Rossendale

Rossendale, or the 'Valley' as it is known locally, lies in East Lancashire and is comprised of the towns of Rawtenstall, Bacup, Haslingden, Whitworth and Edenfield. On a south to north axis it lies half-way between Bury and Burnley and from west to east it is similarly placed between Blackburn and Todmorden.

The Borough contains within its 53 square mile area, much ruggedly beautiful moorland scenery and offers panoramic views and fell-walking facilities to rival the better known National Parks. The area is riven into many deep-cut, attractive valleys by numerous streams and rivers, principally that of the River Irwell. These fast-flowing watercourses were exploited at the start of the Industrial Revolution to fill lodges and drive waterwheels, giving power to the machinery that processed the cotton yarn coming in from America via Manchester and Liverpool.
The cotton mills are now long dead and appear to have been replaced with smaller industrial concerns and a number of 'Out of Town' stores. The footwear industry, once thriving, is also in decline and whilst some manufacturing is still evident, most of the wholesalers appear to be importing shoes from abroad. One thing there are a lot of is take-away shops of all descriptions and coming to Rossendale will certainly broaden your international taste-buds.

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