Navigating To Pots And Pans Saddleworth: A Guide

The Pots and Pans walk in Saddleworth, located in the Peak District National Park, is a popular walk for Greater Manchester residents. The walk offers expansive views, including that of Manchester's skyline on a clear day. The walk is named after the rock formations on the hills, which resemble pots and pans due to their indentations. The walk can be started from either Dovestone Car Park or Uppermill, with the latter being a shorter 2.5-mile route. The Pots and Pans stone at the summit is an ancient and mystical attraction, surrounded by folklore and superstition, including the belief that the indentations were used by druids for human sacrifices.

Driving directions to Dovestone Reservoir Car Park

The car park is located in the Peak District National Park, west of Dovestone Reservoir and above Uppermill. The postcode for the car park is OL3 7NE.

From the North:

• Take the M62 motorway south towards Manchester.
• At junction 22, take the A672 exit towards Oldham (West).
• Follow the A672 for approximately 6 miles, then turn right onto the A635.
• Continue on the A635 for about 3 miles, then turn left towards Dovestone Reservoir.
• Follow the signs to the car park.

From the South:

• Take the M6 motorway north towards Manchester.
• At junction 20, take the M56 exit towards Manchester Airport.
• Continue on the M56 for about 6 miles, then merge onto the M60 towards Leeds.
• Stay on the M60 for about 12 miles, then take the A635 exit towards Saddleworth.
• Follow the A635 for about 4 miles, then turn right towards Dovestone Reservoir.
• Follow the signs to the car park.

Please note that the car park can get full on weekends and sunny days, so it is recommended to arrive early. There is an alternative car park at Binn Green Picnic Site, which is free but does not include the reservoir in the walk.

Once you have parked, you can begin your walk towards Pots and Pans. There are several routes you can take, ranging from 2.5 miles to 10 miles in length. The walk typically takes between 2 and 5 hours, depending on the route chosen. Be sure to wear proper footwear and bring a map and compass to ensure your safety while walking.

Walking routes from Dovestone Car Park

Dovestone Reservoir is located a few miles east of Oldham on the edge of the Peak District. There are a variety of walking routes that start from Dovestone Car Park, ranging from easy strolls to more challenging hikes. Here are four walking routes that you can take from Dovestone Car Park to Pots and Pans:

Route 1: Dovestone Car Park Return Walk

This route is approximately 4 miles (6 km) and should take around 2 to 3 hours to complete. From the Dovestone Car Park, turn right and walk around the reservoir up to Binn Green Picnic Site. Cross the A635 carefully and follow the Oldham Way. There is a stile when you cross the road on your right, which you can follow uphill. Look behind you to enjoy views of Dovestones Reservoir and the moors. From here, you will see the Pots and Pans War Memorial and the distinctive rock formations. Follow the path towards the memorial and then return the same way or take one of the other routes downhill.

Route 2: Dovestone Car Park Circular Walk

This route is approximately 10 miles (16 km) and should take around 4 to 5 hours to complete. Follow the directions for Route 1 until you reach the War Memorial. From here, there are a few options to descend into Uppermill. You can go in front of the memorial towards Knowl Top Lane or take the path behind it and head down towards a farmhouse. Follow the path to the right of the farmhouse to reach Uppermill, where you can enjoy refreshments at independent cafes. Cross the stepping stones and walk along the canal towards the Kingfisher Pub. Turn right and head towards Dovestone Reservoir, passing through Greenfield and back over the moors. There are various routes you can take to return to the car park.

Route 3: Uppermill Return Walk

This route is approximately 2.5 miles (4 km) and should take around 2 hours to complete. Start from Uppermill Car Park and turn right up Pobgreen Lane. Take a right turn in front of the house, keeping to the right of the fence as you pass by some houses. Follow the path and cross any stiles you come across. There are multiple paths to reach the top, and you can return the same way or descend in front of the memorial. This route takes you through the hills with the villages below and offers a different perspective on the landscape.

