Greenfield, The Obelisk, And Uppermill

Introduction

Happy New Year to all my readers.

A new year, and a new approach today, as I decided to take the train to my starting point.

There has been a lot of rain this week, but the sun shone as I left home at 1010, catching the 1021 from Cheadle Hulme to Piccadilly, and then the 1058 from Piccadilly to Greenfield, arriving at 1122. So, the journey took 1 hour 12 minutes, certainly a tad longer than the drive would have been, but much more relaxing!

The walk is 6.7 miles and it took about 3 hours, including a 15 minute break.

I walked mainly on a disused railway, roads, canal towpaths and sheep grazing moorland, and I avoided the worst of the underfoot conditions. Much of the walk would have required a dog to be kept on the lead.

I walked in an anti-clockwise direction.

The walk is on OS Explorer Map OL1.

Huddersfield Narrow Canal And Pennine Bridleway

It was just a short walk down from the station to the canal. I turned right to join the towpath. There were no boats on the move, and it was a peaceful stroll out into the countryside.

On leaving the canal I crossed the River Tame, which, understandably was full. I noted the nearby road bridge went by the charming name of Wellihole Bridge!

As I approached the road, my hilltop destination came into view. When over the road, I noticed the obelisk bathed in sunlight.

There was a field in which the sheep decided I must be bringing them goodies, as they insisted on following very close behind me.

Hurrying on, I joined the Pennine Bridleway, which follows a disused railway here. It crosses a gushing tributary of The Tame.

The route passes the Tame Valley Tennis and Squash Club (postcode OL3 7EW), a good spot for parking should anyone wish to follow this route and arrive by car.

Just beyond the A669 I crossed a grassy area, following which it was time to turn right and head uphill, on a road / track called Higher Arthurs.

Up To The Obelisk

I made my way up the roads, taking it steadily as it was quite steep. There were numerous houses, of varying age and interest, and as they became sparser, I came upon this unusual restored artefact.

It seems the restorer found it in a builder’s yard in Doncaster!

Next door was a 3 storey stone dwelling of some age. There are many similar properties along the route.

At Fur Lane I took care to take the correct road uphill, and was soon rewarded by the sight of the obelisk not too far ahead.

A track to the right took me onto the moors. Here, the sheep were more wary of me.

After passing the last farmhouse, I could begin to enjoy the views back down into the valley.

Nearing the top, there were some craggy outcrops of rock, providing shelter from the light, but cold, breeze. I stopped here for lunch.

Leaving the rocks behind, I saw that beyond them was a view across to Wimberry Moss and Chew Brook Valley, which are above the (hidden from sight) Dovestone Reservoir.

The views down to Greenfield and Uppermill were spectacular today.

It turns out that the obelisk is in fact a war memorial. Visible from many points,it serves as a daily reminder of those who gave their lives in two world wars.

Down To Uppermill

Of course it’s easier going downhill, and you can enjoy the views as you proceed! You can even see the distant city centre.

After traversing the hillside and dropping down over the moors, I reached the hamlet of Pobgreen.

I planned to turn left opposite the white cottage, but it looked a bit too swampy, so I went on a little further and took the road. There was a fine view down to the handsome church.

It was quite busy near the church. I think this was due to the adjacent and appealing Church Inn.

The section beyond the church was the only part of the walk where it was very wet. I took this shot after negotiating the way, and with my feet still dry.

Someone must have foreseen the problem area, and provided a recovery bench!

I was soon in Uppermill.

Uppermill To Greenfield

I arrive at the classic Uppermill junction of railway, roads, canal and river.

The canal towpath is separated from the main road by the river. There are usually pretty stepping stones to cross, but they were completely submerged today, so I continued along the canalside.

This section of the canal is lovely to stroll along.

Back at Greenfield Station, I had 40 minutes to spare, so a visit to The Railway Inn was in order, after which I made my way to platform where I was able to enjoy an art project led by a local artist, with works by a group of 14-17 year old budding artists. It’s very good. Here are three of my favourites, each being about 1m square and displayed all along the platform.

And Finally….

Looking back on 2023, I think my favourite new album was Anarchist Gospel by Sunny War.

This track is “Whole”.