Start: Spinal Injuries Unit.
[1] Follow Osborn Drive and leave the hospital along the woodchip path. Turn left through the gap in the fence, climb the steps and double back left through Bagley Dike Wood. (A) This narrow strip of ancient woodland has survived because the slopes were too steep to farm or build on. It is a haven for wildlife. Keep to the lower path, which descends gradually to meet the stream. Cross the bridge and continue to Longley Lane.
[2] Cross over, follow the driveway opposite through an A-frame into Longley Park (B). Home of the Wilkinson family from about 1400 until 1722, Crowder House was demolished in 1935 to make way for new housing. Go straight on towards the playgrounds. Turn right between them or shortcut across the grass. Bear left at the junction then take the next path on the right, rising up through a shallow valley. Swing right beyond the disused playground and ascend the hill.
[3] Deviate left to the summit just beyond where the path curves right for an excellent view (C).
The Clock Tower was founded in 1878 as the Fir Vale Workhouse for the Homeless. Two hospitals grew up around the tower, the Fir Vale Infirmary and the City General Hospital, which merged in 1967 into the Northern General. Being a listed building the clock tower has survived a massive amount of rebuilding and modernisation over the last 30 years. The tower blocks in Gleadless and Norton Water Tower are prominent on the horizon to your right.
Continue down the grassy slope towards the hospital and pass through the gap in the trees (or return to the tarmac path if wet). Bear left towards the exit, turn right down Loxley Lane and left back into Bagley Dike Wood to return to the hospital.