Local Walks
Given its proximity to the Peak District, Saddleworth serves as a gateway to the national park. Walks that connect the two areas allow for an extended exploration of diverse landscapes, from rolling hills to deep valleys.
The canal is a great route to use as you can walk with the dogs off lead. If you turn right, you head towards Huddersfield and go through Uppermill, Dobcross and then Diggle. The best way from the cottage is to turn right and head down to Wellington Road, next to Tesco’s. Turn right on Wellington Road and go down to the end of the road where you will reach Churchill playing fields. Dogs can have a good run around here. Walk straight through to the end of the park. Turn left on the road and you will reach the High Street in Uppermill. Cross over, then go left for about 50 metres and then you can get on the canal path. Left on the canal takes you to Manchester but I would walk up Chew Valley Road, just past Tesco and get in the canal there. Nice walks in this direction too. There’s a cafe or two on route here as well.
Dovestones is great for big walks and dramatic scenery. Parking up there can be extremely busy, so we recommend walking there. To walk, turn left from the cottage and walk to the end of Chew Valley Road. At the mini round about, next to the Clarence pub, cross over and head towards the green gates. Go through the gates and keep walking. This road has no traffic. It will take about 30 minutes to get there. Once you are at Dovestones you need to be careful to look out for sheep, so you might need the dogs on their leads. You can either simply walk around which takes an hour, or you can head up the hills. I turn right and go around the reservoir in that direction. If you want to head up to the Trinacle it’s up to the right but it’s a proper hike.
Castleshaw Reservoir above Delph provides a lovely walk and the remains of a Roman fort. You can drive up and park in a car park, then walk the reservoir, for a longer walk you can start in the village of Delph. Behind the White Lion pub is a path which takes you up past the fishing pond and further past the beautiful Hull Mill Dam. Follow the path all the way up to the reservoir at Castleshaw, walk around the reservoir and back down the valley the way you came. It’s much quieter than Dovestones and less well known.
