I live in the hills yes, in fact an area called Saddleworth as you may probably know. This Pennine hills area was once part of Yorkshire and now since boundary changes is ‘technically’ in Greater Manchester as part of Oldham. People tend to think of the county as sprawling built up regions, old mills, factories, towns and terraces. As it borders Cheshire, Derbyshire, Yorkshire, Lancashire and Merseyside it has stole some beauty with it on formation. As I train I do not always travel out to the mountains or dales. There are great walks right here on the doorstep, many unknown, and many so quiet that they make a great day out with dogs/kids in tow. I have shown you some of Saddleworth itself, I wanted to start showing some other great places close by.
So first let’s head to Tameside, right in between Stalybridge and Mossley and hidden behind a little place called Millbrook you will find Walkerwood and Brushes Reservoirs (Map Location). Not huge, and perfect for an afternoons stroll. A place I can treat the hounds to a lovely wander.
Whilst everybody is at the more commercial places you can find a peace here even on a hot summer afternoon. Surrounded by moorland, small hills, trees and flowers you can take your time and enjoy it all. Walkerwood being the larger and lower reservoir and Brushes slightly up the valley.
This is quite an enchanting place to watch a sunset. Even if you’re traveling through and didn’t plan on staying that late, you can always use a service like Otel.com Manchester Hotels and spend the rest of the night in town.
From here you can walk over the moors on a marked route to Tintwistle, Derbyshire, 3 1/2 miles (A great walk I will show soon), or you can sit looking down the valley with the sky scrapers of Manchester poking up in the distance.
Go Enjoy 🙂 And I look forward to showing more little gems I wander in Greater Manchester soon.
hi Paul ..will have to investigate Walkerwood soon ..I’ve driven past Millbrook on my way to Tintwistle so should find it easy . I’m always surprised how people walk around the beautiful ( granted ) Dovestones but not Yeoman Hey or Chew reservoir on either sides which are just as interesting to view and photograph .
Have you ever been to Tandle Hill in Royton , ? I’m sure you must have its an absolute little gem
Hi Doug.. yes know Tandle Hill very very well.. that circuit is a favourite for the dogs too 🙂
i live facing walkerwood reservoir , its the most amazing place on earth i love all the diffrent colours with each season and the long summer walks with the kids in the countryside im glad you have shared these pics , they are amazing
Hi Clair, what a great place to live 🙂 I lived in Saddleworth when I took those pics and get back that way whenever I can. Thanks for the comment
these are great!
I know this area very well and, as you say, it is possible to find a bit of solitude up here even on a sunny day. The moors were fantastic when we had all that snow over the winter. The drifts made the going tough but it was rewarding walking.
Paul, the second photo of this post took my breath away.. almost literally.. May I suggest you to use disqus comments system =) it is more social in many aspects 🙂