More than £50,000 is set to be spent on improving part of the Pennine Way in Oldham.

Almost 1km of the popular trail, from Denshaw on the A640 in a northwesterly direction, will receive a facelift on Monday (October 16) after Oldham Council secured funding of £43,173 from Natural England – the government's statutory advisor on nature conservation.

The council is also providing £7,618 towards the works which are expected to last for four weeks and will see the existing eroded pathway being replaced with a new gritstone surface, while better drainage will also be installed to help stop further erosion.

Pennine National Trail Partnership manager Jo McAllister said: “This is the largest and final stage of a series of projects to improve the condition of the Pennine Way National Trail in the Oldham area.

“We’re delighted that the work has been made possible and that walkers will be able to enjoy a much better experience on the trail. 

“We hope more people will now be encouraged to use this part of the trail to experience the beautiful landscape here.” 

Consent was required from Natural England for the improvements to the footpath, which will remain open throughout the works, due to the site being designated as a site of special scientific interest and is of national significance for the wildlife found there. 

Starting in the Peak District and stretching north to the Scottish Borders, the 268-mile (431 km) Pennine Way is the oldest of England’s National Trails.

Cllr Chris Goodwin, Cabinet member for neighbourhoods, added: “During Covid more people started to discover our countryside.

“That love of the great outdoors and getting some fresh air has stayed with people and they are continuing to go out walking and explore what the borough has to offer.

“The improvement work we are carrying out will not only improve walking conditions on this stretch of the Pennine Way but ensure it is accessible for years to come.”