This Peak District walk offers a relatively easy way to enjoy the moors and views above Uppermill in Oldham. The route includes a visit to the Obelisk above Uppermill.
Technical sheet
n°293259
A Oldham walk
posted on 04/07/16 by Walking Britain. Last update : 26/07/16
(S/E) The start is on the road leading down to Saddleworth Church (grid ref. SE007063) where on street parking is available. This point is reached by following Church Road up from the main street in Uppermill. After parking, walk down to the church. Note the set of stocks in front of the church dated 1698. Bear right up the narrow lane from the corner of church and ignore the footpath. Continue up this lane to Ivy Bank Farm. Turn left just past the farm (grid ref. SE009064) on to the Oldham Way. This takes you across fields with care needed to pick up the route of the path. In the first section there is a new fence which can cause confusion over the onward route of the path. The path descends to cross a couple of streams before reaching a tarmac lane (grid ref. SE010069).
(1) Turn right up the lane and continue straight ahead at the crossroads. Climbing relatively easily the views behind you are starting to improve. Eventually the lane reaches open country and becomes a track and then a path leading up Broadstone Clough with its small stream. Keep on the left hand side of the stream and reaching the top bear left on a clear path to the trig point on Broadstone Hill (454m), perhaps having a break to enjoy the view.
(2) To continue, retrace your steps to the top of Broadstone Clough and follow the clear path ahead along the ridge. Pass the gritstone outcrops of Slades Rocks and Shaw Rocks. The path soon reaches a round boulder (The Sugar Loaf) from where you trend towards the eastern side of the ridge to enjoy views over Dove Stone, Yeoman Hey and Greenfield Reservoirs. Once on the eastern edge, turn south following a well-worn but narrow path towards Alderman's Hill. Located at the southern end of the ridge this is a fine viewpoint.
(3) Turn back and make for the obelisk, which commemorates Saddleworth's losses in the two World Wars. This fine monument can be seen from the valley and offers a wide panorama west towards Manchester. Close to the obelisk is the 'Pots and Pans stone'. This has a number of natural circular cavities which some say look like cooking utensils, which can only be seen by clambering up on to the stone.
(4) The onward route is a little sketchy and requires a reasonable sense of direction. Just to the north of the obelisk is a spot height 427m on the OS map. The suggested route is to find a narrow path on the western flank of this small hill and descend in a north-westerly direction towards Birches. The path eventually becomes much clearer as you descend. You reach a junction of paths where you turn north and contour across the side of Primrose Hill to the small group of cottages at Pob Green.
(5) Turn left down the main access drive to this small settlement continuing downhill to reach a road. Turn left and at the next junction go right and you should be parked along this road(S/E).
Waypoints
S/E : km 0 - alt. 250 m
1 : km 0.66 - alt. 288 m - Turn right up the lane
2 : km 2.01 - alt. 452 m - Broadstone Hill
3 : km 4.53 - alt. 425 m - Alderman's Hill
4 : km 5.27 - alt. 413 m - Obelisk
5 : km 6.27 - alt. 338 m - Turn left
S/E : km 6.98 - alt. 249 m
Useful Information
This walk leaves the urbanised valleys of Lancashire and takes you high on to the moors. The views are good stretching into the centre of Manchester and including the trip of reservoirs headed by Dove Stone Reservoir. Generally the route finding is easy for this type of walk although good sense of direction is needed for the descent back to valley. Conditions underfoot are generally good although do expect it to be soft places after heavy rain.
Always stay careful and alert while following a route. Visorando and the author of this walk cannot be held responsible in the event of an accident during this route.
Date of walk : 07/03/21 Clarity of route description : ★★★☆☆ Average Clarity of route map : ★★★★☆ Good Walk interest : ★★★★☆ Good
Like another post says " got to the bit where it said go straight ahead at the cross roads up the track then stay left at the stream but it must of been the wrong stream because there was no clear path to the left of it. Ended up in the middle of sheep fields". But just carry on going upwards following tractor/quad bike tracks through a farm gate til you reach the ridge path which becomes clear when you see the obelisk. However next time I'll stay RHS of the stream and follow the wall
Mick p
Overall rating :
4.3 / 5
Date of walk : 30/07/20 Clarity of route description : ★★★★☆ Good Clarity of route map : ★★★★☆ Good Walk interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Hi found this walk easy to follow and as long as you have a good general sense of direction and can read the landscape it is easy. Really nice open views. Nice pub near end but the one where we parked was shut ... damn covid!!
Rcooper
Overall rating :
3.5 / 5
Date of walk : 17/08/19 Clarity of route description : ★★☆☆☆ Disappointing Clarity of route map : N/A Walk interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Was really looking forward to this "easy walk" (first proper hiking walk) we got to the bit where it said go straight ahead at the cross roads up the track then stay left at the stream but it must of been the wrong stream because there was no clear path to the left of it. Ended up in the middle of sheep fields. Walked around for about 2 hours then turned back lol. Maybe next time.
Aurelie-21
• Last modified:
Thanks for this advice !
walker2001
Overall rating :
4.3 / 5
Date of walk : 30/01/19 Clarity of route description : ★★★★☆ Good Clarity of route map : ★★★★☆ Good Walk interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Was good until step 4. I didn't find the "narrow path on the western flank" and had to climb over a wire fence. Suggest following obvious paths heading north then turn west (left) towards step 5.
Sarita J
Many thanks for your feedback. Please let us know if you have any suggestions on how we can improve the walk description
Sarita
Hikideas Moderator
Allanwatts
Overall rating :
4 / 5
Date of walk : 20/08/18 Clarity of route description : ★★★★☆ Good Clarity of route map : ★★★★☆ Good Walk interest : ★★★★☆ Good
A pleasant enough walk, bit difficult to follow instructions at first had to ask a fellow walker to confirm directions. Nice views at the oberlisk quite steep on the way down.
