Transpennine Travels

Event Details

  • Start Date Sunday, 25th of April 2021
  • End Date Sunday, 25th of April 2021
  • Start/End Time 10:45 - 16:30
  • Near Oldham, Greater Manchester
  • Categories
  • Groups ,
  • Approx Distance 11 Miles
  • TerrainModerate to difficult with some steep climbs

Covid-19 update: No longer featuring an official breakfast stop, this walk has also been amended to favour quieter walking routes and to allow for those attending to avoid using public transport. Originally planned as a station-to-station linear walk, the walk will now start and end at the Limekiln Café near Uppermill in Saddleworth. It remains accessible by bus and (with an extra 2 miles of walking) by train. Please read carefully the updated walk description below and check your travel arrangements accordingly. We look forward to seeing you on the day.

The Saddleworth Valley offers glorious and varied countryside and is rich in history as a Transpennine crossing route, including the Stanage Tunnel which is the longest and highest canal tunnel in the country. We will meet at the Limekiln Café which is situated at the intersection of an impressive grade II listed railway viaduct and the 18th Century canal with its viaduct over the river Tame. From there, Dan (my dog) and I will lead you up the wooded valley along centuries-old tracks and former railway routes, before gaining the open upland farming country that leads to the old turnpiked Transpennine crossing at Stanage. In the days of horse drawn canal boats the horses were led across the Pennines here while the boats were 'legged' through the Stanage tunnel. From Stanage we will take an old turnpike route towards historic weaving village of Dobcross, enjoying, if weather permits, stunning panorama views as we return to our starting point.

The tops of the Pennines are exposed and wild so be prepared for rough going underfoot, some uneven and muddy terrain and harsh weather. Full waterproofs and warm clothing including hats and gloves should be carried even if the weather forecast is warm and fair as conditions can change without warning.

Starting point altitude: roughly 370m
Highest point altitude: roughly 450m

Distance 11 miles

There will no longer be an ‘official’ breakfast meeting beforehand but anyone wishing to do so can purchase refreshments before the walk at the Limekiln Café - please ensure you allow adequate time as queues can be long.
Equipment: walking boots, waterproof jacket and trousers, warm clothing, hat and gloves. Trekking pole(s) recommended if normally used.

A risk assessment has been prepared for this event which you can view using this link:

https://www.goc.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/Risk-Assessment-GOC-walk-25.4.21.pdf

 

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