SD9912 : The Pennine Way, Rape Hill
taken 11 years ago, 3 km from Denshaw, Oldham, England
In Norman times this area of the South Pennine Moorlands was largely forested and used as a hunting ground by the Lords of Pontefract. The manor was purchased by William Radcliffe in 1724 and remained in the possession of the Radcliffe family until 1955, when it was transferred into the care of the National Trust in lieu of death duties.
Today the estate comprises 5685 acres of unenclosed, ‘urban common’, moorland. Although owned and cared for by the National trust, local farmers “Commoners” also have grazing rights to the moor. In addition, there is a public right of access for ‘air and exercise’ – but only on foot!
The windswept landscape appears bleak and inhospitable but, in addition to providing grazing for sheep, it supports many ground nesting birds which breed here in such high numbers that the moor forms part of a site of Special Scientific Interest and an International Special Protection Area.