Saddleworth Moor
A moderate walk (moorland) in national park Peak District in Lancashire, England, about 20.40km (12.68 mi) long with an estimated walking time of about 7:00h. It is unsuitable for families with children, prams & pushchairs, wheelchairs.
Elevation Profile
Ascent
421m (1381ft)
Descent
435m (1427ft)
Max. Elevation
580m (1902ft)
Altitude Gain & Loss
856m (2808ft)
Start & End
Greenfield
Distance
20.40km
(12.68mi)
(12.68mi)
Duration
~7:00h
Difficulty
Moderate
Ordnance Survey Map
It's amazing how quickly you can leave the city for some wild moorland. Saddleworth Moor is just ten miles from the centre of Manchester, but feels like another world. This route, which starts in Greenfield, circuits the reservoirs near the town before heading out onto the moor, through which the Pennine Way passes. Crowded country it may be, but the countryside is never far away.
Walk Functions
Share
Nearby Walks
Standedge Cutting to Mytholm/Hebden Bridge solo
A moderate, linear walk (low hills and fells (below 600m)) starting in Manchester, England, about 19.60km (12.18 mi) long, duration: ~6:00h.Marsden 7.5 loop
A moderate, circular walk (countryside) starting in Kirklees, England, about 11.10km (6.90 mi) long, duration: ~3:45h.Marden Circular via the Conduits
A moderate, circular walk (low hills and fells (below 600m)) starting in Kirklees, England, about 18.10km (11.25 mi) long, duration: ~6:15h.Walk Map
- $walk->POI array(0)
Waypoints
OS Grid SD991046
Start by taking the train to Greenfield. There are buses that run nearer to the main part of the walk, but personally I enjoy a good nose around other towns. Head through the town along Chew Valley Road.
OS Grid SE007044
As you leave Greenfield, head for the adjacent village of Boarshurst. beyond here, footpaths lead you to the Oldham Way on the edge of the moor.
About 1.64 km (~1.02 miles) from 
OS Grid SE021045
The Oldham Way passes between Yeoman Hey Reservoir and Dovestone Reservoir.
About 1.33 km (~0.83 miles) from 
OS Grid SE028048
Climb up the slopes of Ashway Hey and you are then right on the edge of the moor. Follow the edge of the moor eastwards as it passes some steep gullies.
About 0.82 km (~0.51 miles) from 
OS Grid SE047051
Just south of the A635, follow the southern side of Holme Clough to its source. From here, take a west-southwest bearing to Black Hill.
About 1.87 km (~1.16 miles) from 
OS Grid SE078045
The ground from the clough to the summit cairn is rough and boggy going, but it gets easier from here - Black Hill is on the Pennine Way, so you can follow the clear path southwards.
About 3.12 km (~1.94 miles) from 
OS Grid SE056014
A long and hugely enjoyable romp takes you south along the eastern edge of Saddleworth Moor. At Laddow Rocks, take the footpath dropping down to Chew Reservoir.
About 3.88 km (~2.41 miles) from 
OS Grid SE042018
Follow the path on the southern side of the reservoir. Beyond the reservoir, the path drops into Chew Brook.
About 1.38 km (~0.86 miles) from 
OS Grid SE017028
The path meets the Oldham Way, which weaves beneath Dovestone Reservoir and back towards Greenfield.
About 2.69 km (~1.67 miles) from 
OS Grid SE003039
Re-enter the town for another nose around, or maybe just a pint in the Railway Hotel on Shaw Hall Bank Road.
About 1.80 km (~1.12 miles) from 
Train homeOS Grid SD992046
Back to the station for the train home.
About 1.31 km (~0.81 miles) from 
