Page updated 25 October 2005
Based on mapping ©2001 Richard Fairhurst, Canal Boat & Inland Waterways
General Description
Greenfield
There is a good mooring below Lock 15W with views across the valley and access to the Roaches Lock public house. After Lock 17W, the canal passes below Division Bridge, the boundary between Mossley and Saddleworth and at one time between Lancashire and Yorkshire. Immediately after this, the canal crosses the Royal George Aqueduct over the River Tame. The valley bottom is wider at this point, with steep-sided hills to be seen in every direction. Immediately ahead is Wharmton, surmounted by a television mast. To the north of the canal after Lock 18W are the houses and church of the Friezland area of Greenfield.
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©2002 Peter Freeman A Day Boat descends the Royal George Mill Lock |
The bulk of the village of Greenfield is to the south of the canal. However, the railway station is about 100 yards north. Trains run to Ashton, Stalybridge, Marsden and Huddersfield.
After the reconstructed bridge at Mann's Wharf, the Greenfield skyline opens out to the right and the Pots and Pans monument can be seen on the hill ahead. The massive hill to the right is Alphin Pike, over 1500 feet above sea level. At the next bridge the canal passes between the village of Greenfield to the south and its railway station, a short distance to the north.
The canal then continues to Uppermill with a steep wooded hillside to the left and the River Tame and playing fields to the right.
Uppermill
The village has a chemist, a NatWest bank, two butchers, two bakers, a launderette, post office, Co-op Lateshop, Spar supermarket and a wide variety of restaurants, cafes, tea shops, gift and general shops. A small but very well stocked Health Food Store (St Mary's Gate, access via Bluebells on the High Street) opened in July 2002, which sells organic produce and other goods. A small market, with 6-7 stalls, selling fresh vegetables, clothes and bric-a-brac takes place every Wednesday. Other facilities include a library and local history centre.
From Uppermill, there is a half-hourly bus service (350) to Ashton (hourly on Sunday) and an hourly bus service (353/354) to Stalybridge (two hourly on Sunday). There is an hourly bus service (184) from Uppermill to Marsden and Huddersfield (Two hourly number 365 on Sundays)."
Uppermill is the home of the trip boat "Pennine Moonraker", which was used to perform a number of the official events for the re-opening of the canal. It operates from the basin (winding hole) near the Saddleworth Museum and Art Gallery, where there is also the local Tourist Office.
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©2002 Peter Freeman The trip boat, Pennine Moonraker, leaving Lock23W |
There is another Moonraker, which is a floating tea room.on the other side of Standedge Tunnel. A story is told which suggests why the name is popular in these parts. A group of locals dropped some contraband in the canal. As they were trying to rake it out the revenue men came upon them. On being asked what they were doing they replied that they were trying to rake the moon from the water, the Revenue men went away shaking their heads and the name stuck, though as some observe, it probably has more to do with the local's view on the gullibility of law enforcement officials than anything else.
To the east of Uppermill, under Saddleworth Viaduct, is the Old Sag aqueduct, so named because shortly after its construction one side of the arch began to sink into the ground. On the right after Old Sag Aqueduct, the stonework of which forms part of the entrance to lock 23W, is the Brownhill Visitor Centre.
Pubs and Restaurants
Roaches:
Roaches Lock (387 Manchester Rd, Mossley, Ashton-Under-Lyne, Lancashire, OL5 9BB Tel: 01457 834288 )
No food available Sunday lunchtimes.
Tollemache Arms (Tel: 01457-832354)
Below Lock 16. A cosy local with oak panelling. Food at lunchtime, plus snacks all day. A Robinsons Tied Pub with cask conditioned Mild and Bitter available as well as other Robinsons keg beers. Opening Hours: 11:30-15:00 and 17:00-23:00.
The pub has a set of Tameside Canals Festival plaques going back to 1978 fastened to a beam near the bar and was the main meeting place for the West Side of the Huddersfield Canal Society in the early days when they were considered lunatics to suggest it could be restored. These days it is recommended for its friendly atmosphere and well-kept Robinsons real ale. It has been described as being more like a private house than a pub. There is no evening food except for take-away meals.
Uppermill:
Granby Arms (Contact details required)
Serves John Smiths and pub grub.
The Wagon. (Contact details required)
Serves Robinsons ales and pub grub.
Mitali (23/25 High Street, Uppermill, Saddleworth, OL3 6HS. Tel 01457 874797)
Good Indian Restaurant opposite The Granby, and the Wagon. Offers deliveries to Mossley, Greenfield and Uppermill. Open 7 days. A diner reports "Restaurant gave good food, good service and a complementary Brandy to me and Baileys to my wife!" [But I guess you can't expect that all the time? - Ed]
Other Comments
- Lock 19W-20W
- The winding hole shown just above the road bridge above Lock 19W may not be a full size winding hole. [Reports on what size boats can turn, please! - Ed.]
- Lock 21W
- The east side tail gate of Lock 21W is operated by windlass.