Huddersfield Canal
August 4
Walk leader : Patrick P
Grading of walk : Easy
Walk details : This is a flat 5/6 mile scenic walk along a section of the Huddersfield Canal from Greenfield to the Stanedge Tunnel entrance at Diggle. The tow paths are wide and well established. Sturdy trainers should be adequate for this walk, weather permitting. This is a dog friendly route.
There will be a stop for lunch just after turning back from the Tunnel, near to Grandpa Green’s famous ice cream stall. Walkers will be encouraged to stop at the Kingfisher Pub, our start and finish point, as the manager has kindly allowed the group to use their car park for free.
Risk assessment : A risk assessment was done 25/05/2024. Here is a summary of the findings:
The paths are well established tow paths, but be aware that other walkers (some with dogs), occasional cyclists and joggers also use this canal route. There are occasional steps alongside the locks, but they are not physically demanding. We will be walking alongside the canal for the majority of the walk, so please take extra care. We have to cross a busy, main road in the centre of Uppermill (I advise you to use the crossing point to the left), and we MAY (depending on the interest in doing so, and the water level on the day) cross the stepping stones on the River Tame to walk back through Uppermill. These can be slippy, so cross them slowly and carefully.
Start time and meeting point : Meet at the rear of the Kingfisher Pub car park (Chew Valley Rd, 0LE 7AE) for 12.30. There is a large Tesco next door, should you need to buy a sandwich or drink on the day.
Directions to the start : From Oldham, take the A669, Lees Rd, just past Mumps Metrolink Station. Follow this road for a few miles until you reach the junction with the A670, Mossley Rd, at the Farrars Arms pub. Continue on the A669 for a short distance, until you reach the road sign for Greenfield. Turn sharp right and head down the steep hill past the train station. Follow the sharp bend round to the left, and park in the rear of the Kingfisher Pub, which will be on your left.
Parking: There is free parking at the Kingfisher pub. The manager has requested that drivers go into the pub and register their car number before we start walking. Walkers are encouraged to stop at the Kingfisher Pub at the end of the walk.
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Public transport : There is a direct train to Greenfield from Manchester Piccadilly: I recommend you catch the 11.58 which should arrive at 12.19 ; return trains are at 3.14 and 4.04; cost £7.90 return (free for those with passes). There is a bus from Oldham to Greenfield, but it is very infrequent on a Sunday. The walk from the station to the start point is steep. It is a busy road, so pleased take care negotiating it. There is no pavement on the left side at one point, so it’s safer to keep to the right. Cross Shaw Hall Rd and then cross over to the Kingfisher.
Contact number on the day : To follow
Booking : Booking for this walk will open on 29 July
Changes and cancellation : Very occasionally, due to severe weather or another serious event, a walk may be cancelled. In these instances, a note will be added to the website at least TWO HOURS before the start time. So, do check the website before you set out, and if in doubt use the walk leader’s mobile contact number. Every effort will be made to contact you should a walk be cancelled.