Getting There
Leave the M62 at junction 22 and follow the signs to Oldham A672, Eastbound turn right, Westbound turn left.
Immediately after the 50mph sign pull into the car parking area on the right hand side.
Return to M62 Junction 22
Turn left out of the parking area and continue ahead to return to Junction 22 of the M62.
Saddleworth Moor
This is part of the Pennine Way, so the scope for walking is limitless. You can choose your own route following the footpath signs, but we crossed over the A672 and followed a clear, unmaintained path (which at the start can turn into a small stream in wet weather). Follow this path to head gently uphill through the moorland. The path is safe for off-lead dogs when you move away from the road and there are wide open spaces to the left and right which Jem loved charging around at high speed.
On top of the moor it can get quite chilly in the wind, so be sure to have something warm to wear and some sturdy footwear. There is also the occasional sheep, but they seem to see dogs coming a mile away and take appropriate action – the wisest, smartest sheep we’ve seen.
This really is doggy dashing paradise. Despite the lack of facilities for drivers, for active dogs this really is as good as it gets. We walked as far as a concrete trig point then turned around. On a finer day, we would have walked on for miles!
Expect a happy dog with very grubby paws and tum after this walk.
Facilities
Free car park.