Saddleworth Moors are a beautiful and rugged area of moorland found in Oldham, Greater Manchester. The moors offer stunning views, scenic walking trails, and a rich history and culture.
Geography and History
Covering an area of approximately 1,600 acres, stretching across the northern hills of Oldham, The moors are part of the South Pennines, a range of hills that stretches from Lancashire to Yorkshire. The area has a rich history, with evidence of human habitation dating back to the Bronze Age.
The moors have been shaped by centuries of human activity, including farming, quarrying, and textile production. The area was once home to a thriving cotton industry, with many mills and factories scattered throughout the valleys. Today, the moors are a popular destination for tourists and locals alike, offering a unique blend of natural beauty, history, and culture.
Natural Beauty
Saddleworth Moors are renowned for their breath-taking natural beauty, stemming from them being dominated by heather, which blooms in vibrant purple hues during the summer months. The landscape is dotted with rocky outcrops, streams, and scenic valleys, creating a haven for walkers and nature enthusiasts.
The moors are also home to a diverse range of wildlife, including curlews, lapwings, and red grouse. The area is a haven for birdwatchers, with many species of birds calling the moors home. The moors are also home to a variety of plant life, including rare species such as the cotton grass and the cloudberry.
Walking and Hiking
Saddleworth Moors offer some of the most scenic and challenging walks in the North West. The moors are crisscrossed by a network of footpaths, bridleways, and trails, catering to walkers of all abilities. The most popular routes include:
- The Saddleworth Moorland Walk: A 12-mile walk that takes you across the moors, providing stunning views of the surrounding countryside.
- The Pennine Way: A 268-mile national trail that passes through the moors, offering spectacular views of the Pennine hills.
- The Oldham Way: A 40-mile walk that takes you through the moors and surrounding countryside, showcasing views of the Manchester skyline
Community and Events
Saddleworth Moors are at the heart of the local community, with many villages and towns surrounding the area. The moors host a range of events throughout the year, including:
- The Saddleworth Moorland Festival: A celebration of the moors’ natural beauty, with music, food, and activities for all the family.
- The Oldham Way Relay: A challenging relay race that takes teams across the moors and surrounding countryside.
- The Saddleworth Rushcart Festival: A traditional festival that celebrates the area’s heritage, with music, dancing, and a procession of decorated rushcarts.
Protected
The area is protected by the South Pennines Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB) designation, ensuring the conservation of this unique and fragile landscape. The moors are also home to several Sites of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI), recognizing the area’s importance for wildlife and geology.
Visiting Saddleworth Moors
Saddleworth Moors are easily accessible by car, with several car parks and lay-bys throughout the area. The moors are also served by public transport, with regular bus services connecting to nearby utowns and villages.
There are several villages and towns surrounding the moors, offering a range of accommodation options, from cozy bed and breakfasts to luxury hotels. The area is also home to several cafes, pubs, and restaurants, serving a range of local specialties and traditional pub fare.
Where to stay
- The White Hart Inn: A cosy pub offering accommodation and traditional pub fare - The White Hart – at Lydgate
- The Saddleworth Hotel: A family-friendly hotel offering comfortable rooms and a range of activities - https://www.saddleworthhotel.co.uk/
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