Alternative Route: Dovestone Reservoir Circular Walk

If you're looking for an easier walk, you can opt for the Dovestone Reservoir Circular Walk. This well-maintained footpath runs around the reservoir and offers beautiful views. You can extend this walk by continuing north to Yeoman Hey Reservoir and Greenfield Reservoir, or follow the Oldham Way to Chew Reservoir. The area is popular with walkers due to its attractive countryside, woodland, and gritstone crags.

History of Pots and Pans War Memorial

The Pots and Pans War Memorial is an obelisk located on top of Alderman's Hill (also known as Pots and Pans Hill) in Saddleworth. The memorial was erected in 1923 to honour the 259 people from the villages of Saddleworth who died during World War I. The memorial was designed by Gilbert Howcroft and cost around £2,000 to build. It was completed in October 1923 after five months of construction.

The memorial was built to be visible from the villages of Saddleworth, and each year on Remembrance Sunday, the communities of Saddleworth climb the hill to take part in a remembrance service. Bronze plaques on the memorial list the names of those who died in both World Wars, with each plaque facing the village the person was from.

The name 'Pots and Pans' comes from a large rock at the top of Alderman's Hill, which has a series of basins or large indentations on top, worn into the millstone grit over millions of years by the weather. The rock is also known as the 'Druids stone', with superstition stating that water collected in these basins can cure eye diseases, and that they were used to catch blood from human sacrifices.

Local legends and superstitions

The "Pots and Pans" name comes from the rock formations on the hills of Saddleworth, which have indentations that resemble pots and pans. The locals sometimes refer to the site as the "Druids Stone", and there are several legends about how it got its name.

One legend speaks of two giants, Alphin and Alder, who lived on rocky outcrops on either side of the valley. They were rivals for the love of the local water nymph Rimmon (or Rimon). The giants threw boulders at each other in a duel, which is why there are so many boulders in the area.

Another legend suggests that the indentations in the rocks were used by druids to collect blood from human sacrifices. Alternatively, it is said that rainwater collected in these basins can cure eye diseases.

Things to do in Uppermill

Uppermill is a small town in a picturesque location on the high moorland of the Pennines, on the Huddersfield Narrow Canal. It is a popular stop for visitors to nearby Saddleworth and has a growing number of craft shops, restaurants, cafes, and pubs to cater to the tourist market. Here are some things to do in Uppermill:

Explore the Local Wildlife and History

The Brownhill Countryside Centre is a small museum aimed at educating children about local wildlife and plants, and it also has a wildflower garden. The Portland Basin Museum, part of the Ashton Canal Warehouse, is located in a lovely waterside setting and showcases local industrial history. The Ladcaster and Den Quarries, now designated Sites of Special Scientific Interest, offer insight into the area's geological features.

Visit the Saddleworth Museum & Art Gallery

The Saddleworth Museum & Art Gallery is a great place to learn about the history and culture of the Saddleworth area. The museum has exhibits from prehistoric times to the present, including information about Roman activity in the area. It also has a local art gallery featuring paintings of local landscapes, transport, and industry.

Enjoy the Great Outdoors

The Dovestone Reservoir, situated on the edge of Oldham and the Peak District National Park, is a popular spot for visitors. It offers a picturesque setting, a sailing club, an orienteering course, footpaths, and access to open moorland. The Huddersfield Canal, which runs through Uppermill, provides opportunities for traffic-free walks, fishing, and boating.

Indulge in Local Cuisine

Uppermill has a variety of dining options, including Grandpa Greene's Luxury Ice Cream, which offers a unique taste, and Albion Farm Shop and Cafe, which boasts panoramic views and sells British farm produce. The Dinnerstone Restaurant blends Anglo-Italian cuisine, while the Church Inn and the Waggon Inn offer traditional bar meals and a cosy atmosphere. For tapas, try the Rioja Tapas Restaurant.

Shop at the Local Market and Specialty Stores

Uppermill has a local butcher, greengrocer, bakery, and bookshop. There is also a farmer's market where you can purchase fresh local produce. For unique gifts and specialty items, visit shops like Authentic, which offers handmade gifts from local artists, and Sidney And Sapphire, a dog boutique with premium accessories and treats.

Frequently asked questions