Rochdale

Directions

Exit the M62 at Junction 20 and take the A627(M) towards Rochdale. At the end of the A627(M) you should be in the left hand lane to turn left at the traffic lights. Go straight on over the roundabout (approach in the middle lane) into Roch Valley Way. At the next crossroads (where the Cemetery pub is on the corner) go straight on onto Sandy Lane where the ground can be found on the right after approx 3/4 mile.

Car Parking at the ground is now for permit holders only, so it is a case of either street parking or using the matchday parking facility at Oulder Hill School. The school is located on the way up to the ground, on the left hand side, along Sandy Lane (it is then a 10 minute walk uphill to the ground). If you do elect to park on the street then be wary of the "residents only" parking scheme, as otherwise you could end with a parking ticket for your trouble.

Pubs

At the ground there are two bars to choose from, Studds & the Ratcliffe Arms. Studds is located underneath the Pearl Street Stand and is worth a visit, if only to sample the large range of tasty pies & pasties on offer at £1.30 (which are also available inside the ground). The Ratcliffe Arms is located at the car park entrance to the ground, on Sandy Lane. This pub has SKY TV and on my last visit had a mixture of home and away fans. A couple of minutes walk away from the ground along Willbutts Lane, is the Church Pub, which seemed to be the favoured haunt of away fans. Also on Willbutts Lane, is a small chip shop, which seems quite popular with lengthy queues. 

If you arrive early at the ground, then the Cemetery Hotel, located at the bottom of Sandy Lane and on the corner with Bury Road, is also worth a visit. This comfortable historic pub, has a range of real ales on offer and again friendly clientele.

By Train

Rochdale is served by trains from Manchester & Leeds, and is around two miles away from the ground  So I would recommend taking a taxi, but if you do decide to walk it will take you around 30-35 minutes to do so. 

Immediately as you leave the station there is a roundabout in front of you. Cross it, keeping to  the left  and take the second left into Lower Tweedale Street. Follow this street until its end where it meets Manchester Road. Turn right along Manchester Road (which is a dual carriageway). Pass Drake Street and then cross the Manchester Road via the pedestrian crossing. Now the left hand side of the dual carriageway, carry on in the same direction as before. Turn left into Dane Street (where you will see a large ASDA store) and this leads into Mellor Street (A6060). At the end of Mellor Street turn left along Spotland Road (A680) and then left again into Willbutts Lane for the ground. Thanks to Björn Sandström for providing the directions.