Spring in Saddleworth

A new hostel for OutdoorLads and a slightly different location!! A stones throw from the Dark Peak area of the Peak District, but only a short hop from Manchester. 

Our accommodation is situated on the north western edge of the Peak District yet with easy road and rail links (20 mins walk from Greenfield railway station!). It sits on the hillside just outside Greenfield near Dovestone Reservoir. 

The centre caters for those who love outdoor pursuits and the website states "fell walking, rock climbing, caving, cycling, pony trekking, swimming, canoeing, sailing, running, angling, orienteering and even llama trekking are all catered for in the area". Not that we are going to be doing all of those activities, but there quite a few options!! Plus we are near the lovely villages of Uppermill, Marsden or a 20 mins train ride into Manchester. A short trip over the hills and you could visit Standedge canal tunnel (highest, deepest, longest canal tunnel) to do the 30mins boat tour (separate booking needed and costs £12/£10 concession). 

The centre is a single storey building with four bunkhouse style dorms. There is a large kitchen, 2 toilet blocks, a dinning/social area and a private garden. 

For a plan of the weekend, I expect we'll do something like:

• Friday: Arrive from 5pm. Get settled in and get chatting with others to reconnect or get to know new people. We will have the usual OutdoorLads buffet. So please bring along some food to add to the buffet (enough for 1-2 people and please don't all just bring pizza/quiche/sausage rolls, please).

• Saturday: A nice breakfast to set the day off. 

  • Then there will be the option for a lovely walk across Saddleworth (to be decided). I'm not a walk leader so if anyone is and can help to lead a walk, please message me and we'll be ever so grateful! The walk around Dovestone Reservoir and Dovestone Edge is beautiful though.

  • Other options, will be at your own arrangement unless there is sufficient interest from a large group.  

  • We'll of course have an included evening meal I will cook, I do love to cook so I'll try and make something special!!!!

• Sunday: another provided breakfast. Then you are either free to go home or join in a possible activity locally. 

Dogs: Sorry but the event is not suitable for dogs.

Photos: Provided by OutdoorLads members and Saddleworth Outdoor Pursuits Association and used with permission.