Spring is officially here and with the long Easter bank holiday weekend, why not spend it with loved ones on a hike or a gentle walk in some of Oldham's beauty spots?
While there are plenty of activities staged across the borough this weekend, from 'cheese and pickle day' in Shaw and Crompton to Easter egg hunts with the kids, nothing quite beats getting out in the fresh air - especially now we have extra time in the daylight to enjoy.
So, The Oldham Times has picked some of the best walks to enjoy in and around the borough this weekend.
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Tandle Hill
Royton's Tandle Hill Country Park is the borough's oldest country park, covering an impressive 48 hectares of parkland.
There are several trails to soak in as well as a picnic area and a children's play area for the family to enjoy.
A war memorial commemorating the men from Royton who died in the First World War also sits at the peak of the park.
Take a glimpse at views across the Pennine Hills, Manchester city centre and possibly even the Welsh mountains if you happen to walk on a clear day.
Crompton Moor
Over in Shaw sits Crompton Moor which spans an estimated 160 acres - the largest on this list.
There are several footpaths that take walkers over open moorland and through woodlands.
It's a popular spot for birdwatchers - kestrels, grey partridges, green woodpeckers, skylarks and even more beautiful creatures have been spotted over the years.
If that's not enough, there's also an impressive waterfall to be observed which flows into the Pingot Quarry.
Daisy Nook
Daisy Nook Country Park is another stunning beauty spot, spanning 40 hectares of land in the heart of Medlock Valley.
It was aptly named after a fictional beauty spot that was imagined by the Lancashire poet, Ben Brierly, in 1855 in his work entitled, 'A Day Out'.
There are waterways, a lake, a canal, woodlands and a plethora of wildlife and wildflower meadows to enjoy.
See if you can spot a woodpecker, owl, fox or squirrel when on your Easter stroll.
Alexandra Park
For those looking for a more central place to walk, Alexandra Park is an ideal starting point.
The park was the first ever public park to open in Oldham back in 1865 and was named to commemorate the marriage of the Price of Wales to Princess Alexandra of Denmark.
As well as ornamental gardens and woodland areas which lead to Snipe Clouth, Brushes Clough and Park Bridge Heritage Centre, the park is home to a boating lake for all the family to enjoy.
Grab a bite to eat or a hot drink at the cafe and let the youngsters enjoy the children's play area and sand pit.
In 1992, the park was even visited by Queen Elizabeth herself who enjoyed a party there with 3,000 guests.
Dovestones Reservoir
Arguably Oldham's favourite beauty spot has to be Dovestones Reservoir, situated on the edge of Oldham and the Peak District National Park.
It's a popular walking area that is brimming with wildlife, from mountain hares to falcons.
It is also accessible for all the family to enjoy for a spring Easter stroll, plus has more reservoirs for visitors to explore nearby with Greenfield and Yeoman Hey in reaching distance from the Saddleworth Moors.
Strinesdale Reservoir
Submerged by farmland and sitting on the brink of Oldham town centre is Strinesdale Reservoir, a large area of water and woodland spanning 40 acres.
It's a breeding ground for wildlife with a multitude of reservoirs and meadows to amble through.
Visitors can follow the River Medlock which runs through it to come out at Daisy Nook, or enjoy an orienteering course.
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