UPPERMILL, GREATER MANCHESTER

SUNDAY, 12TH JUNE 2011

Coach Leader - Jackie Gudgeon

Coach Leaves at 5.30 pm

Please read these coach notes carefully - they will help you to decide which walk will be the most suitable for you. If you have any doubts, do not hesitate to ask the leader for advice. For the safety and enjoyment of yourself and others, please try not to join a walk which is beyond your capabilities.
Please respect the wishes of the walks leader and remain with the walk until the end. If you are struggling – inform the walk leader so that he/she can make a decision to shorten the walk, have more rest, etc.

TODAY'S WALKS

Moderate Leader: Jackie Gudgeon Distance: 9 miles

From Uppermill we follow the Huddersfield Narrows Canal for about a mile to reach the Brownhills Visitor Centre where there are toilets. We then climb by lane, track and moorland to reach the Pots & Pans War Memorial, giving us panoramic views of the surrounding hills and valleys. We then drop down a track to reach and cross the A635 Saddleworth Road and Yeoman Hey Reservoir. We circle the reservoir, passing Dovestone Reservoir, before venturing into the Chew Valley, returning along the Oldham Way to the southern end of Uppermill from where we can return to the coach either along the canal or the Tame Valley Way which follows an attractive stretch of disused railway line.
Quite a rugged walk in places, with no doubt some boggy stretches.

Leisurely Leader: Derek Lee Distance: 7 Miles

We leave Uppermill northwards on the old railway line – now the Pennine Bridleway – then along the canal to Diggle where the canal enters the Standedge Tunnel. We continue on tracks and footpaths to Dean Head, climbing gently all the way, apart from a short steeper climb on the final stage. From here we turn west and return along Harrop Edge with views of both sides from the hill top ridge, before dropping steeply back down to the canal for the final mile home.

Easy Leader: Philomena Walker Distance: About 5 miles

The Easy walkers will pick up the canal by the museum. We will follow the canal to Diggle – on the way we can play a few games! On reaching Diggle there is a comfort stop at the hotel, and we will then come back across the moors and meet up with the canal once again. We go back into Uppermill via the stepping stones (optional) for those brave enough to try!

NOTES ON THE AREA

Uppermill is one of the largest of the Saddleworth villages. It lies in the valley bottom and is an unspoilt settlement which dates from the 18th century. It is dominated by an impressive railway viaduct, beneath which runs the Huddersfield Narrow Canal which links the Ashton Canal with Sir John Ramsdens canal in Huddersfield. Construction of the canal took place between 1794 and 1811. The full length of the canal is 21 miles, passing through a short tunnel at Scout (near Mossley) then via 32 locks up to Diggle where it enters the summit tunnel at Standedge. This tunnel measures 3 miles 418 yards, and is followed by a descent of 493 feet at Marsden through 42 locks to Huddersfield.

From the late 18th century onwards, woollen mills were being constructed in the small tributary valleys to the east of Uppermill as well as along the River Tame itself. During this period Uppermill also saw a number of cotton mills established in the area. The southern half of the village was largely owned by the Shaw family who lived at St Chad's, close to what are now the village playing fields. The car park at Uppermill is on the site of the Victoria Mill, constructed in the 1860's, closing in the 1930's after a life functioning mainly as a cotton spinning mill. The Saddleworth Museum, founded by Lord Rhodes, is housed in what was once the mill's gas house. Running alongside the museum is an attractively restored section of the Huddersfield Narrow Canal, with boat trips on offer. There are numerous craft and gift shops in Uppermill, along with tea rooms and pubs. The village is particularly busy at the weekends.

Saddleworth Church is situated about a mile to the east of Uppermill. The present church, dedicated to St Chad, is a largely Victorian building, although there is evidence to suggest that a place of worship existed on this site as far back as the 12th century.

The Uppermill folk must be a hardy lot to attend the annual Remembrance Day Service at the Pots & Pans War Memorial - there are several paths to the top but no vehicle access!

DATES FOR YOUR DIARY

NEXT RAMBLES;

Sunday, 26th June 2011. Baslow, Derbyshire.

Leaders: Strenuous, Jimmy Need, Moderate: Jackie Gudgeon, Leisurely: Derek Lee, Easy: Philomena Walker.

Sunday, 10th July 2011. Bakewell, Derbyshire.

Leaders (up to now): Moderate: Leo Keenan, Leisurely: Derek Lee and Easy: Adelaide Houghton.

We would like to offer a Strenuous walk if anyone would like to volunteer.

Bookings for all rambles: Derek Lee. Coach pick-up times: Ormskirk bus station 8.40 am, Railway Road, Skelmersdale 8.50 am, Skelmersdale Baths car park 9.00 am.

Will walk leaders please let Jackie have details of their walks as far before the walk as possible. At least a week would be nice. Thanks. Those who have the technology can e-mail your notes - please use the address on the Contacts page.

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