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| Visitors Centre, Healey Hall Mills, Dell Road, Shawclough, Rochdale. Tel: 01706 350459 |
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The River Spodden flows through a tree lined valley with rocky outcrops and waterfalls known as Healey Dell. Near Healey Hall a corn mill was constructed and the remains of the mill can still be seen. The Spodden provided a source of power for the corn mill. In 1636 the corn mill was converted into a fulling mill for locally produced wool. |
| At the northern end of the Dell there are two viaducts. In 1867 the builders of the Rochdale to Bacup railway line constructed a viaduct across the valley 105 feet above the valley bottom. The second carried a road providing access to the station at Broadley. |
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Remnants of the industrial era in Healey Dell remain. Evidence of the old mills along the valley bottom, second world war ammunition buildings , air raid shelters some which have been converted into domestic dwellings in the1960s The mills and chimneys that once dominated this area are gone but the river still flows, unimpeded and unpolluted |
| The visitor centre has a permanent exhibition on the industrial heritage of the reserve. There are also guided walks and trails to follow |
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