Scouthead — what a wonder

Scouthead’s inclusion in the shortlist for the ‘Ten Wonders of Greater Manchester’ campaign.

SCOUTHEAD has been crowned one of the Ten Wonders of Greater Manchester.

An image of the area’s natural landscape — thick with last winter’s snow — beat off competition from famous landmarks from across the region to come third in a competition of best-loved locations.

After two weeks of voting and passionate debate, Whitworth Park topped the poll with Old Trafford second, followed by Scouthead, finishing ahead of, among others, Urbis, MediaCity UK and Rochdale Town Hall.

The image was submitted by Carol Oldham to the System One Travelcards campaign to find the regions 10 wonders. There were more than 100 entries with a public vote choosing the winners.

The images, which were submitted by both amateur and professional photographers, have been celebrated for their historical, cultural and aesthetic significance to each area, and importance to Greater Manchester as a region.

Carol said: “I am thrilled that my picture of Scouthead has been included as one of the Ten Wonders of Greater Manchester.

“The picture has special meaning for me, when I took it last year we had only been living in the area for two months and so it was our first Christmas in our new home.

“I was nine months pregnant and we were snowed in, so it was a very exciting time.

“I chose to nominate Scouthead as it has some of the most beautiful natural scenery in the whole of the Saddleworth area. However, it is often regarded as an area you just pass through.

“I want to put Scouthead back on the map as there are miles of lovely walks and plenty of charming pubs to visit, and it is all accessible by bus.”

Allie Johns, from System One Travelcards, said: “The search for Greater Manchester’s Ten Wonders has captured people’s imaginations and ignited real pride in their local areas.

“We received hundreds of fantastic suggestions, from right across the region, and as a result have a truly wonderful top 10. The winners highlight the very best of Greater Manchester, from its natural beauty spots, to its wealth of culture and history.”