THE TRINNACLE: DOVE STONE LOOP

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12 Oct

Fancy spending the weekend climbing Saddleworth’s most-snapped landmark? Then a scramble up The Trinnacle is a must…

Start: Binn Green Car Park, Oldham, OL3 7NN

Distance: 4.13 miles

Elevation: 950 feet

Duration: less than 2 hours

Navigation: follow along here

Fed up of the same old flat walking routes around the same old area?

Well, it turns out you don’t have to travel too far out of town to be transported to another world entirely…

Our route round Yeomen Hey Reservoir and up to The Trinnacle will have you feeling like you’re in a Canadian National Park, much less the outskirts of Ashton.

Located high on the hills of Saddleworth Moor, there stands a peculiar rock formation which has well and truly gripped the attention of ramblers far and wide.

Best known as ‘The Trinnacle’, this fork-shaped pillar juts out from the moorlands above Dovestone Reservoir and has attracted the attention of many keen photo opportunists as of late.

Made up of dazzling reservoirs, epic waterfalls, jaw-dropping scenery and steep inclines - alongside a couple of exhilirating scrambles along the river edge - this route really has it all.

Good-to-knows

Parking: Binn Green Car Park (RSPB). Please note, the spaces are limited and fill up quickly. We advise visiting off-peak where possible.
Public Transport: Catch the train to Greenfield Station. This extends the walk by about 50 mins each way.
Amenities: You’ll find an ice cream van and coffee truck at the base of Dove Stone Reservoir, with public toilets in the car park adjacent.
The Trinnacle: While this landmark certainly makes for a great photo opp, please only attempt scrambling if you are confident to do so. Make sure to take great care and only climb if the weather allows for it. The drop at the rear side is certainly no joke.
Fun fact: as we were climbing this one, a passerby shouted “I can’t watch! Make her get down!”, so make sure you have a head for heights whether you’re spectating or tackling it yourself.
Kit: Boots are ESSENTIAL for this one. The route is comprised of steep, slippery, boggy and rocky terrain. White trainer victims: be warned. (We certainly saw a few en-route!).
Take layers. It was a glorious day when we visited but remember where you are… layers are always a good idea.
Refreshments: Due to the idyllic Greenfield location, you’ll have your pick of pubs on this one. We recommend stopping off at The Roaches Lock, just a short drive away from the starting point.
Extending the route: Follow our extended 6 mile version here.