-March to the end of July. ‘The Low’ is home to rare and important ground-nesting birds, any disturbances during this time can have a serious impact on wildlife.

How to Get There

Visitors to Werneth Low can easily be reached by car or public transport. The nearest bus stop is in Gee Cross, with signs towards the country park. There are three car parks at Lower Higham, The Quarry, and Windy Harbour. Please drive carefully along the narrow country lanes leading to the park.

History of Werneth Low

After a successful fundraising appeal in 1920, Hyde Borough Council was able to purchase Lower Higham Farm. This enabled a lasting tribute to the 710 local men who died during World War I. The land of the park was officially dedicated as a war memorial and in 1980 the Duke of Gloucester opened it as a country park.

Werneth Low Country Park is managed by the Hyde War Memorial Trust and remains a cherished symbol of both natural beauty and community history.

Lower Higham Visitor Centre

Lower Higham Visitors Centre is at the heart of the park and is open to visitors eager to learn more about the park’s history and wildlife. The centre features exhibitions, displays, and leaflets, and is run by volunteers from the Hyde War Memorial Trust. The surrounding area offers herb gardens, an orchard, and a croft picnic area for visitors to enjoy.

Recreation and Activities

Werneth Low Country Park is perfect for enjoying a range of outdoor activities. There is a network of footpaths, horse-riding tracks, and cycle routes linking the wider Tameside and Trans Pennine Trails. There is an array of picnic areas where visitors can relax, enjoy the scenery, and spot the local wildlife. Flying single-line kites is another activity which is popular here, although stunt kites are not allowed to avoid disturbances.

Wildlife and Conservation

Werneth Low Country Park is rich in biodiversity, with hay meadows, dry heathland, and wooded areas providing habitats for various species of plants and animals. The park is especially vibrant during the autumn months when the woodland turns colourful, and in winter, visitors can observe the migration of wild geese. To protect this unique ecosystem, visitors must stick to the marked paths, particularly during nesting season.

A Place for Everyone

Werneth Low welcomes all visitors and includes those with disabilities. The Lower Higham car park offers easy access to the visitor centre and the surrounding picnic areas. The park is committed to being a space for the whole community to enjoy, with educational visits from schools and regular volunteer opportunities for those interested in conservation.