Manchester Weekend Walkers / MAD Walkers Ramblers groups
Oldham, Rochdale
10+ miles
Sat 20th May 2023 at 11:00
This fairly strenuous 12.2-mile walk forms part of the GM Ringway – Greater Manchester’s walking trail. Stage 9 of explores the stunning landscapes of Saddleworth, the little bit of Pennine Yorkshire included within Greater Manchester. Much of the route overlaps with the Oldham Way and falls within the South Pennines Regional Park.
Highlights include a peaceful section of the Huddersfield Narrow Canal, the hilltop village of Dobcross, aerial views of Castleshaw Roman fort site, the Standedge escarpment (part of the Pennine Way), and Crompton Fold, with its woodlands and waterfall.
Because of the almost 500 metres of ascent, the walk is suitable for experienced and properly equipped walkers, who should bring a packed lunch. Note that there are no refreshment or toilet facilities on the whole central section of the route. Walkers are advised to travel by train (which may be replaced by a bus depending on engineering works) to the walk start, and return by tram from the end point.
The GM Ringway – Greater Manchester’s walking trail – is designed to be accessed by public transport and explores the best of the region’s countryside and heritage. The GM Ringway project has been made possible with support from Heritage Lottery Fund, CPRE the countryside charity and the Ramblers.
The South Pennines Park is a park with a difference. Covering 460 square miles of spectacular uplands, it takes in lush, sheltered valleys, drystone walls and urban fringes. It’s a wild and wonderful place, home to rare birds, vast peat and heather moorlands and big skies. For more details, visit southpenninespark.org.
Starting point Greenfield station Greenfield Oldham OL3 7JZ
End address Newhey Metrolink station Newhey Rochdale OL16 3RN